February Events

February in DFW: Kicking Off the New Year with Vibrant Events

The Dallas Region is buzzing with energy as we step into the new year. From cultural celebrations and industry conferences to community gatherings and entertainment showcases, the month offers a dynamic lineup of events that highlight the diversity, innovation, and spirit of North Texas. Whether you’re a local exploring your city or a visitor discovering all that DFW has to offer, there’s no shortage of activities to keep your calendar full. So grab your planner, and let’s dive into what’s happening this month!

Featured Events

This year is not only 2025 but also the Year of the Snake! Lunar New Year was January 29th, meaning that various cultures from East and Southeast Asia will gather with family and friends and celebrate. Here are a few events from around DFW:

  • Asia Times Square Lunar New Year 2025- Grand Prairie: Held every weekend between January 17 and February 2, make sure to bring cash and an empty stomach to check out vendors serving delicious food. There will also be a variety of performances, including K-pop cover dances and lion dances every 2 hours!
  • Grandscape Lunar New Year Festival: Year of the Snake- The Colony: Don’t miss out on the Lunar New Year event at Grandscape on February 1 from 6 – 9 PM! There will be stage performances such as traditional Chinese dance and kpop dances as well as food and drinks for purchase.
  • Southlake Spring Festival 2025- Southlake: On February 1, from 11 AM to 4 PM, Southlake Town Square will have performances from different parts of Asia, such as Mongolian Dance, Sichuan Opera Face Changing, Bollywood Dance, and much more!
  • DFW China Town Lunar New Year 2025- Richardson: Head to Richardson on Saturday, February 8th from 11 AM – 3 PM for many cultural performances from lion dances to jiu-jitsu demonstrations to diabolo!
  • Frisco Lunar New Year Market Festival- Frisco: Head to Simpson Plaza on Saturday, February 8 from 3 – 8 PM, if you are looking to engage with different cultures while also making a difference in the community! In addition to a fashion show, red envelopes, and performances, the Frisco Education Foundation will be benefiting from this event as well.
  • 2025 Asian Lunar New Year Festival- Richardson: If you are looking for a variety of cultural performances, UTD’s Lunar New Year Art Festival is the place to go! Taking place February 8 from 7 – 9 PM, there will be instrumental performances, ballet, Bollywood dances, and more!

GAME DAY GUIDE

Sports fans in the Dallas Region have a lot to cheer about.  

 

Dallas Famers Market Open Mic Night Dallas
Galentine’s Drag Brunch Comedy Show Dallas
DFW Shopz Valentine’s Day Market Dallas
Bodies Race Company presents Couple Shuffle Garland
Lone Star Winery presents Valentine’s Chocolate & Wine Walk McKinney
Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour Dallas

MUST SEE EXHIBITS

 



Finding Success and Community: Laurel Hess’ Return to DFW

Laurel Hess has fond memories of growing up in Dallas. Little did she know life would bring her to Cajun country and then lead her back with a family of her own, and a successful startup.

Hess had left the Lonestar State for college in the early 2000s. She was temporarily driven out of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but managed to finish her degree there. It’s also where she married and began her family.

And after several years in the Crescent City, they moved to Lafayette, which is where inspiration struck and she got the idea for hampr – an app-based laundry service. (See more about hampr in Dallas Innovates.)

Life was good, but Dallas was calling her name. So, they packed up again.

“We moved here in the summer of 2024,” says Hess.

Her sister who lives in Celina actually helped her launch hampr in the Dallas market—their biggest. And she recalls it was their mother, who lives in Frisco, who told Hess about her grandfather, and how entrepreneurship runs in the family.

“It’s funny, I didn’t really think about it, but she had told me that he owned a boat yard. She said he was very entrepreneurial – worked all the time.”

Hess is trying to maintain more of a balance. As she’s expanding the business from just residential service into B to B, she’s also trying to expand her social circle.

“… my husband and I were just talking about this – how do you find friends as an adult?”

As it turns out, she did have one friend here, whose own move into North Texas preceded hers by a matter of months.

“Leigh Ann and I were neighbors in Lafayette. She moved down here before me and told me how much she loved it. And I was like, yea I know, Dallas is great,” says Hess, laughing.

(See Leigh Ann Ripka’s My Dallas Story here.)

With so many foodie options—like Baonecci in Frisco, or concerts at Legacy Hall—and things to do with the kids (they’re currently huge fans of Grandscape—especially Scheel’s and Andretti’s) she’s not overly concerned, but she agrees that it’s harder when you don’t have a cohort that you’re hitting milestones with.

“There is a growing community of entrepreneurs,” Hess concedes.

Needing to travel for business is another reason she values living in Dallas.

“Before we moved here, I would often connect in Dallas, but it would add a whole day of travel just to get here. So, the fact that I can fly three hours in either direction to get where I need to be is huge.”

The culture, the lifestyle … as others have expressed, Dallas isn’t one thing, it’s everything. It’s also everyone … from corporate executives to artists and founders, Dallas continues to be the place people want to be.



Esposure Says ‘Yes’ to Dallas

E-sports: From Competitors to Creators with Esposure

E-sports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with millions of fans, players, and creators fueling its rapid rise. And right here in the Dallas Region, the momentum is undeniable. As a thriving hub for innovation, technology, and creativity, DFW is positioning itself as a key player in this booming space.

At the forefront of this growth is Esposure, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of e-sports professionals. Their unique approach goes beyond competition, teaching teens how to transition from gamers to creators and industry leaders.

Want to see how they’re doing it? Check out the video below to explore how Esposure is shaping the future of e-sports and giving students the tools to thrive in this exciting, global industry.



Deah’s Foodie Fort Worth Tour

Discover Fort Worth Through Deah’s Foodie Tour: A Culinary Adventure for Every Meal

Fort Worth might be best known for its rich history as “Cowtown” and its iconic Stockyards, but Deah’s foodie tour reveals the city’s modern, diverse, and vibrant side. With stops for every meal—from breakfast to dessert—this tour takes you beyond the expected and into the heart of what makes Fort Worth a cultural and culinary treasure. Grab a seat and join Deah as she explores Fort Worth, one meal at a time!



College to Career

Meet Eric Aaberg, a proud member of the UT Dallas Class of 2023. Eric is more than just a graduate; he’s a thriving content creator and agency owner who attributes his success to the opportunities and connections he’s found right here in DFW. As a passionate advocate for the Dallas Region, Eric encourages fellow grads to #staylocal and launch their careers in this vibrant and dynamic community.

In this exclusive video, Eric shares his journey from college to career and why he loves calling DFW home. Whether you’re searching for entry-level positions, apartment resources, or simply inspiration, Eric’s story is a testament to the incredible possibilities waiting for you in DFW.

Ready to take the next step? Explore career resources at sayyestodallas.com/college-to-career and discover why the Dallas Region is the perfect place to launch your future.