Best events in
University Park

There is no shortage of events and things to do in University Park, TX. The local scene is a unique mix of Southern Methodist University's cultural and athletic calendar and family-friendly community gatherings in its parks and plazas. While the area maintains a quieter, residential feel, its proximity to Dallas proper gives easy access to a wider range of entertainment.

Head to the walkable Snider Plaza, the city's commercial heart, for community celebrations like the annual Holiday Tree Lighting or to find a cafe before an evening event.
The Southern Methodist University campus is a hub for activity, hosting lectures at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and performances at McFarlin Memorial Auditorium.
Community traditions bring residents together, from the annual Park Cities parade to movie nights at the Holmes Aquatic Center.

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ACEDS North Texas | SMU "The Associate, Reimagined"

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:30 PM

SMU Dedman School of Law

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Mind & Machine at SMU: The Economics of AI

Wed, Nov 11 • 3:00 PM

Cox School of Business

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NOW November - Wellness Won't Wait

Sun, Nov 15 • 11:00 AM

Unwind Massage Lounge

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Pause! Let's Mahj @ 55 Seventy

Wed, Nov 18 • 6:30 PM

55 Seventy Private Members Club

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Dallas Housing Coalition 3rd Annual Housing Summit

Fri, Nov 20 • 8:30 AM

Highland Park United Methodist Church

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NPRA Dallas Holiday Soiree; HOLIDAY SYNERGY, SPARKLE & CHEER!

Thu, Dec 3 • 4:00 PM

Edgemere

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Holiday in Blue at Southern Methodist McFarlin Memorial Auditorium

Sun, Dec 6 • 7:00 PM

McFarlin Auditorium

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Home for the Holidays

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:00 PM

Northway Christian Church

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ACEDS North Texas | SMU "The Associate, Reimagined"

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:30 PM

SMU Dedman School of Law

Check ticket price on event

Mind & Machine at SMU: The Economics of AI

Wed, Nov 11 • 3:00 PM

Cox School of Business

Check ticket price on event

NOW November - Wellness Won't Wait

Sun, Nov 15 • 11:00 AM

Unwind Massage Lounge

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Pause! Let's Mahj @ 55 Seventy

Wed, Nov 18 • 6:30 PM

55 Seventy Private Members Club

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Dallas Housing Coalition 3rd Annual Housing Summit

Fri, Nov 20 • 8:30 AM

Highland Park United Methodist Church

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NPRA Dallas Holiday Soiree; HOLIDAY SYNERGY, SPARKLE & CHEER!

Thu, Dec 3 • 4:00 PM

Edgemere

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Holiday in Blue at Southern Methodist McFarlin Memorial Auditorium

Sun, Dec 6 • 7:00 PM

McFarlin Auditorium

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Home for the Holidays

Fri, Dec 11 • 8:00 PM

Northway Christian Church

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Gunpowder Plot - punishing the plotters

Tomorrow • 7:30 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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Debt-A-Thon 2026

Fri, Nov 27 • 9:00 AM PST

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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Gunpowder Plot - punishing the plotters

Tomorrow • 7:30 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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Debt-A-Thon 2026

Fri, Nov 27 • 9:00 AM PST

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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Business & Professional events

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Dallas CAPM Certification | 4-Day Exam Prep Bootcamp with Guarantee

Tue, Nov 10 • 9:00 AM + 3 more

8117 Preston Rd suite 300

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PMI PMP® & CAPM® Certification Training With Exam in Dallas

Tue, Nov 10 • 9:00 AM + 17 more

8117 Preston Rd Suite 300

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Mind & Machine at SMU: The Economics of AI

Wed, Nov 11 • 3:00 PM

Cox School of Business

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PMP Certification In-Person Training in Dallas, TX

Mon, Nov 16 • 9:00 AM + 5 more

8117 Preston Rd suite 300

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Dallas CAPM Certification | 4-Day Exam Prep Bootcamp with Guarantee

Tue, Nov 10 • 9:00 AM + 3 more

8117 Preston Rd suite 300

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PMI PMP® & CAPM® Certification Training With Exam in Dallas

Tue, Nov 10 • 9:00 AM + 17 more

8117 Preston Rd Suite 300

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Mind & Machine at SMU: The Economics of AI

Wed, Nov 11 • 3:00 PM

Cox School of Business

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PMP Certification In-Person Training in Dallas, TX

Mon, Nov 16 • 9:00 AM + 5 more

8117 Preston Rd suite 300

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From nearby cities

Book Blast in DALLAS!

Saturday • 11:00 AM

The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

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2026 Dallas Zydeco and Southern Soul Music Fest

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Dallas City Hall

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WHOA, THAT'S GOOD LIVE: Hosted by Sadie Robertson Huff

Fri, Nov 13 • 7:00 PM

Shoreline City Church

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18th Annual Diabetes Management Conference

Fri, Nov 13 • 7:45 AM

Concord Church

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DALLAS Community DNA Pop Up

Sat, Nov 14 • 11:00 AM

The DEC Network

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Rum Brunch Caribbean Day Party - The Appreciation Fete!

Sat, Nov 14 • 4:00 PM

Johnny Cabron’s

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Talk and Book Signing with Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle

Wed, Nov 18 • 6:30 PM

Half Price Books

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Dallas Housing Coalition 3rd Annual Housing Summit

Fri, Nov 20 • 8:30 AM

Highland Park United Methodist Church

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Book Blast in DALLAS!

Saturday • 11:00 AM

The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

Check ticket price on event

2026 Dallas Zydeco and Southern Soul Music Fest

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Dallas City Hall

Check ticket price on event

WHOA, THAT'S GOOD LIVE: Hosted by Sadie Robertson Huff

Fri, Nov 13 • 7:00 PM

Shoreline City Church

Check ticket price on event

18th Annual Diabetes Management Conference

Fri, Nov 13 • 7:45 AM

Concord Church

Check ticket price on event

DALLAS Community DNA Pop Up

Sat, Nov 14 • 11:00 AM

The DEC Network

Check ticket price on event

Rum Brunch Caribbean Day Party - The Appreciation Fete!

Sat, Nov 14 • 4:00 PM

Johnny Cabron’s

Check ticket price on event

Talk and Book Signing with Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle

Wed, Nov 18 • 6:30 PM

Half Price Books

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Dallas Housing Coalition 3rd Annual Housing Summit

Fri, Nov 20 • 8:30 AM

Highland Park United Methodist Church

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Frequently asked questions about University Park

Where can I find live music events in University Park?

The Barley House near the SMU campus is a reliable spot for live music in a relaxed setting. This bar and restaurant features a regular rotation of performers, making it a go-to for a low-key evening out without venturing far from the neighborhood.

What are some family-friendly things to do in the area?

University Park offers great family-friendly events, especially in its local parks. Look for the Children's Fishing Derby held twice a year in Caruth Park or the free Movie in the Park series hosted each spring by the city.

Are there free community events in University Park?

Yes, the community hosts several free public events. The Parks and Recreation Department's Movie in the Park is a popular free gathering, as is the annual Park Cities parade that runs through the neighborhood.

What is the nightlife scene like in University Park?

The local nightlife is generally relaxed, centered on happy hours and neighborhood bars like The Barley House. For more energetic late-night scenes, residents often head to adjacent entertainment districts in Dallas for a wider variety of options.

Which places host art and cultural events?

The SMU campus is the primary center for arts and cultural events in the area. The Meadows Museum focuses on Spanish art and offers public programs, while McFarlin Memorial Auditorium hosts a wide variety of concerts and lectures for the community.

How can I find date night ideas in University Park?

A classic date night could involve dinner in Snider Plaza followed by a performance. Check the schedules for McFarlin Memorial Auditorium for concerts or comedy shows, or look for lectures at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

What kind of outdoor events does University Park have?

Local parks are the best places for outdoor community activities. Williams Park and Caruth Park host recurring gatherings like movie nights and fishing derbies, while the Holmes Aquatic Center offers its Dive-In-Movies program.

Are events on the SMU campus open to the public?

Many events at Southern Methodist University are open to the wider community. Venues like Moody Coliseum, McFarlin Memorial Auditorium, and the Meadows Museum regularly host public performances, exhibitions, and speakers.