Rob Giardinelli
The Texas Spring Gala season continues in February featuring a fun mix of beloved non-profit events around Texas. Below are ten stellar galas and signature fundraising events we recommend you have on your radar in the Lone Star state between February 8th and February 29th. Join us, won’t you?
Austin – JoyRx’s Live From The Heart – February 8
Live From The Heart, presented by Texas Children’s Hospital will benefit JoyRx Music, which provides music therapy for children undergoing extended hospitalizations and treatments for serious illnesses. Held at the orchestra level of ACL Live at the Moody Theatre, the evening will feature a cocktail hour, seated dinner, and live and silent auctions. Any great gala at ACL Live includes a live music performance with guests filling the mezzanine and upper tiers of the venue. Live from the Heart is no exception with Joss Stone capping off the evening with a musical performance set to be one of Austin’s mainstay Winter social events for years to come.
Austin – Ballet Austin Fête – February 10
One of Austin’s most popular galas benefiting the arts is back with a twist for 2024. Ballet Austin’s Fête: A Night of Madness in a preview of Stephen Mills’ upcoming production of Poe: A Tale of Madness. This sold-out event, held at the JW Marriott will include a cocktail hour, a seated dinner program, and a live auction that includes a $250,000 kitchen remodel courtesy of Build 512. This year’s black-tie optional event will also feature some new elements including a combining of Fête with its afterparty, fête*ish. The night will be capped off with an after party courtesy of DJ Cassandra, while VIP’s will be able to enjoy access to a private lounge featuring specialty cocktails.
Dallas – Dallas Symphony League Presentation Ball – February 10
Long one of Texas’ top debutante events, the Dallas Symphony League returns in 2024 with its annual Presentation Ball. Chair Kristin Cordiak and Honorary Chairs Margaret and Barry Hancock will oversee an evening that is the culmination of the Dallas Symphony League’s social season that began back in May including a Thanksgiving Dinner, Casino Night, and most recently, the Junior Symphony Ball. Held at Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Meyerson Symphony Center, this year’s sold-out event will have Dallas sociables donning their feat formal attire for an evening that will include a cocktail reception, presentation, seated dinner, and more.
Austin – Women’s Symphony League Red Haute – February 11
Perfect for anyone looking for a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your someone special, the Women’s Symphony League of Austin’s 13th Annual Red Haute Valentine Party and Fashion Show is the perfect way to spend a Sunday. Held at The Four Seasons, this year’s event is co-chaired by Alexis Simón Moore and Natalie Hudson. The two have created a theme, Love, Audrey, in honor of movie legend Audrey Hepburn resulting in a fashionable and elegant afternoon that will include sampling bites from many of her movies, a commemorative photo booth, a children’s fashion show featuring the season’s hottest fashion trends for “children of all ages”, and perhaps a blue Tiffany box or two.
Houston – Houston Ballet Ball – February 17
One of the best events celebrating the arts in Texas is back this year in a familiar place. The annual Houston Ballet Ball benefiting the Houston Ballet returns to the iconic Wortham Center this year. In a city already known for turning out epic fashion looks at galas, the white-tie attire is bound to have Houstonians donning dazzling looks that will no doubt perfectly coordinate with the décor produced by legendary event producer Richard Flowers of The Events Company. This year’s event, co-chaired by Cabrina and Steven Owsley and Margaret and Jonathan Cox, will honor patrons Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh and will include a seated, three-course dinner, and a luxury silent auction. The night will be capped off with dancing on what has long been known as one of the state’s most iconic gala dance floors.
Fort Worth – St. Jude Celebration at Sundown – February 24
One of Cowtown’s must-attend social events of the year is the 5th Annual Celebration at Sundown benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Held at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall at the Fort Worth Stockyards, proceeds raised from the night will go towards St. Jude’s mission: Find cures. Saving children. ® The crowd of several hundred will don their best Texas-chic attire for an evening that will include a cocktail hour, main program, and online silent auction.
Dallas – Kidlinks Symphony of Chefs – February 26
Always one of the state’s most savory, and sought-after, galas for foodies is the 14th annual Symphony of Chefs benefiting Kidlinks. This year is sure to impress even the most discerning of pallets with an all-star line-up of 26 Dallas chefs including Private Chef Justin Box, Bistro 31 Executive Chef Henry Johnson, and Parigi Chef and Owner Janice Provost. The chefs will each helm tables and prepare bespoke, four-course meals for lucky patrons, each of which will be paired with wines from top vineyards from around the world. Additionally, patrons will be able to participate in a wine pull, bid on an impressive array of live and silent auction items, and be treated to live music.
San Antonio – McNay Art Museum’s 70th Anniversary Gala – February 28
San Antonio’s preeminent art museum is celebrating a milestone with an epic gala and highlighting the Alamo City’s importance in the art world. The McNay Art Museum’s 70th Anniversary Gala will be a wonderful celebration shining a spotlight on the legacy and impact of the museum’s namesake, Marion Koogler McNay. The night will also honor internationally acclaimed artists Einar and Jamex de La Torre and celebrate the opening of their exhibition de La Torre Brothers: Upward Mobility at the museum. Held on the museum grounds, the night will feature a cocktail hour, seated dinner, and an after party that will have the fun lasting well into the night.
San Antonio – Mind Science Foundation’s Vintage Vegas Gala – February 29
Looking for a fun way to spend Leap Day? Look no further than what is bound to be an amazing night benefiting one of San Antonio’s most beloved institutions. The Mind Science Foundation’s Vintage Vegas Gala will be an unforgettable night at the Alamo City’s most prestigious private club, The Argyle. Co-chaired by Ashley and Andrew Friedman and Laura and Stewart Selig, the night will feature boots and bling attire bound to bring out fashions that only Texans can create. The night will include a seated dinner, some Vegas shenanigans, and an after party headlined by The Texases.
Austin – Texas Independence Day Dinner – February 29
Capping off a very busy February is one of Texas’ best statewide events honoring those who make history. Hosted by the Texas State History Museum Foundation, The Texas Independence Day Dinner turns 20 this year honoring former Attorney General Hon. Alberto R. Gonzales and Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D. Held each year at one of the state’s best gala event spaces, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, this year’s event will be co-chaired Pam and Richard Leshin of Corpus Christi, with the legendary Jan Bullock serving as Honorary Chair. The night will feature 450 of the state’s most notable business, community, and philanthropy leaders. who will don their finest black tie ensembles while toasting and celebrating our independence in grand style as only Texans can.
