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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Popular in University Park

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2026 Christian Leadership Breakfast

Fri, Oct 16 • 8:30 AM

Moody Family YMCA

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2026 Public Scholar Lecture

Tue, Oct 20 • 12:00 PM

Fincher Building

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Bill McKibben on Heat, Climate and Clean Energy

Wed, Oct 21 • 6:30 PM

First Unitarian Church of Dallas

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Aya Medical Spa Provider Meet and Greet

Thu, Oct 29 • 4:00 PM

AYA Medical Spa Dallas - University Park

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The Fresh Challenge of Romans with N.T. Wright

Sun, Nov 1 • 6:00 PM

3933 Northwest Pkwy

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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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Dallas Housing Coalition 3rd Annual Housing Summit

Fri, Nov 20 • 8:30 AM

Highland Park United Methodist Church

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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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2026 Christian Leadership Breakfast

Fri, Oct 16 • 8:30 AM

Moody Family YMCA

Check ticket price on event

2026 Public Scholar Lecture

Tue, Oct 20 • 12:00 PM

Fincher Building

Check ticket price on event

Bill McKibben on Heat, Climate and Clean Energy

Wed, Oct 21 • 6:30 PM

First Unitarian Church of Dallas

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Aya Medical Spa Provider Meet and Greet

Thu, Oct 29 • 4:00 PM

AYA Medical Spa Dallas - University Park

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The Fresh Challenge of Romans with N.T. Wright

Sun, Nov 1 • 6:00 PM

3933 Northwest Pkwy

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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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Dallas Housing Coalition 3rd Annual Housing Summit

Fri, Nov 20 • 8:30 AM

Highland Park United Methodist Church

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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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Online Events

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wednesday • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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Perfectionnement en programmation Python [en ligne, PYT102]

Thursday • 9:00 AM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:30 PM EDT

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wednesday • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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Perfectionnement en programmation Python [en ligne, PYT102]

Thursday • 9:00 AM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:30 PM EDT

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Business & Professional events

CEO SUMMIT/Luncheon Workshop

Today • 12:00 PM

Maggiano's Little Italy

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

Tuesday • 9:00 AM + 20 more

8117 Preston Rd Suite 300

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Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green & Black Belt Training Program in Dallas

Tuesday • 9:00 AM + 22 more

8117 Preston Rd Suite 300

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PMP Certification In-Person Training in Dallas, TX

Mon, Oct 19 • 9:00 AM + 8 more

8117 Preston Rd suite 300

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

Tue, Oct 20 • 9:00 AM + 5 more

8117 Preston Rd suite 300

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Discover Dispute Resolution

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM

Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall

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Salesforce Administrator Training in Dallas with Trailhead and Practicals

Wed, Oct 28 • 9:00 AM + 2 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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CEO SUMMIT/Luncheon Workshop

Today • 12:00 PM

Maggiano's Little Italy

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

Tuesday • 9:00 AM + 20 more

8117 Preston Rd Suite 300

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Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green & Black Belt Training Program in Dallas

Tuesday • 9:00 AM + 22 more

8117 Preston Rd Suite 300

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PMP Certification In-Person Training in Dallas, TX

Mon, Oct 19 • 9:00 AM + 8 more

8117 Preston Rd suite 300

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

Tue, Oct 20 • 9:00 AM + 5 more

8117 Preston Rd suite 300

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Discover Dispute Resolution

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM

Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall

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Salesforce Administrator Training in Dallas with Trailhead and Practicals

Wed, Oct 28 • 9:00 AM + 2 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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Free events

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CEO SUMMIT/Luncheon Workshop

Today • 12:00 PM

Maggiano's Little Italy

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OLIPOP x Momofuku Drizzle & Drip Tour @SMU

Today • 11:00 AM

3100 Daniel Ave

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2026 Christian Leadership Breakfast

Fri, Oct 16 • 8:30 AM

Moody Family YMCA

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German Unity Day 2026: Germany Past, Present, and Future

Sun, Oct 18 • 2:30 PM

Frances Anne Moody Hall

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2026 Public Scholar Lecture

Tue, Oct 20 • 12:00 PM

Fincher Building

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Discover Dispute Resolution

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM

Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall

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Aya Medical Spa Provider Meet and Greet

Thu, Oct 29 • 4:00 PM

AYA Medical Spa Dallas - University Park

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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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CEO SUMMIT/Luncheon Workshop

Today • 12:00 PM

Maggiano's Little Italy

Check ticket price on event

OLIPOP x Momofuku Drizzle & Drip Tour @SMU

Today • 11:00 AM

3100 Daniel Ave

Check ticket price on event

2026 Christian Leadership Breakfast

Fri, Oct 16 • 8:30 AM

Moody Family YMCA

Check ticket price on event

German Unity Day 2026: Germany Past, Present, and Future

Sun, Oct 18 • 2:30 PM

Frances Anne Moody Hall

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2026 Public Scholar Lecture

Tue, Oct 20 • 12:00 PM

Fincher Building

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Discover Dispute Resolution

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM

Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall

Check ticket price on event

Aya Medical Spa Provider Meet and Greet

Thu, Oct 29 • 4:00 PM

AYA Medical Spa Dallas - University Park

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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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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.