Curated TexanThe spring gala season is ending the social swirl this year with a bang soon. Before it does, there are many fun events with great themes across the state that you can support…that benefit the communities they serve. Below are our selections of the Top 10 Texas galas in May that are sure to dazzle, according to our social chronicler, Rob Giardinelli.
Austin – St. David’s Foundation Toast of the Town – May 1-June 1 A one-of-a-kind event in the state, Toast of the Town has been dazzling its attendees for the past 39 years. Proceeds from each party, benefit the St. David’s Foundation generously matches donor contributions, which all benefit the Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program. Each year the organization hosts an eclectic mix of 20 intimate events during the month of May ranging from 8 to 60 people that have featured legendary athlete’s, musician’s and politician’s as well as private culinary experiences at many of Austin’s hottest restaurant’s. This year is no different with events at Q2 Field, a private concert for 32 by Jack Ingram, a party and putt with 2017 Masters Champion Sergio Garcia, and a dinner for 20 at Uchiko with the menu curated by none other than James Beard Award-Winning Chef-Owner Tyson Cole.
Austin – ZACH Scott Theatre’s Red, Hot & Soul – May 6 Always one of the most anticipated Austin events of the spring social season, ZACH Scott Theatre’s Red, Hot and Soul is a party not to be missed. Featuring one of the best mixtures of people of any gala in Austin, each year’s gala features a fun theme, and this year is no exception as guests will don their favorite black-tie ensembles inspired by Italian design with a hint of Classic Carnivale. The night features performances by the ZACH Scott Theatre Company of previous, current and upcoming ZACH Scott productions as well as children from the ZACH Academy. The night, capped off by an after party that is one of the best in the city, goes into the wee hours the following morning. Bonus: This year will feature a top-secret updated event format that is bound to leave revelers wanting more.
Austin – LBJ Foundation’s 2023 Liberty and Justice For All Award – May 12 The final weekend of Austin’s spring social season is set to go out with a bang as the LBJ Foundation hosts its annual LBJ Liberty & Justice For All Award Dinner. Sponsored by LBJ’s daughters Luci Baines Johnson and Lynda Johnson Robb, this year will sing a different tune from the usual political icons that are honored and will be honoring Texas icon, Willie Nelson. In a tribute to Nelson, proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the Willie Nelson Endowment for Uplifting Rural Communities at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. An evening honoring the singing legend wouldn’t be complete without music and those fortunate enough to attend will hear concert featuring four notable, acclaimed musicians including Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Elle King, and Lyle Lovett.
Dallas – DIFFA – May 13 Simply put, it is an evening unlike any other in Texas. It contains fabulously dressed patrons, the silent auction to end all silent auctions, seven figures raised, and a fashion show that rivals, and often eclipses anything you would see at New York, Paris or Milan fashion week. Benefitting AIDS Service Organizations throughout North Texas, the annual House of DIFFA extravaganza has been a must-attend Dallas event for decades and somehow manages to outdo itself each year. In addition to the legendary fashion shows, the gala is best known for its auction of dozens of jackets and sport coats, which many winners often wear to future DIFFA events. This year’s theme, The List will feature over 1,400 people from Dallas and beyond who pays homage to legendary party scenes past and present including Studio 54, the London Punk and Coachella.
Dallas – ReuNight for The Family Place – May 18 Celebrating its 10th anniversary, ReuNight is one of the must-attend spring events in Dallas and this year’s event is no different, especially with Joyce Goss, who has been involved with the ReuNight since the beginning, and is serving as the event’s honorary chair. This year’s gala, held at the newly relocated Dallas Petroleum Club, will feature an evening of cocktails and dining on a multi-course menu curated by James Beard Finalist Chef Junior Borges. All of this will be done against the backdrop of a hand-painted ceiling in the Constellation Room of the venue that also features floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Klyde Warren Park and downtown Dallas for an elegant, sophisticated, and unforgettable night.
Dallas and Fort Worth – Texas Ballet Theatre Opening Night Dinners Taking the idea of dinner and a show to a whole new level in Dallas and Fort Worth is the Texas Ballet Theater’s Opening Night Dinner for their final production of the season – Alice in Wonderland. Held at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas on May 19 and at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth on May 26. Previous Opening Night Dinner guests have been known to dress thematically in support of the production and this year will be no exception. Patrons who attend the dinners in both Dallas and Fort Worth will be treated to a cocktail hour and dinner before enjoying the theatre for the performance.
Houston – Hearts, Hats & Horseshoes – May 6 Are you looking for a place to celebrate the Kentucky Derby and give also to a good cause? Look no further than the Hearts, Hats & Horseshoes event. Benefiting Bo’s Place, the event began a few years back at the estate of Houston businessman and philanthropist Tillman Fertitta and quickly grew to be one of the most fun and popular spring events in Houston where guests are known to go all out with spring’s finest fashion ensembles complete with plenty of hats. The event has grown so much that it has now moved to the Houston Polo Club. This year’s gathering is shaping up to be the best yet with a polo match, several other Derby-themed activations and of course watching the running of the 149th Kentucky Derby.
Houston – LBJ Moral Courage Award Gala – May 11 Hosted by the Holocaust Museum Houston, the LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner honors trailblazers and visionaries that support human rights and the betterment of humanity. The black-tie optional affair attracts hundreds of Houston’s most notable sociables including the one and only Lynn Wyatt. This year’s dinner will be held at the Hilton Americas Houston and honor 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Nominees Dr. Peter Hotez and Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi for their work in helping develop the COVID-19 vaccine. The evening will be capped off with a live performance by singer Vanessa Williams.
Houston – American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Luncheon – May 12 Held at the Post Oak Hotel, the America Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Luncheon draws hundreds each year who gather to raise funds to educate women on cardiovascular disease, which is the number one cause of female deaths. This year, attendees will meet the 2023 Go Red Women For Real Women, a group of 12 heart disease and stroke survivors who share their stories to increase awareness of the disease. Women don their favorite red ensembles in support of this cause and is the final major luncheon of the Houston social season.
San Antonio – Texas Biomed Forum – May 6 One of the Alamo City’s most popular galas since its inception in the 1970’s, the Texas Biomed Forum gala caps the busy San Antonio spring social season. Held at San Antonio’s The Argyle, the black-tie affair attracts over 500 of San Antonio’s most notable sociables each year. The unique format has tables placed throughout the venue, whether it be in one of the many cozy rooms, or dining al fresco on the legendary Argyle front porch. The festivities always conclude with a lively after-party in a lavish tent on the grounds of The Argyle where revelers are known to dance the night away into the wee hours of the morning.
