Lance Avery Morgan
Austin – Ballet Austin Fete and fete*ish April 15
Held this year at the JW Marriott, Ballet Austin’s Fete and fete*ish, one of the top fundraising events in Austin for decades is sure to dazzle. The black tie night begins with Fete, where several hundred attend the seated gala and program. While that’s happening, fete*ish, Austin’s best-run gala after party begins in the next room. Once the program is finished, the wall between the two rooms is broken down as Fete gala guests mix with fete*ish party well underway making for a magical night that is uniquely Austin.
Texas-wide – JDRF Galas
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is going all out in April with a series of five, count ‘em five, galas in each of the five largest Texas markets: Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Featuring events that cater to the strengths of each city, four of these five events are being held in the second half of April. These include the 2023 Houston Promise Ball on April 15, The One Party in Austin on April 21, the JDRF Dallas gala on April 22, and the San Antonio Promise Ball on April 28-29. All told, these events will raise a combined high nine-figures that will go to research to help find a curse for diabetes.
Austin – Seton Off to the Races April 22
Kentucky Derby season begins early this year at Austin’s Camp Mabry for the annual Elizabeth Ann Seton Board Off to the Races gala. Held al fresco under an open aired tent, the spring cocktail attired crowd draws over 1,000 of Austin’s most known sociables and is especially popular among the younger crowd of givers. Holding the event on a military base makes it that much more memorable and unique. The evening features cocktails, a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and a finish-line after party goes well into the evening.
Austin – Mack, Jack & McConaughey April 27-28
Mack, Jack and McConaughey, Austin’s top money-making gala, is back with a series of four events over two days. The festivities begin at ACL Moody Theatre for the most sought-after gala in Austin. While approximately 400 dine as gala patrons on the orchestra level, another 1,500 will pour into the ACL Moody Theatre mezzanine and balcony levels for the highlight of the evening, a performance by country music legend Garth Brooks. Not to be outdone, the second day features a golf tournament and a fashion show by acclaimed designer Jonathan Simkhai by day and is capped off with a concert by host Jack Ingram in the evening.
Austin – Blanton Museum of Art Celebrating 60: A New Landscape
The Blanton Museum of Art is celebrating its 60th anniversary with their Celebrating 60: A New Landscape Gala that will reveal the unveiling of their newly renovated grounds designed by internationally acclaimed design firm Snøhetta with several new commissions, including a mural by Carmen Herrera and the Butler Sound Gallery. The artful black tie attire crowd will feature top art patrons from throughout Texas and beyond. Attendees will be treated to a VIP reception and a private grounds viewing, followed by dinner on the Moody Patio, against the backdrop of new gardens, and artists commissions with stunning views of Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin and the Texas State Capitol.
Dallas – Dallas Museum of Art – Art Ball 2023: Influence
One of the hottest tickets in Dallas each spring, Art Ball 2023: Influence will not disappoint with Dallasites Leigh Ann Clark and Bela Cooley co-chairing this year’s festivities. The sold-out event will feature black tie clad crowd of 330 who will be treated to an elegant evening at the museum that will delve into the concept of Influence, as well as celebrating how art, fashion and design intersect. Those fortunate enough to attend will be treated to an evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing that will be capped off by a vibrant after party.
Dallas – Mad Hatter’s Luncheon
Now in its 35th year, the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, held by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum Botanical Garden, is always a hit. This year’s theme, A Celebration of English Elegance, is a nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The festive luncheon wear crowd features the most elaborate, over-the-top hats you will ever see. The reason? A hat contest with eight different categories that requires anyone to attend to bring their A-game. Additionally, this year will feature a program by acclaimed designer Michael Faircloth making this a must-attend event.
Fort Worth – The TEX Gala Texas Rangers Foundation
Hosted by The Texas Rangers Foundation, The TEX Gala held at Globe Life Field is one of Fort Worth’s most anticipated spring events and this year’s event will be no different. Raising over $1.85M in 2022, the event is one of the top fundraising events in the Fort Worth area. The Texas-chic crowd will be in for a fun evening with a red-carpet arrival, VIP reception, delectable food, and beverage options in advance of the main event: a live performance by country music superstar Kenny Chesney.
Houston – Houston Grand Opera: A City of Bold Voices
The Wortham Center in Houston will be the setting for the A City of Bold Voices: Houston Grand Opera Ball 2023. This year’s theme, A City of Bold Voices, aims to spotlight all the things including the music, entertainment, ambiance, style, and people that make Houston such a bold, dynamic international city. While the event is black tie, white tie is also welcomed and encouraged. The evening will feature red-carpet arrivals on Wortham’s Fish Plaza, a lively cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, entertainment, and a glorious after party.
San Antonio – Fiesta
It is the legendary 11-day extravaganza that takes over the Alamo City. Fiesta San Antonio is a series of events, parades, galas and deb presentations that offers something for everyone. Top social events during Fiesta include the annual Viva Garden Soiree, the Steve’s Party, and the annual The Order of the Alamo’s The Court of the Grand Tour, which is a coronation of the Fiesta Queen and her court. Held each year at the Charlene McCombs Majestic & Empire Theatre, it features princesses from other Texas markets such as Austin, Houston, Dallas, and beyond.
