Dallas is final global stop for Mandela: The Official Exhibition before its return to South Africa

 

Just in time for the State Fair of Texas, millions of visitors will have an opportunity to experience Mandela: The Official Exhibition running through Nov. 1, 2026, at the African American Museum, Dallas, in historic Fair Park.

NOTE: During the State Fair (Sept. 25–Oct. 18), Fair admission is required to enter Fair Park. Otherwise, the museum, exhibition and parking are free and open to the public.

The celebrated exhibition chronicles Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary journey from political prisoner to president – and his enduring message of courage, reconciliation and service – which continues to resonate across generations and continents.

Spanning all four of the Museum’s upper-level galleries, the exhibition unfolds through multisensory storytelling, tracing Mandela’s life from his rural Eastern Cape childhood through anti-apartheid resistance and 27 years in prison to his historic presidency as South Africa’s first democratically elected leader. Along the way, visitors can follow the defining chapters of Mandela’s story and encounter the people, places and pivotal experiences that shaped one of the 20th century’s most influential figures.

The exhibition was funded locally in a unique manner. 

Inspired by Mandela’s spirit of service, resilience, justice and courage, a host committee of 12 Dallas-area professionals – dubbed The Mandela 12 – together raised $426,500 to help bring Mandela: The Official Exhibition to Dallas.

The Mandela 12
Photo Credit: Lawrence Jenkins

Chaired by Karl Biggers, with Dorian Goodwin serving as vice chairman, the group currently serves as civic ambassadors for the exhibition, using its collective influence and community connections to build awareness, cultivate partnerships and broaden the exhibition’s reach. Representing business, the arts, education and civic leadership, The Mandela 12 has helped ensure that families, students and visitors can experience Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy of courage, resilience, justice and reconciliation.

The exhibition also serves as a learning resource for students and educators, with curriculum materials, group visits and docent-led tours designed to explore Mandela’s life alongside themes of justice, leadership, resistance and reconciliation.

For more information, go to aamdallas.org

Savor the Symphony - An Evening at The Mansion

 

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) is delighted to announce Savor the Symphony An Evening at the Mansion happening on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at the renowned Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. 

  Chaired by Dianne LaRoe, Beth Thoele and Sandy Ammons, with Venise and Larry Stuart as honorary chairs and Patti Flowers as DSOL president, the event promises to be an intimate gathering of tastemakers, community and business supporters to benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and its youth education and community engagement programs. 

Guests will be treated to a cocktail reception, raffle and a gourmet three-course-seated dinner. This 26th annual gala promises to be a feast for the senses with delicious fare, beautiful music and the opportunity to support the DSO in the very special setting of the Mansion, one of Dallas’ favorite culinary destinations. Cocktail attire. 

Since the founding of Savor the Symphony in the fall of 2000, the event has raised more than a million dollars benefiting the DSO Education and Outreach programs.

  Gather your friends and secure your tables now!  Individual Patron tickets are $500 and $1,500 with varying benefits. Patron levels begin at $5,000 up to $100,000. 

Visit the website for details here or contact savor@dallassymphonyleague.com or call Christine Winn at 713-309-5612.

  Proceeds from the event benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and its youth education and community engagement programs.

First Ladies' Bruncheon

First Ladies’ Bruncheon is a faith-based event that raises critical funding for the Genesis at South Dallas Advocacy Center.

Saturday, October 3, 2026

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Arts District Mansion

Featured Speaker

Pastor Sonjia Dickerson

Pastor Sonjia B. Dickerson is a powerhouse of purpose, faith, and leadership!

She’s not just in ministry — she is called to it. With a voice that moves nations and a heart that nurtures souls, she spends her time shaping lives, building vision, and advancing the Kingdom of God.

As Executive Pastor of Dayspring Family Church in Irving, Texas, she leads with her husband, Bishop Kevin Keith Dickerson, stewarding a thriving ministry that reflects excellence, empowerment, and Spirit-filled worship. But her impact stretches far beyond her local church.

She is a global voice, having ministered nationally and internationally for over 30 years, carrying the mantle of revival, healing, deliverance, and divine wisdom. She is the founder and CEO of the Outpouring Women’s Conferences, which impact thousands of women annually, in and outside of the state of Texas. 

If you're interested in purchasing a table or individual ticket, please email events@genesisshelter.org

Texas Vignette Announces 60 women artists for 2026 Vignette Art Fair

After receiving more than 230 submissions, Texas Vignette announced that 60 women artists from across Texas have been selected for the 2026 Vignette Art Fair, taking place Oct. 1-3 at On The Levee in Dallas Design District (1108 Quaker St., Dallas, TX 75207). 

2025 Vignette Art Fair

The eighth-annual fair is free and open to the public Oct. 2-3, with two ticketed preview opportunities – a new Patron Welcome Dinner Sept. 30 and a Preview Benefit Oct. 1.

Presented by Texas Vignette, the juried event is unique in that it is fully submission-based, presented in an exhibition-style setting, and solely features the work of women artists. Most significantly, 100% of all sales proceeds go directly to the artists. 

The 2026 curator is Alison de Lima Greene, Isabel Brown Wilson Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), where she has served since 1984.

mORAN Extraterrestrial 24inx30in collage on Wood

Following this summer’s call for entries, Texas Vignette received 233 applications representing more than 1,500 works – both record numbers for the organization – from artists in 76 cities. After careful consideration, Greene selected 60 artists from cities across the state, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Austin, Houston, El Paso, Nacogdoches, Los Fresnos and Rhome.

Flanzella Lost at Sea

Vignette Art Fair will be open with free admission Friday, Oct. 2, from noon-7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. In addition, a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase to the Patron Welcome Dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 6-9 p.m., featuring an exclusive first-look experience with a seated dinner and wine pairing. Guests may also purchase tickets to the Preview Benefit on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6-9 p.m., which features meet-and-greets with the artists and curator, music, light bites and an open bar.

For more information, go to texasvignette.org.

13th Annual Dallas All Star Chef Classic at Longhorn Ballroom

 

 

13th Annual Dallas All Star Chef Classic

Sunday, October 4, 2026
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
VIP Reception begins at 5:00 PM

 

Longhorn Ballroom
216 Corinth Street, Dallas, TX 75207

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of exceptional cuisine, live music, and community impact — all benefitting Dallas 24 Hour Club.

Event Chairs 

Amy and Bruce Williams

Georgia Henley

Lily Henley

Honorary Chef C0-Chairs

Scott Ruwart, Executive Chef of Delilah Dallas

Joel Orsini, Executive Sous Chef of Delilah Dallas

Participating Chefs

Kim Canteenwalla — Crown Block

Donna Collins — The Jelly Queens

Carlo Gattini — Botolino Gelato Artigianale

Mike Lawson — The Elephant Lounge

Robert Luttrell — Evelyn

Jason Martin — JRMartin

Mike McCoy — Chef to the Shelters

CJ Morgan — The Hubcap Café

Franchesca Nor — Dive Coastal Cuisine

Misti Norris — Far Out

Meaders Ozarow — Empire Baking Co.

Evan Pemberton — Midcult Society

Gerardo Pena — Rodeo Goat

Tida Pichakron — Haute Sweets Patisserie

John Pineda — Crown Block

Nikky Phinyawatana — Asian Mint

Lizbeth Ramirez — Crown Block

Abraham Salum — Salum Restaurant

Mike Stites — Midcult Society

Tony Street — Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse

Alejandro Velazquez — McRae's American Bistro

Justin Wern — Garden Café

Michael Wyatt — Full City Rooster Coffee Roasting Studio

2026 DALLAS ALL STAR CHEF CLASSIC by Dallas 24 Hour Club | BetterUnite

Tim Tebow 🏈 at CFL Celebrating Life Luncheon on October 29

 

Please join Council for Life for the Celebrating Life Luncheon on Thursday, October 29, featuring Tim Tebow, joyfully celebrating Council for Life’s 25th Anniversary and the immeasurable impact the Lord has made possible through the CFL Mission.

CFL prayerfully selected 33 outstanding 2026 CFL Beneficiaries. Your table and ticket sponsorships will fund a record $2+ million in grants to these agencies that provide compassionate care to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Read about the 2026 Beneficiaries and their lifesaving work in our North Texas community here.

Patron Party

All table and ticket sponsors are invited to the Patron Party on Tuesday, October 6. Haley and Ramsey Marchfor are kindly opening their lovely home for this special cocktail reception to celebrate and thank generous supporters.

Circle of Life Dinner

Sponsors at the $15,000 level and above will also receive an exclusive invitation to the Circle of Life Dinner the evening before the Luncheon on Wednesday, October 28. Thank you to Lisa and Kenny Troutt for graciously hosting this elegant, intimate dinner in their beautiful home. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Luncheon speaker, Tim Tebow.

Purchase tables and tickets here.

LEAP Global Missions 35th Anniversary Gala: A Legacy of Healing

 

LEAP Global Missions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ. They send teams of highly skilled volunteer medical professionals on mission trips to Belize, Mexico, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. 

Each year, the LEAP Gala raises funds to sustain this mission. This year, they celebrate 35 years of healing and impact.  

Join LEAP Global Missions for an evening of connection and celebration, featuring a cocktail reception, elegant dinner and program, and an exciting auction to close out the evening. 

Thursday October 8, 2026

6:00 PM

Private Club in Dallas

Cocktail Reception followed by Seated Dinner, Program, & Auction

MC | Teresa Woodard

Entertainment | Trace Bundy

Cocktail Attire

Complimentary Valet Parking

Gala Chairs

Mimi & Dr. Grant Gilliland

leapmissions.org

MOWCC 3rd Annual Gala - Sneaker Ball

 

Enjoy live music, dinner, and community while supporting programs that help local seniors thrive. Wear your favorite sneakers with semi-formal attire and help us take meaningful steps toward a brighter future for the seniors we serve.

Saturday, October 10, 2026

6:00 pm Reception

7:00 pm Awards Dinner

Frisco Hall - 5353 Independence Parkway, Frisco

Attire: Semi-Formal Attire & Sneakers

Buy tickets Here: https://www.mealsonwheelscc.org/events/gala-2026

Turtle Creek Association Gala Celebrating Turtle Creek

Turtle Creek Gala is more than a fundraiser, it is one of Dallas' signature fall social events. Guests will enjoy an elegant champagne reception, a gourmet three-course seated dinner, exciting live and silent auctions, and an evening of unforgettable entertainment.

Throughout the night, guests can enjoy unique experiences including a live fashion sketch artist, an interactive robotic photo booth, and the captivating champagne dress performer. The celebration culminates on the dance floor as Emerald City's acclaimed Limelight Band keeps the party going late into the evening. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create an extraordinary experience, all in support of preserving and enhancing one of Dallas' most treasured landmarks.

2011 Cedar Springs

The highly anticipated Turtle Creek Association Tour of Homes returns Sunday, October 4, offering guests a rare opportunity to step inside some of the most distinctive private residences in Dallas.

This year’s Tour is all about extraordinary design, and no two homes are alike.

3310 Fairmount

From a dramatic multi-level penthouse with sweeping views across Dallas to an art-filled urban loft, sophisticated contemporary interiors and residences that embrace bold architectural details, the 2026 Tour showcases the remarkable range of design found in and around the Turtle Creek Corridor.

3111 Wellborn

Guests will discover soaring ceilings and walls of glass, expansive terraces, dramatic staircases, custom kitchens, museum-worthy art, luxurious primary suites and interiors ranging from sleek and modern to glamorous and timeless. One residence celebrates the raw beauty of concrete, exposed ductwork and industrial architecture, while another surrounds guests in polished stone, rich finishes and dramatic Art Deco-inspired details. Still another takes high-rise living to an entirely different level, with multiple floors, enormous outdoor terraces and panoramic views stretching across the city.

Warrington

Individual Tour of Homes tickets begin at $45.  Bus service is included in the price.

More information: www.turtlecreekassociation.org