Dallas / Fort Worth: Calendar of Events

We are extremely proud to be a three-time winner of the "Facility of the Year" Award from the DFW Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, and of our reputation for creating memorable events with innovative flair and style.

Entertaining does indeed take on a legendary meaning at Southfork. A wide variety of ballrooms, full-service catering, impressive decor and entertainment amenities and a special touch of Texas hospitality, make Southfork a distinctive option for event and meeting planners. Creative event themes and a full staff of event planning professionals make planning effortless and enjoyable.

Southfork is a renowned Texas legend and landmark that is home to more than 1,400 events each year and we love what we do! 

We would love to have your event as part of our legendary "Dallas" history.

"The Magic of Christmas" Holiday Production Presented by Gaylord Texan Resort and Downtown Grapevine's Palace Theatre

Select dates, November 30 – December 21, 2008

Fantasy becomes reality in this spectacular holiday production that celebrates all of the warm and cozy sights and sounds of holiday wishes and memories. Watch as Frosty the Snowman comes to life, and drop into Santa's workshop as his elves prepare larger-than-life Christmas toys! A very special vocal tribute reminds us of home, family and every child's dream of peace on earth this holiday season. Come experience "The Magic of Christmas

2008 North Texas Horse Country Tours 02/02/2008 thru 12/06/2008

North Texas 940-382-7895 Tours depart from Denton Historical Park- 317 W. Mulberry, Denton, TX 76201 First Saturday of each month.

February 2 March 1 April 5 May 3 June 7 July 5 August 2 September 6 October 4 November 1 December 6 http://www.discoverdenton.com

This Christmas season, the Kimbell plays host to an extraordinary loan from Naples, Italy: a magnificent, 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene—known in Italian as a presepio after the Latin word for “manger,” praesepe. The Kimbell presepio will feature over 70 figures and animals (ranging up to about 15 inches tall) and be displayed in the traditional manner with a realistic, rocky setting. For those who have never stood face-to-face with an authentic Neapolitan Nativity scene, the level of detailing, craftsmanship, and artistry is sure to be astounding. Each of the figures is a triumph of miniature sculpture, and the Kimbell is heartily grateful to the private collectors in Naples—Roberto Catello, Giuseppe Lembo, and Mauro Scarlato—who have agreed to lend us examples of the highest quality.

 Other loans will be coming from the foremost public collection of presepe, the Museo Nazionale did San Martino, Naples. The Kimbell is tremendously indebted to the Polo Museale Napoletano and its superintendent, Nicola Spinosa, for helping to arrange these once-in-a-lifetime loans.

The Museum of Nature & Science houses the only public planetarium in Dallas County.

Recently, we upgraded our planetarium to exploit cutting-edge 21st century technology featuring the state-of-the-art digital system, Digistar 3. Digistar 3 system uses powerful graphics hardware and software to generate immersive images, scanned with twin DLP projectors on the interior surface of the overhead dome

The entrance ramp to The Dallas World Aquarium is lined with interesting plants and animals indigenous to Borneo. The undercover, 200-foot long pathway, winds by habitats of birds, reptiles, mammals and fish.

 The critically endangered, white Bali mynahs have successfully reproduced in their exhibit. The noisy, Rhinoceros hornbill is easily identified by its colorful, gaudy bill and protuberant casque. The white Moluccan cockatoo shares its home with the Argus pheasant.

In the water under the pathway bridge are several species of freshwater fish, such as the Asian arowana and the Archer fish. The Pangasius catfish is considered endangered by USFWS. A pair of Matschie’s tree kangaroos often share their habitat with a young joey. Although part of the South African outdoor, second-level habitat, the purplish-black Lady Ross’s turaco can be seen at the entrance. Once inside, visitors can enjoy an outdoor exhibit shared by Fairy or Little blue penguins. These small penguins are from Australia as part of a breeding program in conjunction with the Melbourne Zoo.

Christmas Capital of Texas Grapevine is fast becoming the "Christmas Capital of Texas" and as such, Historic Downtown Grapevine and surrounding areas in the city will be converted to a winter wonderland this holiday season.

Weekends of November 28 - December 21, 2008

 Fridays - 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

 Saturdays - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 Sundays - 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Visit with Santa Claus Take a complimentary horse drawn trolley ride Join Ellie the elf, Frosty the Snowman and a Santa stilt walker for children's activities and "reindeer games" Enjoy complimentary KettleKorn Strolling entertainment in period costumes along with Rudolph, a talking Christmas tree and Frosty the Snowman

November 28, 29 & 30 December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, & 21 Fridays - 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays - 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Sundays - 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Christmas on Main Street will feature Santa, jolly Christmas characters, carriage rides and decorations adorning the mile-long stretch of Grapevine's Historic Main St. The event includes visits by Santa Claus, strolling entertainers dressed in costume and complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, which generate long lines of intrigued participants. Special guests include Ellie the Elf, Frosty the Snowman, Santa on stilts and a talking Christmas Tree. Reindeer Games, which include amusing games like "Santa says" and "musical, colorful squares," is yet another fun activity for children - it provides an opportunity for youngsters to interact and play, with fun to be had by all.

 General Admission Event Sunday, October 05, 2008

Event Hours: Noon - 4 p.m. Free Admission 1st Sunday of the month (October, November and December 2008) Tickets: Event included with purchase of General Admission

Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive Happening daily at 11:30 a.m. and again at 4:00 p.m.

The Cattle Drive travels through the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards on E. Exchange Avenue in front of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange Building and then back to the holding pens behind the Exchange building for viewing.

 Best Places To View The Herd Any Stockyards Station Restaurant with Outdoor Seating. Standing on the curb of Exchange Avenue in front of the Stockyards Visitors Center. The lawn in front of the Livestock Exchange Building.

Gun Fights at the Village Main Street Site of Gun Fight

 Every 1st and 3rd Saturday in Fall 2008

Why all the shouting in the Saloon? Visit Dallas Heritage Village every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, September 20 to December 20, and witness early Dallas law and order, settler style, on the Village's Main Street. Performed by the Trinity River Desperadoes, visitors will get a firsthand view of the “Wild West” when a mild disagreement concerning the presidential nominees of 1900 campaign quickly turns into a gun fight on Main Street. Free with museum admission.

November 14, 2008 - January 3, 2009

Book your Lone Star Christmas Package online now!

Back again and better than ever, Gaylord Texan's fourth-annual Lone Star Christmas event, featuring the awe-inspiring ICE! Exhibit, provides a winter wonderland full of festive holiday events, activities, and displays for those of all ages to enjoy.

 Beginning November 14, 2008 - January 3, 2009, Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan will dazzle visitors with magnificently decorated resort atriums featuring over 1.2 million holiday lights, electric train displays, a life-size Gingerbread House, and 15,000 sparkling holiday ornaments... just to name a few. Special guests of Lone Star Christmas will include Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus with live reindeer, and a variety of strolling holiday entertainers and much more! Book your Lone Star Christmas Package

Mundo Maya is an eight-story, immersion exhibit that takes visitors from the waters of the Yucatan's gulf coast to the highland rainforests. This great culture believed that nature did not need to be conquered or subdued.

 Many plants and animals were given important roles in their daily lives. The land of the ancient Maya included the countries of modern day Belize and Guatemala, the western parts of Honduras and El Salvador, and five Mexican states (Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Campeche and Chiapas).

Murder Mystery Dinner “Missed Fortune”

Greedy Granbury Green, the town’s big shot banker, has been bumped off and Marshal Jim Courtright may need a crystal ball to figure out who done it. Could it be Dusty Muddwater, the fastidiously clean and directionally challenged prospector with gold in his future? Or Tatyana, the self-proclaimed Queen of the Gypsies, who read more than Mr. Green’s palms. Then there’s Clarice Green, wife of the dearly departed, who may have taken her horse training skills a bit too far. Or maybe Mortimer Morton, the local undertaker, had an extra casket to fill. All predictions indicate chaos and laughter in the immediate future as you help the Marshal read the signs and solve the crime.

NOTE: Due to frequent sell-outs, reservations are strongly recommended. Call 817-778-2215 for reservations today or purchase online! Dates: Friday and Saturday nights Cost: $55.00 Dinner & Show (includes dinner, show, tax, gratuity, and self-parking)

Fossil Preparation

 Upon arrival back at the museum, fossils collected in the field are brought to the fossil preparation laboratory. Here the specimens are carefully removed from the surrounding rock with a variety of tools such as dental picks and compressed air powered hand tools. The lab is staffed by museum employees and dedicated volunteers that are currently preparing fossil specimens from the dinosaur project in Big Bend National Park, the fossil fish project in Wyoming and Montana, as well as marine reptile specimens from the Metroplex and dinosaur material from Wyoming.

Partisan Pieces: Quilts of Political and Patriotic Persuasion

 November 6, 2008 – March 29, 2009 Part of Quilt Mania II

Penguins are "Back in Black"!

Opening Saturday, April 12, Penguins make their big splash at the Zoo in their new home complete with a beach for the penguins and underwater viewing for guests.

December 1-31, Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park, Grand Prairie.

 Prairie Lights features scores of HUGE lighted Holiday Displays including the World’s Largest Tunnel of Lights! Brought to you by Wonderland and the City of Grand Prairie. Admission fee.

There is also a Concessions and Prairie Lakes Store. For more information, call 972.237.8100 or visit www.gptx.org. December 6 – Winter Wonderland, Lynn Creek Park, Grand Prairie

The Orinoco - Secrets of the River rainforest exhibit represents the relatively unknown South American Orinoco River basin. Located entirely in Venezuela, the Orinoco River begins along the Venezuela-Brazil border in the Parima Mountain Range and continues approximately 1,600 miles (2,575 km) before it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

 The tropical rainforest and savannas in this area are home to unparalleled concentrations of flora and fauna.

In this focus exhibition, shown only at the Kimbell, we reunite the Museum’s great Fra Angelico painting with the ensemble to which it originally belonged. The other four paintings in the group come to us from collections in New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Florence.

Fra Angelico was a central figure in the development of painting in Renaissance Italy and remains among the most beloved artists of all time. He was a pioneer of the new representational style championed in Florence in the early 15th century by Brunelleschi, Masaccio, and Donatello, and one of the great artistic minds of his age. When the Kimbell acquired his Saint James Freeing the Magician Hermogenes in 1986, it became one of the most important early Italian paintings in the United States.

Santa in Sundance Square

12/01/2008 thru 12/21/2008

Sundance Square 817-255-5700 Visit Santa and his festive holiday display outdoors in Sundance Square. (Weekends) http://www.sundancesquare.com

Located at the southern tip of the African continent is a diverse and fascinating region. South Africa contains nine natural biomes, ranging from desert in the west to evergreen forest in the east. Dominated by a central plateau, the region has no navigable rivers.

The South Africa outdoor, lagoon-like exhibit represents both plants and animals from this area.

The newest attraction in the Fort Worth Stockyards is the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to 72 of the top cowboys and cowgirls in Texas. The museum is located in Barn A, in what was once the horse and mule barns in the Stockyards.

 Visitors see three exhibits for one low admission fee. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors Texas men and women who have excelled in the sports of rodeo and cutting.

Each booth contains photographs and memorabilia; and many of the booths also have video, depicting the honorees’ careers in their respective events. (Learn about the nomination process)

Also included in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame are the Sterquell Wagon Collection and the John Justin Trail of Fame. The Sterquell is billed as “the world’s largest lifestyle wagon collection” and features more than 60 antique wagons, carriages and sleighs. Included in the exhibit: A Sicilian cart dating to the 1750s, with dramatic painted scenes and intricate iron work A Welsh funeral hearse, complete with beveled glass windows, gold leaf paint, and plumes The John Justin Trail of Fame

Texas Dinosaurs

NOW OPEN in MNS Science Building! New Texas Dinosaurs - Fossil Dig exhibit

Have you ever wondered how dinosaur fossils wind up in museums? Join us in a contemporary tale of discovery that begins right here in Texas. It takes a team to find a fossil, unearth it and transport it to a lab for preparation, study it, and finally display it in a museum.

Our team includes paleontologists, students and teachers, engineers, artists, computer scientists, and many others. Each contributes unique skills and enthusiasm to this adventure. Museums are places for sharing, where scientists share the results of their work with the community. Museums are also nurturing places, home for many scientists. Here their research is conceived, funded, supported, and realized. Museums help make discovery possible. Imagine that you are the first to see something that has not seen the light of day in over 60 million years. On the field expedition, in the new MNS Texas Dinosaur - Fossil Dig, you are the explorer. All of the fossil casts you can find in this dig have been unearthed over the past four decades in Big Bend. Now it is your turn… come and explore. 3535 Grand Avenue and 1318 S. 2nd Avenue in Fair Park Phone: 214-428-5555 FAX: 214-428-4356

The aquarium features more than 85,000 gallons (321,800 l) of saltwater with marine life from around the world. Walk through the 22,000-gallon (83,280 l) tunnel to experience a panoramic view of reef life.

 Many animals found at the top of the food chain can be seen in the Predators exhibit. Ten 2,000-gallon (7,571 l) displays present marine life from around the world - Palau, Southern Australia, Lord Howe Island, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Bahamas, British Columbia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Japan.

Representing the waters of four continents, three oceans and various seas, the aquarium gives a glimpse of the underwater world. four continents, three oceans and various seas, the aquarium gives a glimpse of the underwater world.

Currently displaying the Art of Captain Charles Young

Weekends of November 30 - December 22, 2008

Tickets for the 2008 North Pole Express will be available on September 22, 2008.

The People Choose: 1860 & 1900 Today's Lives Shaped by Historical Presidential Campaigns

General Admission Event Tuesday, September 16, 2008 through Tuesday, December 30, 2008 Event Hours: Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sundays: Noon - 4 p.m. Event admission fees vary. Tickets: Event included with purchase of General Admission

Come out of your shell with Edventures in learning! Kids get up close and personal with elephants, otters, meerkats and more! In our activity-packed classes, they can be a part of the animal world and watch as prairie dogs burrow, elephants bathe and hippos wade.

 Space is limited. Register online today.  Tuition fee

Western Currency Facility Tour and Visitor Center

 (817) 231-4000 (local)

You'll see millions of dollars being printed during a tour of the BEP. The tour features the various steps of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready bills!

As the U.S. Government's security printer, the BEP is responsible for the design, engraving and printing of all U.S. paper currency. A world leader in printing technology, the Bureau also produces portions of U.S. passports, materials for Homeland Security, military identification cards, Immigration and Naturalization Certificates, White House invitations, Treasury obligations and other U.S. securities.

Hall of Texas Birds

 The Hall of Texas Birds at the Museum of Nature and Science presents wildlife dioramas of several avian species that are native to Texas. From the Attwater Prairie Chicken exhibit, to the Wintering Geese exhibit, there is much to see and explore.

Hall of Texas Wetlands

The Hall of Texas Wetlands presents wildlife dioramas of several lake, river and marshland habits and their respective wildlife. From the American Alligator exhibit, to the Wood Stork exhibit, there is much to see and explore.

Bison Hall

Vernon & Florence Bailey documented the biological diversity of Texas at the turn of the 20th Century. Their story is now told at the Museum of Nature and Science's Bison Hall.

Hall of texas mammals

the hall of texas mammals at the museum of nature and science presents wildlife dioramas of several mammalian species that are native to texas. from coyotes to white tail deer, there is much to see and explore.