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Misguided Trust

by

Lauren Wagner

 

Exciting dystopian tale where water is the most precious resource and any illness is a death sentence.

 

Misguided Trust by Lauren Wagner is a new dystopian tale in which a future U.S. is divided into Clean Zones, and water is provided, protected, and restricted by the government. Illness of any kind will result in a resident being taken away, removed from their home, and never to be seen or heard from again. The fully realized world and its sympathetic main character are introduced with minimal embellishment, so the tale relies on her actions and interactions with those in her life. 

Sara Carson is the likable main character, living in relatively good circumstances compared to others. She’s kind and secretly helps those in need by lifting extra rations and medications and getting them to Maddox, who runs an illegal underground distribution network existing on the very edge of the Clean Zone society. Sara has a tragic history, losing everything important to her early in life, including a past love named Tommy. Tommy’s brother, Josh, has maintained contact with her, keeping an eye out for her continued safety while attracting the attention of the government enforcement officers himself. Her budding romance with Kye, a high-ranking enforcement officer, throws everything in her world out of whack. It was her determination and resilience in the face of it all that made this book impossible to put down until the final page was turned. 

I recommend MISGUIDED TRUST to fans of dystopian fiction. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Fair season is right around the corner, and Sheraton Dallas is raising a glass to celebrate in true Texas style. Just minutes from Fair Park, the hotel has teamed up with the legendary Fernie’s Funnel Cake to debut the Howdy Funnel Cake Cocktail, a whimsical, limited-time creation that tastes like pure. fair. magic.

The $18 cocktail captures the essence of the State Fair and is a creamy, decadent mix of vanilla vodka, Fernie’s Funnel Cake Cream, Frangelico, and egg white. It is then topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crumble, strawberries, and a caramel drizzle. Available for the entire fair season, from September 26 to October 19, at Open Palette, The Parlor, and Draft Sports Bar & Lounge.

Even sweeter? Guests can make the most of the season with the hotel’s new, exclusive Stay and Play at the State Fair of Texas package, which includes:
  • $25 daily food & beverage credit
  • Complimentary on-site parking for one vehicle per night
  • Easy DART access to Fair Park directly from the hotel
  • Spacious accommodations at Texas’ largest hotel in the Dallas Arts District
The State Fair only comes once a year! Don’t miss your chance to sip the Howdy Funnel Cake Cocktail and stay in the middle of all the action.
 
Sheraton Dallas is located at 400 North Olive Street. Parking is complimentary for up to four hours with validation at the host stand.
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Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.—the leading producer of larger-than-life lantern festivals in North America and the trailblazers who introduced authentic Chinese lantern traditions to the U.S. and Europe—will return this winter to the festival grounds of Texas Trust CU Theatre, located at 1150 Pollock Pl, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

“We’re so happy to be back in Dallas this holiday season,” said Huiyuan Liu, event manager at Tianyu Arts & Culture. “The DFW community is wonderfully diverse and welcoming, and we can’t wait to share our lantern festival with families in a bigger, brighter way.”

Back by popular demand for a second holiday season in North Texas, the Tianyu Lights Festival will transform the festival grounds of Texas Trust CU Theatre into a glowing wonderland of art, culture, and family fun. Visitors can explore two dazzling themed displays straight from 7-year-old boy, Koda’s imagination. Starlit Farm captures the peaceful beauty of summer nights in the countryside, while Magic Ocean dives deep into an illuminated undersea world of reefs and dreamlike creatures.

Each evening, live cultural performances add to the magic, featuring the dramatic mask-changing art of Face Changing (Bianlian), breathtaking acrobatics, and the graceful Peacock Dance. Shows are scheduled at 6:45, 7:50, and 9:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Guests are invited to shop, snack, and stroll through the festival grounds. The marketplace showcases handcrafted treasures like traditional Chinese lanterns and intricate inner-bottle paintings, while the food court offers hot drinks, sweet treats, and meals from both local and traveling vendors.

Families will especially enjoy the illuminated playground with interactive displays and photo-ready backdrops. New this year, kids can hop aboard glowing Magic Rides (available until 9:00 p.m. for a separate fee).

This year’s festival features 19 immersive scenes with larger-than-life lantern sculptures crafted from metal, fabric, and LED lights by skilled artisans. With twinkling displays, rich cultural traditions, and activities for all ages, the Tianyu Lights Festival is sure to become a holiday tradition for neighbors and families across North Texas.

The Tianyu Lights Festival runs November 7, 2025, through January 18, 2026, open Tuesdays–Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m., and will be shining bright through all the major winter holidays.

Tickets range from $16 to $35 and go on sale October 8. Visitors can take advantage of special discounts:

  • Early Bird (Oct. 8– Nov.5): 15% off General Admission & Child Tickets

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations looking to connect with thousands of families across the DFW metroplex during this holiday season.

For more information on tickets, sponsorships, or becoming a food vendor, visit tianyuculture.us/dallas.

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Kids Feeding Kids: As part of its 50th anniversary, the Shelton School is hosting the Feed My Starving Children MobilePack September 5-7.

As part of Shelton’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the school — the largest independent school worldwide for intelligent children with learning differences — will host the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack on September 5–7. This traveling event, organized by the nonprofit that provides nutritionally complete meals to children worldwide, will bring together more than 4,900 volunteers in shifts to pack more than 750,000 single-serving meals specially formulated to fight malnutrition and delivered to children in greatest need.

On Friday, September 5, Shelton staff and fifth- through twelfth-grade students will pack meals in the Main Gym. Third- and fourth-grade students may participate if accompanied by a parent volunteer.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 6–7, the MobilePack opens to the wider community. You are invited to volunteer for weekend shifts and to help recruit friends, neighbors and groups such as book clubs, scout troops, sports teams, faith group and teens seeking service hours. The event will take place indoors with air conditioning and music. It’s a wonderful opportunity for service, teamwork and fun.

Together, Shelton students, families and community members will turn hunger into hope — packing life-saving meals and celebrating 50 years of learning without limits through service.

Sign up for a weekend shift and share the link with your family and friends. Let’s fill every shift and make a global and local impact!

 

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Taylor Davis, St. Andrew Methodist Church Taylor Davis is no stranger to big ideas—he’s led ambitious musical programming at St. Andrew for years—but this piece is quite impactful: in June 2026, the Chancel Choir will perform The Poetry of Psalms at Carnegie Hall. This upcoming Plano performance is the community’s first—and possibly only—chance to hear the work live before it reaches a national stage.

Composed by Taylor Davis, the piece was commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale for their 40th anniversary and premiered in May, closing out their season

 

St. Andrew Methodist Church’s Chancel Choir along with a professional orchestra will present The Poetry of Psalms, an original 40-minute work by composer Taylor Davis that weaves together Biblical psalms and secular poetry in a powerful musical conversation. The free concert will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19, 3-4 p.m., in the sanctuary of St. Andrew, at 5801 W. Plano, Parkway.

Commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale (TMC) to celebrate their 40th anniversary, the piece received its world premiere in May with TMC and now comes to St. Andrew with Davis conducting and a professional orchestra drawn from across the DFW metroplex.

“When TMC asked me to commission this work, I came up with this idea because I find many of the psalms quite poetic, and I thought pairing a few of them with some of my favorite poems would be unique,” said Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional worship and music at St. Andrew. “The psalms are poetic at heart, but I did not want to just present 45 minutes of sacred text. I wanted to bring in a modern voice – something secular but still spiritual, something that might enhance the psalms.”

The 40-minute piece consists of a series of musical pairings – each one matching a psalm with a poem.

“Almost in a call and response way, the texts volley back and forth,” said Davis. “For example, the Scottish poem As the Rain Hides the Stars paints a picture of trusting what we cannot see, and it’s complemented by Psalm 8, describing creation with the sun, moon, and stars of night. This is perhaps one of my favorite pairings: the poem sounds like you’re watching fireflies after a summer storm, and the psalm about creation is like a confetti cannon!”

“In another pairing example, Emily Dickinson’s Will There Really Be a Morning? is answered when Psalm 113 declares from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised,” he continued. “Each pairing lasts about four minutes with ten total movements inviting the listener on a journey through doubt, wonder, praise, and gratitude.”

“The psalms can feel sepia-toned—beautiful, but distant,” said Davis. “I wanted to add a little technicolor, and these poems do that. They help us see that sacredness isn’t locked away in old texts. It’s all around us—in everyday language, in the natural world, and in the questions we all carry.”

This concert is part of a broader effort by St. Andrew to offer meaningful, artistically excellent programming for the wider community. From classical music lovers to curious first-time concertgoers, The Poetry of Psalms aims to be both accessible and profound.

“At St. Andrew, we’re committed to creating one-of-a-kind opportunities for people to experience beauty and transcendence through music,” said Davis. “Concerts like this offer exceptional music people can't find outside the Dallas Arts District.”

More than just a concert, The Poetry of Psalms is the centerpiece of St. Andrew’s fall music programming – designed to connect with younger audiences, particularly high school and college music students in the DFW area. It also sets the stage for the Chancel Choir to take the concert to Carnegie Hall for an appearance in June 2026.

“St. Andrew’s Music Ministry offerings go beyond performance – they invite listeners into spiritual depth, communal reflection, and musical experiences that are transforming,” added Davis. “Through creative programming and outreach, we aim to connect people of all ages with the church through art. Join us on Sept. 28 for a transcendent musical experience – where sacred meets secular and tradition meets innovation.”

 

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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Taylor Davis, St. Andrew Methodist Church Taylor Davis is no stranger to big ideas—he’s led ambitious musical programming at St. Andrew for years—but this piece is quite impactful: in June 2026, the Chancel Choir will perform The Poetry of Psalms at Carnegie Hall. This upcoming Plano performance is the community’s first—and possibly only—chance to hear the work live before it reaches a national stage.

Composed by Taylor Davis, the piece was commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale for their 40th anniversary and premiered in May, closing out their season

 

St. Andrew Methodist Church’s Chancel Choir along with a professional orchestra will present The Poetry of Psalms, an original 40-minute work by composer Taylor Davis that weaves together Biblical psalms and secular poetry in a powerful musical conversation. The free concert will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19, 3-4 p.m., in the sanctuary of St. Andrew, at 5801 W. Plano, Parkway.

Commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale (TMC) to celebrate their 40th anniversary, the piece received its world premiere in May with TMC and now comes to St. Andrew with Davis conducting and a professional orchestra drawn from across the DFW metroplex.

“When TMC asked me to commission this work, I came up with this idea because I find many of the psalms quite poetic, and I thought pairing a few of them with some of my favorite poems would be unique,” said Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional worship and music at St. Andrew. “The psalms are poetic at heart, but I did not want to just present 45 minutes of sacred text. I wanted to bring in a modern voice – something secular but still spiritual, something that might enhance the psalms.”

The 40-minute piece consists of a series of musical pairings – each one matching a psalm with a poem.

“Almost in a call and response way, the texts volley back and forth,” said Davis. “For example, the Scottish poem As the Rain Hides the Stars paints a picture of trusting what we cannot see, and it’s complemented by Psalm 8, describing creation with the sun, moon, and stars of night. This is perhaps one of my favorite pairings: the poem sounds like you’re watching fireflies after a summer storm, and the psalm about creation is like a confetti cannon!”

“In another pairing example, Emily Dickinson’s Will There Really Be a Morning? is answered when Psalm 113 declares from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised,” he continued. “Each pairing lasts about four minutes with ten total movements inviting the listener on a journey through doubt, wonder, praise, and gratitude.”

“The psalms can feel sepia-toned—beautiful, but distant,” said Davis. “I wanted to add a little technicolor, and these poems do that. They help us see that sacredness isn’t locked away in old texts. It’s all around us—in everyday language, in the natural world, and in the questions we all carry.”

This concert is part of a broader effort by St. Andrew to offer meaningful, artistically excellent programming for the wider community. From classical music lovers to curious first-time concertgoers, The Poetry of Psalms aims to be both accessible and profound.

“At St. Andrew, we’re committed to creating one-of-a-kind opportunities for people to experience beauty and transcendence through music,” said Davis. “Concerts like this offer exceptional music people can't find outside the Dallas Arts District.”

More than just a concert, The Poetry of Psalms is the centerpiece of St. Andrew’s fall music programming – designed to connect with younger audiences, particularly high school and college music students in the DFW area. It also sets the stage for the Chancel Choir to take the concert to Carnegie Hall for an appearance in June 2026.

“St. Andrew’s Music Ministry offerings go beyond performance – they invite listeners into spiritual depth, communal reflection, and musical experiences that are transforming,” added Davis. “Through creative programming and outreach, we aim to connect people of all ages with the church through art. Join us on Sept. 28 for a transcendent musical experience – where sacred meets secular and tradition meets innovation.”

 

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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Taylor Davis, St. Andrew Methodist Church Taylor Davis is no stranger to big ideas—he’s led ambitious musical programming at St. Andrew for years—but this piece is quite impactful: in June 2026, the Chancel Choir will perform The Poetry of Psalms at Carnegie Hall. This upcoming Plano performance is the community’s first—and possibly only—chance to hear the work live before it reaches a national stage.

Composed by Taylor Davis, the piece was commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale for their 40th anniversary and premiered in May, closing out their season

 

St. Andrew Methodist Church’s Chancel Choir along with a professional orchestra will present The Poetry of Psalms, an original 40-minute work by composer Taylor Davis that weaves together Biblical psalms and secular poetry in a powerful musical conversation. The free concert will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19, 3-4 p.m., in the sanctuary of St. Andrew, at 5801 W. Plano, Parkway.

Commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale (TMC) to celebrate their 40th anniversary, the piece received its world premiere in May with TMC and now comes to St. Andrew with Davis conducting and a professional orchestra drawn from across the DFW metroplex.

“When TMC asked me to commission this work, I came up with this idea because I find many of the psalms quite poetic, and I thought pairing a few of them with some of my favorite poems would be unique,” said Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional worship and music at St. Andrew. “The psalms are poetic at heart, but I did not want to just present 45 minutes of sacred text. I wanted to bring in a modern voice – something secular but still spiritual, something that might enhance the psalms.”

The 40-minute piece consists of a series of musical pairings – each one matching a psalm with a poem.

“Almost in a call and response way, the texts volley back and forth,” said Davis. “For example, the Scottish poem As the Rain Hides the Stars paints a picture of trusting what we cannot see, and it’s complemented by Psalm 8, describing creation with the sun, moon, and stars of night. This is perhaps one of my favorite pairings: the poem sounds like you’re watching fireflies after a summer storm, and the psalm about creation is like a confetti cannon!”

“In another pairing example, Emily Dickinson’s Will There Really Be a Morning? is answered when Psalm 113 declares from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised,” he continued. “Each pairing lasts about four minutes with ten total movements inviting the listener on a journey through doubt, wonder, praise, and gratitude.”

“The psalms can feel sepia-toned—beautiful, but distant,” said Davis. “I wanted to add a little technicolor, and these poems do that. They help us see that sacredness isn’t locked away in old texts. It’s all around us—in everyday language, in the natural world, and in the questions we all carry.”

This concert is part of a broader effort by St. Andrew to offer meaningful, artistically excellent programming for the wider community. From classical music lovers to curious first-time concertgoers, The Poetry of Psalms aims to be both accessible and profound.

“At St. Andrew, we’re committed to creating one-of-a-kind opportunities for people to experience beauty and transcendence through music,” said Davis. “Concerts like this offer exceptional music people can't find outside the Dallas Arts District.”

More than just a concert, The Poetry of Psalms is the centerpiece of St. Andrew’s fall music programming – designed to connect with younger audiences, particularly high school and college music students in the DFW area. It also sets the stage for the Chancel Choir to take the concert to Carnegie Hall for an appearance in June 2026.

“St. Andrew’s Music Ministry offerings go beyond performance – they invite listeners into spiritual depth, communal reflection, and musical experiences that are transforming,” added Davis. “Through creative programming and outreach, we aim to connect people of all ages with the church through art. Join us on Sept. 28 for a transcendent musical experience – where sacred meets secular and tradition meets innovation.”

 

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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Equest 45th Annual Blue Ribbon Gala - Tamytha Cam Photo Credit: Tamytha Cameron

It’s time to stirrup some glitz, glam, and giving! Equest is excited to announce its 45th Annual Blue Ribbon Gala, themed “Run for the Roses,” to be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Gilley’s Dallas. Inspired by the timeless elegance and excitement of the Kentucky Derby, the annual Gala promises a high-spirited mix of Southern hospitality, sophisticated style, and down-home fun, all in support of Equest’s mission to change lives through the human-horse connection.

Gala Chairs Melinda and Mark Knowles, distinguished Dallas philanthropists and community leaders, will lead the charge for this milestone event, joined by Honorary Chair Lynn McBee,whose civic leadership and tireless advocacy have shaped the philanthropic landscape of Dallas.Guests will enjoy a dazzling lineup of experiences includinga gourmet seated dinner with signature cocktails, thrilling live and silent auctions, a prestigious awards presentation, and an electrifying performance from Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra to two-step the night away. Don your finest Texas-chic attire—cowboy boots welcome!

Two distinguished awards will be presented at this year’s Gala to honor extraordinary individuals who embody the spirit and mission of Equest. The Founders Award, established in honor of co-founder Susan Neustadt Schwartz, recognizes individuals with lifelong dedication to Equest’s mission of improving lives through equine assisted services. The 2026 award will be presented to Leslie and Hawkins Golden in recognition of their outstanding commitment and support. The Citation Award, named after the legendary American Thoroughbred winner of the same name, celebrates a champion within Equest who demonstrates the same spirit of excellence. The 2026 recipient of this honor is Carol Huckin.

Returning to lend their signature sparkle, celebrity event designer Steve Kemble will once again create a show-stopping experience, while Calvert Collins-Bratton reprises her role as emcee,guiding guests through the evening’s festivities. A legendary team of committee chairs will ensure the Gala’s legacy of excellence and impact, including Bonner Allen (Reservations), Maggie Cooke Kipp and Nancy Gopez (Auction), Nancy Carlson, Alison Malone and Stacey Walker (Underwriting), and Amy Turner (Patron Party Chair).

The Equest Blue Ribbon Gala’s theme, “Run for the Roses,” nods to the Kentucky Derby’s iconic tradition of crowning its champion horse with a lush garland of over 400 red roses, a symbol of victory, heart, and resilience. These values reflect the essence of Equest’s work: helping individuals with diverse needs achieve personal triumphs through the transformative power of horses.

“As we celebrate 45 years of Equest, we’re not just looking back—we’re galloping forward,” said Eric Lindh, CEO of Equest. “Our therapy horses are the heart of what we do, while it’s the people—our supporters, volunteers, and community—who make the impact possible. The Blue Ribbon Gala is our favorite night of the year to celebrate that joy, generosity, and impact, all under one roof.”

The Equest Annual Blue Ribbon Gala will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Gilley’s Dallas (1135 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215). Tables of ten start at $5,000, and sponsorships are also available. Underwriting opportunities are available at various levels starting at $5,000 as a category sponsor. Individual tickets will be released closer to the date. For more information and to purchase tables, please visit www.equest.org/gala or contact Angela Escamilla at gala@equest.org or (972) 412-1099 ext. 209.

 

 

 

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Are you a local fan group, cosplay club, theater/symphony, dance troupe, or community institution? Then the FAN EXPO Community Zone is the place for you! Participants in this space must support the local community in some way and be committed to making FAN EXPO a fantastic experience for attendees, guests, and fellow Community Zone participants.

Space is limited, so please be as detailed in your application as possible. Applications for the Irving Convention Center event are available here:

Things to know before you apply:

  • Applications are open
  • Applying does not guarantee space until confirmation is issued.
  • Booths must be appropriate for fans of all ages. Any booth activities are subject to management approval.
  • Participants must be available for load-in, all three days of the convention (from open to close), and load-out.
  • A standard booth is 10x10. Additional space or nonstandard booth requests are subject to management approval and are not guaranteed, even if the Group/Organization is accepted.
  • Power may be requested but is not guaranteed in community spaces.
  • Space is limited. Applicants who engage with other programmatic features or offer unique engagement opportunities are prioritized. Community members are encouraged to host a panel(s).

Dallas FAN FESTIVAL is this Fall’s premier pop culture celebration, offering the ultimate playground for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. This year’s festival highlights nostalgia-driven celebrity guests and experiences that let fans revisit the stories, shows, and characters they grew up with while introducing new generations to timeless favorites. With family-friendly programming, cosplay contests, and budget-conscious ticket options, the event is designed to bring together fans of all ages for an immersive and affordable weekend of fun. Whether you’re reconnecting with your childhood heroes or making new memories with loved ones, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL celebrates the vibrant pop culture community thriving in North Texas and beyond. You’ll feel out of this world—and right at home.

 

 

Tickets ON SALE NOW:

Weekend Passes: $39 ADVANCE (Regular $49)

Adult Single Day Passes (13+): Saturday $25 ADVANCE and Sunday $20 ADVANCE

Child Passes (6-12): $10

Family Passes: Saturday $60 ADVANCE and Sunday $50 ADVANCE

 

DETAILS: Dallas FAN FESTIVAL runs Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, 2025

Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Sunday, October 5, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

The Irving Convention Center is located at 500 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039

 

ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ:

With over a million fans and counting, FAN EXPO HQ attracts pop culture enthusiasts, locally and internationally, to come together to celebrate all things fandom. Collectively, it hosts nearly one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Dallas™, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Canada™, FAN EXPO Boston™, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO Vancouver™, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL, VidCon and EDMONTON EXPO.  The latest schedule of events is available here on their website, along with up-to-date ticket information.

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©2025 Courtesy of Social House Holidays, LLC

The countdown to holiday magic begins!! Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas, the wildly popular immersive holiday light and adventure experience, is returning to Dallas this November—this time with a brand-new Alpine Adventure theme AND an all-new location. Presented by Coca-Cola and produced by Social House Entertainment, Classic Christmas will transport guests to Santa and Mrs. Claus’s cozy mountain hideaway, where holiday traditions meet dazzling new surprises. (Even Santa needs a ski vacation!)

Classic Christmas lights up Dallas Midtown, formerly known as Valley View Mall off LBJ Freeway and Montfort Rd., from November 21 through December 28, 2025. With over 90,000 square feet of immersive magic, the event promises millions of twinkling lights, falling snow, thrilling snow slides, outdoor ice skating, themed treats, and unforgettable visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Tickets go on sale to the public September 9. Early access is now open for holiday party reservations and group ticket packages of 26+. Learn more at ClassicChristmas.com.

“The response from families last year was nothing short of magical,” said Jayson Babel, Senior Vice President of Social House Holidays, the holiday division of Social House Entertainment. “This year, we’ve dialed up the whimsy, the interactivity, and the nostalgia. From expanded snow slides to the return of our movie screenings, Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas is where new memories are made.”

The experience delivers holiday joy for all ages with a nostalgic twist and plenty of new surprises, including:

  • Larger-Than-Life Light Display: Explore 90,000 square feet of dazzling sculptures and immersive scenes designed to dazzle and delight.
  • Alpine Ice Skating: Skate under twinkling lights on real outdoor ice with your loved ones—it’s the picture-perfect moment!
  • BIGGER & MORE FUN Slip N Slide Summit: A Classic Christmas favorite but now bigger and more fun! Grab an inner tube and race down the exhilarating snow slide—crafted with real ice and built for both thrill-seekers and little adventurers. Daredevils can take on the Black Diamond lanes, while the Beginner Lanes offer a gentler ride for young kiddos and the young-at-heart. Just watch out for avalanches!
  • Santa and Mrs. Claus Visits: Catch Santa on vacation in his ski gondola—not the workshop! It’s a one-of-a-kind holiday photo opportunity you won’t want to miss. Then, cozy up for heartwarming story time with Mrs. Claus.
  • Cinemark Christmas Classics: Settle in for beloved holiday movie screenings from Cinemark—perfect for cozy family moments.
  • Après Ski Dance Party: Cap off the night on the light-up dance floor! With mountain-lodge vibes and holiday beats, the ‘Après Ski’ party invites you to dance the night away under the stars.
  • Live Music & Holiday Programming: From Christmas karaoke and ugly sweater contests to festive bands and carolers, there’s something for everyone.
  • Trailside Treats & Sips: Refreshing Coca-Cola products, hot cocoa, holiday cocktails, themed snacks and more will keep you fueled for your festive fun.
  • Instagrammable Moments Galore: Bring your sparkle—photo ops are everywhere, with enhanced photo packages available for keepsake holiday memories.

“We’re proud to partner with Social House to help bring the REAL magic of Christmas to life,” said Derek Alexander, Vice President of Commercial & Digital at Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. “The overwhelming response from families last year proved there’s a deep love for classic traditions with a fresh twist. We’re honored to be part of this unforgettable celebration.”

GET INVOLVED WITH COCA-COLA’S CLASSIC CHRISTMAS

Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas welcomes the local community to help spread the cheer. Whether you’re a holiday performer, content creator, seasonal staffer, or brand sponsor, there’s a place for you at Classic Christmas.

Visit ClassicChristmas.com for more information.

GROUP TICKETS & PRIVATE EVENTS AT CLASSIC CHRISTMAS

Transport your holiday celebration to the magically delightful Classic Christmas with a custom group ticket package. From small group events (10-25 tickets) to corporate holiday parties of small, medium, or large scale, there is an option for you at Classic Christmas. For all group opportunities, discounts, and benefits visit classicchristmas.com/book-a-party.

CONNECT WITH CLASSIC CHRISTMAS

Sign up at ClassicChristmas.com for early ticket access, exclusive offers, festive tips, and all the latest holiday magic.

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ABOUT ARCA CONTINENTAL COCA-COLA SOUTHWEST BEVERAGES

Dallas-based Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB) is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States. The company employs more than 9,000 associates who operate 7 production plants and 37 distribution facilities. CCSWB produces, markets and distributes Coca-Cola brands throughout Texas and parts of Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arkansas. With an outstanding track record of nearly 100 years, Arca Continental is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the world. Within its Coca-Cola franchise, the company serves a population of more than 128 million in the northern and western parts of Mexico as well as Ecuador, Peru, the northern region of Argentina, and the Southwestern U.S. Arca Continental is listed on the Mexican Stock Market under the ticker symbol “AC.” For further information about Arca Continental, please visit www.arcacontal.com.

ABOUT CLASSIC CHRISTMAS

Classic Christmas was created by Enchant, the visionary behind the award-winning World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, a holiday experience that has captivated millions across the U.S. and Canada. Since its founding in 2016, Enchant has become renowned for producing immersive holiday events that feature expansive light displays, ice skating experiences, live entertainment, and more. Classic Christmas, the latest creation, offers a nostalgic, community-focused celebration that brings the magic of the season to life all in partnership with Coca-Cola.

Beginning in 2025, Classic Christmas is produced by Social House Entertainment, a full-scale event production company known for transforming outdoor venues into unforgettable festival and live event experiences. With a passion for community, creativity, and high-impact live experiences, Social House is proud to carry the Enchant legacy forward—bringing magic, memory-making, and holiday joy to select U.S. cities this year, with plans to expand in the seasons ahead. Learn more at EnchantChristmas.com and ClassicChristmas.com.