Gateway to Opportunity Luncheon
September 7 at 11:30am
Featuring Keynote Speaker Laura W. Bush. This is a highly sought-after event! Not only will you hear from the former First Lady of the United States (2001-2009), Laura Bush, who will speak about her commitment to human rights, literacy, and education, but all proceeds benefit Family Gateway. This non-profit organization, founded in 1986 by Mayor Annette G. Strauss, provides stability and essential support services to children and families affected by homelessness.
Where: Omni Hotel Dallas
Cost: Tickets start at $300
More info: www.familygateway.org/events
Oktoberfest at Watters Creek
September 8 – September 10
Dress up in your lederhosen, raise your beer steins, and say “Prost!” It’s time for a fun-filled Oktoberfest celebration at Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm in Allen, in partnership with The Lion & Crown Pub and the Allen Arts Alliance. Experience 18 different styles of Oktoberfest beers from local craft breweries, alongside live music, DJs, vendors, and festive activities! There will be traditional keg tapping, a stein hoisting contest, and performances by German dancers in authentic costumes on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy delicious treats like pretzels, potato cakes, and bratwurst. Over the weekend, a tent on Village Green Drive will showcase local craft breweries, where representatives will educate attendees about their offerings. “Prost,” indeed!
Where: Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, US 75 at Bethany
Cost: Free Admission. Food and beverage vendors accept cash or credit cards. Free Parking.
More Info: www.watterscreek.com or 972.747.8000
Plano Balloon Festival
September 22 – September 24
Get ready for a spectacular experience at the 38th annual InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival! This three-day event features entertainment, a dazzling fireworks show on Saturday night, sky divers, a variety of delicious food options, and, of course, breathtaking hot air balloon launches. The balloons will take off Friday at 6 PM, Saturday at 7 AM and 6 PM, and Sunday at 7 AM and 6 PM, weather permitting.
Where: Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Cost: $5 for a one-time entry | $1 Off for Seniors 65 and over
More info: www.planoballoonfest.org
Texas State Fair
September 29 – October 22
Indulge in decades of Texan culture celebrating agriculture, education, music, and more. Although you can enjoy an exhilarating Midway, the epic TX-OU rivalry game, and a gigantic Ferris wheel, the true highlight is the food. This year’s Big Tex Choice Awards includes Deep Fried Froot Loops, Beer Battered Beef Jerky, and even Deep Fried Chicken Noodle Soup on a Stick (yes, you read that right!).
Frisco Arts Walk at HALL Park
October 7, 12 PM – 7 PM
Join us for the Second Annual Frisco Arts Walk at HALL Park’s Texas Sculpture Garden, an immersive arts experience celebrating Frisco’s artistic talent. Under the vision of art enthusiast Craig Hall, the Texas Sculpture Garden is the largest private collection of Texas sculptures open to the public. This event will feature interactive performances, street musicians, live art demonstrations, a pop-up food truck park, face painting, and new this year, the Steinway Piano Red Carpet Performances, where amateur musicians can sign up for an unforgettable 10-minute performance on a grand piano.
Sign up for the Steinway Piano Red Carpet Performances: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054dabaf2bab9-steinway
Where: HALL Park, 6801 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco
Cost: Free admission, activities, and parking. Food trucks and vendors accept cash or credit. Paid valet available.
More info: friscoarts.org/frisco-arts-walk or 972.810.1028
Texas Legends Draft Party
October 21
Enjoy some pre-season G-League action at the Texas Legends Draft Party. Check texlegends.com for start time and additional details.
Where: Strikz Entertainment, 8789 Lebanon Rd., Frisco
Cost: Free
More Info: www.texlegends.com
Young Frankenstein at North Texas Performing Arts
October 27 – November 4
Get ready to enjoy a hilarious evening with the North Texas Performing Arts’ rendition of Mel Brooks’ classic musical comedy, Young Frankenstein. Be among the first to experience their new venue at the Willow Bend Center of the Arts in Plano, a 25,000 sq. ft. complex located at the Shops at Willow Bend, which will also host the Plano Children’s Theatre.
Tickets: Will go on sale one month before the opening night
More info: www.northtexasperformingarts.org/event/2017-pct-frankenstein
The 14th Annual Bulb & Perennial Mart
October 14, 8:30 AM – 3 PM
As autumn brings cooler temperatures and the gardens burst with colorful blooms, it’s time to explore and purchase the best selections of bulbs, iris, perennials, and small shrubs suitable for North Texas. This highly anticipated event, hosted by CCMGA, will feature a range of hard-to-find heritage bulbs and drought-resistant perennials that thrive in the award-winning Earth-Kind® Research and Demonstration Gardens at Myers Park. Experienced volunteers will be available to answer questions about these nutrient-rich products, offering guidance on the best practices for garden applications.
Where: Myers Park & Event Center, McKinney
Cost: Free event with no sales tax. Cash or check, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express accepted. Proceeds support community outreach and educational programs in horticulture and water conservation throughout Collin County.
More Info: www.ccmgatx.org or call 972.548.4232
PARTNERS CARD Shopping Extravaganza
October 27 – November 5
Celebrating its 25th year, the PARTNERS CARD fundraiser for The Family Place invites cardholders to shop, dine, and save with a 20% discount at over 750 participating retailers and restaurants across DFW. Under the leadership of Brynn Bagot and Allison Smith, Partners Card has raised more than $17 million for The Family Place, which has supported over 225,000 clients through residential and outreach programs since 1978, providing shelter to over 22,000 women and children and answering more than 550,000 calls for assistance.
More info: www.partnerscard@familyplace.org
