North Texas has plenty to see, hear, and watch.

But in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, things to do are a little different. We’ve rounded up a few events and activities for innovators so you can stay involved from the comfort of your home or six feet away. You’ll also find a few drive-through experiences among the options. Here’s our selection of technology events, creative activities, and business inspiration for innovators this week.

As always, things may change at any time, so be sure to check the official website or registration page for the latest details.

Don’t miss a thing: Get Dallas Innovates Every Day. And, if you know of a great event coming up, tell us about it.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5

EARTH OPTIMISM DRIVE-IN THEATER
Hosted by Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Fort Worth
7 – 8 p.m.

This event will feature videos from local teenagers on their visions for creating a more sustainable future through everyday actions. The event is being put on in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution for the Teens Dream Changemaker Challenge by the Global CoLab Network.

Free
Find more information here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5 – SATURDAY, MARCH 6

THE TEXAS HEALTHCARE CHALLENGE 2021
Hosted by Health Wildcatters
Online

This hackathon, which originally started in 2019, is coming back this year to bring people together and create solutions for problems facing the healthcare and life sciences industries. Anyone who is interested in healthcare innovation—from budding entrepreneurs to experienced physicians—is invited to apply to the event.

Find more information here.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9

HIRING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE
Hosted by TechFW
Online
4:30 p.m.

Hope Kahan, the founder and owner of Trinity Park Talent, will be leading this discussion on how hiring the right people can make or break a business. Based on her own experiences, she plans to share what to look for and how to create a team that operates at peak performance.

Free
Find more information here.

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BLACK BUSINESS BOOTCAMP POWERED BY COMERICA
Hosted by Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Online
Noon

Through a 4-week program, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce wants to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in DFW and beyond by offering free education and resources. Season two of the Black Business Bootcamp plans to focus on providing the necessary tools to help small businesses through the ongoing pandemic. The program’s guest presenters include Leah Frazier, CEO of Think Three Media, and Michelle Williams, executive director of Fintech in Action.

Free
Find more information here.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

THE DALLAS BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND DALLAS ISD
Hosted by D CEO
Online
8 – 9:30 a.m.

D CEO is bringing together experts Gabrielle Madison from Thomson Reuters, Dustin Marshall from the Dallas ISD School Board, and Drexell Owusu from the Dallas Regional Chamber to give an update on how local business and education community members are working together to improve job and career readiness. The speakers are also expected to discuss how a historic bond passed in November 2020 will be used for the talent of the future.

Free
Find more information here.

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MALCOLM X DOCUMENTARY – FILMMAKER DISCUSSION
Hosted by Social Venture Partners Dallas
Online
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

SVP Dallas is bringing together the people behind the documentary “Malcolm X: An Overwhelming Influence on the Black Power Movement!” to discuss how the story of Malcolm X relates to current day issues and challenges that people of color are experiencing. The panelists include producer and SVP Dallas partner Jorge Baldor, filmmaker Evans Risher, and Dallas pastor Reverend Richie Butler.

Free
Find more information here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

RESET & RECOVER: LEADING GLOBAL COMPANIES IN 2021

Hosted by Enterprise Ireland
Online
10 – 11 a.m.

In partnership with The DEC Network, Austin Technology Council, and The University of Texas at Dallas Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Irish government’s trade and innovation agency is bringing together experts to discuss how they have overcame major obstacles, how they’re preparing for the year ahead, and why Texas specifically is set up to excel this year. Speakers include:

Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America
Darryl E Peek II, Head of Federal Strategic Partnerships, Google
Terri Von Lehmden, Vice President Human Resources, Toyota Motor North America
Paul Puopolo, Executive Vice President of Innovation, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Shelly Slater (Moderator), Founder, Shelly Slater Strategies

Find more information here.

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IMPROV AND THE BRAIN

Hosted by Stomping Ground Comedy Theater
Online
9 – 10:30 a.m.

As part of Brain Awareness Week, psychotherapist Andrea Baum, M.Ed., LPC, neurologist Mary Quiceno, M.D., and professional comedian Lindsay Goldapp will be hosting two workshops on the wonders of the brain and the impact brain science has on everyday lives. During the program, attendees will be taught mindfulness techniques and the effects of mindfulness on the brain, while also participating in interactive improvisational comedy activities.

Free
Find more information here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12 – SATURDAY, MARCH 13

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY NORTH AMERICA SUMMIT 2021

Hosted by The North America Developer Ecosystem
Online
Check schedule for times

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2021, women in technology are virtually coming together for two days filled with keynote speakers, talks, and technical content. Topics such as Google Cloud, AI, and Android technologies will be discussed through the lens of women in the tech industry. Speakers include:

Melonie Parker, Chief Diversity Officer, Google
Dr. Jen Welter, NFL Coach, Sports Psychologist, Gold Medalist
Stacy Devino, Principal Engineer II, Stitch Fix

Find more information here.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16

BLACK BUSINESS BOOTCAMP POWERED BY COMERICA
Hosted by Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Online
Noon

Free
Find more information here.

SUNDAY, MARCH 21

IMPROV AND THE BRAIN

Hosted by Stomping Ground Comedy Theater
Online
9 – 10:30 a.m.

Free
Find more information here.

SUNDAY, MARCH 21 – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24

WOMEN’S FOODSERVICE FORUM LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2021

Online and in Grapevine
Check schedule for times

Event participants can be inspired and learn from food industry experts. at this hybrid conference’s featured sessions that include networking with national leaders, a wellness session, and a CEO and President’s Forum. This year’s conference speakers include:

Author Gretchen Rubin
Political strategist Ana Navarro
Journalist and author Tina Brown
Professional athlete and author Abby Wambach

Tickets are $1,495 to $1,895
Find more information here.

MONDAY, MARCH 22 – TUESDAY, MARCH 23

TWHE 2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
Hosted by Texas Women in Higher Education
Online
Check schedule for times

This two-day event will feature educators from across Texas to discuss topics including building a professional portfolio, purposeful leadership, social media branding, why mentorship matters, and much more.

Find more information here.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23

BLACK BUSINESS BOOTCAMP POWERED BY COMERICA
Hosted by Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Online
Noon

Free
Find more information here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 26 – SUNDAY, MARCH 28

DALLAS LITERARY FESTIVAL

Hosted by Southern Methodist University
Online
Check schedule for times

The Dallas Literary Festival is going virtual this year with the theme of turbulence. Authors Alice Johnson and Mitchell Jackson will kick off the multi-day event on March 26. The following two days will focus on panels, readings, and author interviews. Speakers include:

Charles M. Blow, New York Times columnist, author of The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto
Joy Harjo, the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States, author of the memoir Crazy Brave
Tyehimba Jess, winner of Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, author of Leadbelly and Olio
Yiyun Li, author of Where Reasons End and Must I Go
Ben Moser, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography Sontag: Her Life and Work

Free
Find more information here.

TUESDAY, MARCH 30

BLACK BUSINESS BOOTCAMP POWERED BY COMERICA
Hosted by Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Online
Noon

Free
Find more information here.

[Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow]

THURSDAY, JUNE 17 – MONDAY, SEPT. 6

IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH EXHIBIT DALLAS
Dallas
Check schedule for times

This immersive exhibition that sold out in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco is now coming to Dallas and is bringing the works of Van Gogh with it. Attendees will be able to walk through and view famous pieces of art including Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Bedroom as the images move along the walls and floors in an immersive digital format.

Tickets are $39.99 to $49.99
Find more information here.

ONGOING

PEROT MUSEUM’S ORIGINS: FOSSILS FROM THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
Online

Although the Perot Museum may not be open for business, a virtual 360-degree tour of the Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind exhibition is. Guests can virtually explore real fossils and follow the journey of scientists actively working on and researching two new species.

Free.
Find more information here.

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DMA AT HOME
Online

The Dallas Museum of Art is offering virtual museum experiences with a new virtual exhibition and gallery experiences, behind-the-scenes stories from around the museum, guides and activities to use at home, and art from around the world and from the local community.

Free.
Find more information here.

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WRITING WORKSHOPS DALLAS AND GEMINI INK PRESENT THE BIG TEXAS READ
Online

This statewide virtual book club is a collaborative effort from Writing Workshops Dallas and San Antonio’s Gemini Ink. Every two weeks, prose or poetry written by a Texas-based author will be discussed, featuring chats with the authors and Q&As.

Upcoming authors and titles include:

March 10, 2021: Julia Heaberlin: We Are All the Same in the Dark
April 7, 2021: Heather Harper Ellet: Ain’t Nobody Nobody

Free
Find more information here.

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BLIND ALLEY PROJECTS
Fort Worth (drive-by, not a virtual event)
Daylight hours only

The idea behind this drive-by art gallery was thought up three years ago, but was finally activated this spring due to the ongoing pandemic. The gallery is currently featuring TCU MFA students’ pieces that were originally canceled due to COVID-19. “Each individual exhibition represented ideas that would have been addressed in each student’s thesis exhibition while responding to the exhibition space itself,” writes Gila Espinoza for Art&Seek. Currently, Hector A. Ramirez’s “Entre Piedras y Copia” is on display. Upcoming artists include British artist Richard Wentworth and sculptor Gene Owens.

Free
Find more information here.

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CABARET DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHTS
Brizo Bar in Richardson
Every Friday and Saturday evening

As movie theaters have closed due to COVID-19, Reid Robinson transformed his bar Brizo into a movie drive-in called CarBaret, along with curbside dining service from the Brizo kitchen and bar and a variety show. Films are announced on Facebook each week where attendees can RSVP for one of the 40 spots available each night.

Tickets are $15.
Find more information here.

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1 MILLION CUPS FRISCO VIRTUAL PROGRAM
Online
Every Wednesday at 9 a.m.

1 Million Cups is kicking off its Education for Entrepreneurs series. 1 Million Cups says it helps first-time entrepreneurs get connected to the startup community and experienced entrepreneurs take the next step through feedback and resources.

Free
Find more information here.

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1 MILLION CUPS FORT WORTH PRESENTATION
Online
Every Wednesday at 9 – 10 a.m.

Each week, 1 Million Cups Fort Worth plans to feature two presenters who will discuss their business’ services and needs, followed by a Q&A during which the presenters can offer helpful suggestions. One of the upcoming presenters is Michael Wilson of Processology, Corp. He plans to discuss what business process management, documentation, and improvement is, as well as why every business needs to actively practice it.

Free
Find more information here.

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THROUGH MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021

BLACK GIRL MAGIC MUSEUM
Mesquite
9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday – Sunday

Part of the mission in creating the Black Girl Magic Museum was to “let young Black girls know they are worthy, and they are loved,” museum creator Dominique Hamilton told the Dallas Morning News. The museum features Black history and culture, along with the stories of Black leaders.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children
Find more information here.

THROUGH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

AT&T Discovery District Wonder Woman 1984 Augmented Reality - 5g AR AT&T store

[Image: Courtesy AT&T]

WONDER WOMAN 1984 AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
AT&T Discovery District in Dallas
Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Thanks to 5G tech and augmented reality, fans can use Wonder Woman’s wrist gauntlets and stop bad guys by activating a shockwave (causing a rumble) in the store. Visitors can even see the store “destroyed” around them, according to AT&T.

Find more information here.