DMA Announces Year-End Programs Featuring Late Nights, a Family Festival and More!

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DMA Announces Year-End Programs Featuring Late Nights, a Family Festival and More!
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Dallas, TX—September 4, 2025—The DMA is ushering in the final months of 2025 with enriching events and programs for art lovers of all kinds. Perhaps the longest awaited of these is the return of Late Nights at the DMA! Now part of the Meet Me at the Museum series, Late Nights are back on September 12 like you’ve never seen them before! We’re turning the lights down and the volume up for an after-hours art-viewing experience complete with live DJs, craft cocktails, curator talks, art-making activities, and more!  

 

Late Nights at the Museum aren’t the only way to get your fix of art and culture in the evenings. The world-renowned literary and performing-arts program Arts & Letters Live has a star-studded lineup of authors and creatives for the second half of its 34th season. This fall’s events showcase a drove of foodie favorites: Samin Nosrat, who changed the cooking landscape with her simple yet revolutionary philosophy “salt, fat, acid, heat” joins us to share her new cookbook, Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with the People You Love (October 9); Emmy-winning chef and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich is sitting down with Chad Houser, founder and CEO of Cafe Momentum and recent recipient of the James Beard Humanitarian of the Year Award, to discuss her new pasta cookbook (October 21); and former Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi will chat with Priya Krishna, former New York Times restaurant critic, about her latest cookbook (November 20). 

 

As always, our littlest art lovers will have plenty of opportunities to explore the vibrant worlds of creativity at the DMA through ongoing programs for children as young as 0–24 months old. The Museum’s annual Family Festival is back on November 1, offering a look at the DMA for our youngest art lovers! During this free day of festivities for the whole family, guests can discover their inner artist with art-making activities, groove along to live tunes and meet and make with local artists. For the first time, we’re inviting local artists to submit proposals to be featured at the Family Festival! Creatives from the region can submit a proposal to host a workshop, lead a tour in the galleries, provide a demonstration or create a collaborative artwork with families attending the festival. 

 

Guests can plan their journey at dma.org/calendar and learn more about DMA programs at dma.org/programs. 

 

Fridays, September 12 and November 7, 7–11 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

We’re turning the lights down and the volume up, bringing you an elevated take on the beloved Late Night at the DMA series you remember. Back as part of the Meet Me at the Museum series, Late Night returns with more vibrant energy than ever—featuring live music, curated cocktails, curator talks, interactive art-making, and after-hours access to our Postwar and Contemporary Galleries. 

 

Friday, October 10, and Saturday, December 20, 6–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Jazz at the Museum is filling the halls of the DMA with the smooth sounds and soulful stylings of live jazz bands. Enjoy entertainment in a lounge-inspired setting with access to a full bar and light bites available for purchase, or upgrade your experience to include a culinary creation from the DMA Cafe and priority seating with a VIP ticket. Your ticket gets you access to selected exhibitions. VIP tickets must be purchased in advance, while general admission tickets can be bought either in advance or on the day of the event.   

 

Sunday, December 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Did someone say mimosas and Monet? Elevate your favorite special occasions with Brunch at the Museum. Celebrate in style with two fabulous opportunities to join us—Mother’s Day and the holidays. Your ticket includes chef-curated stations, live entertainment, and access to iconic art. 

 

Saturday, October 11, 8–10 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Have you ever wanted to play a live game of Clue? Put on your detective hat and solve one of our popular Museum Murder Mysteries. Make a night of it and grab a nibble and a drink in our DMA Cafe before the game starts at 8:00 p.m. If you solve the mystery before 9:30 p.m., you can enjoy full bar service in the DMA Cafe while you wait for the reveal. This event is for ages 16 and up. 

 

Thursday, September 4, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Thursday, September 4, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Tuesday, September 30, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Thursday, October 2, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Thursday, October 9, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Thursday, October 16, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Tuesday, October 21, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Tuesday, November 4, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Wednesday, November 12, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Thursday, November 20, 7:30–9 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Don't miss the opportunity to meet your favorite authors, hear about their creative process and get a book signed! Arts & Letters Live, the literary and performing arts series at the DMA, features award-winning authors, as well as new, emerging voices in the literary world. As one of the only nationally recognized literary series at a major art museum, Arts & Letters Live also offers creative multidisciplinary programming, combining literature with visual arts, dance, music and film. 

 

Wu Tsang’s Girl Talk 

Friday, September 5, noon–12:30 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

World Blindness Awareness Month 

Friday, October 10, noon–12:30 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Keir Collection of Islamic Art 

Friday, October 24, noon–12:30 p.m. 

 

Constellations: Contemporary Jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art 

Friday, November 14, noon–12:30 p.m. 

 

Creatures and Captives: Painted Textiles of the Ancient Andes 

Friday, December 5, noon–12:30 p.m. 

 

In a hurry? Art in Thirty! Pop into the Museum for a 30-minute journey through the DMA’s galleries. Art in Thirty provides free monthly gallery talks led by DMA staff, local scholars, and artists highlighting unique aspects of the DMA’s collection and exhibitions. 

 

Thursday, September 25, 6:30–8:30 p.m. 

Free; registration required 

 

Through a collaboration with the Crow Museum of Asian Art, the Center for Asian Studies at UT Dallas | the Carmen R. & Joseph G. Schneidler Lecture on Pan-Asian Culture, the DMA is proud to present Dr. Alexandra Munroe. In conjunction with the exhibition Return to Infinity: Yayoi Kusama, on view at the DMA. Dr. Munroe, the Senior Curator at Large, Global Arts, at the Guggenheim Museum and prominent Kusama scholar, will present a new lecture at the Crow Museum of Asian Art on the UT Dallas campus. 

 

Wednesday, September 10, 6–7 p.m. 

Free; registration required 

 

How does a museum build its collection? This conversation between Dr. Emily Friedman, The Allen and Kelli Questrom Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings; Jonathan Bober; and Carolyn Bullard will explore the state of the field of early modern prints and drawings, focusing on collecting and exhibition practices. As the Dallas Museum of Art’s inaugural curator of prints and drawings, Dr. Friedman will offer insights into the history of the works on paper collection at the Dallas Museum of Art and plans for future exhibitions. 

 

Friday, October 3, 1–2 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

The provenance research program on the ancient Mediterranean collection at the Dallas Museum of Art, supported by the Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History (EODIAH), has enabled in-depth investigations into the histories of individual objects. This research explores the evolution of taste, the dynamics of the art market, and the history of both private and museum collections. 

 

Two ancient Roman marble sculptures stand out for their rich and layered histories. Their trajectories trace back to the birth of archaeology in early modern Rome and follow the dispersion of antiquities across Europe during the Grand Tour era in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

  

This lecture will retrace the journey of both works from Italy to the United States using archival sources and the diverse methodologies employed in provenance research. 

 

Saturday, November 1, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Celebrate the power of creativity and all the ways we "MAKE" in this fun-filled day of free activities for the entire family. Enjoy art making, gallery activities, live music performances, and the chance to meet and make alongside local artists. 

 

NEW this year—we are inviting local artists to submit proposals to be featured at the Family Festival. Do you enjoy talking about your process and inspiring the next generation of artists? Submit a proposal to host a workshop, lead a tour in the galleries, provide a demonstration, or create a collaborative artwork with families attending the festival. Apply here by September 10. 

 

Water Babies 

Monday, September 8, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon 

Registration required 

 

Colors & Shapes 

Mondays, October 13, November 10, and December 8, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon 

Registration required 

 

Just for children 0–24 months old and their caregivers. Join us in the galleries for songs and story time, followed by playtime and an opportunity to mingle with other parents and caregivers. 

 

Selected Wednesdays and Fridays, September 5, 10, and 12, 11 a.m.–noon 

Registration required 

 

Me and My Senses 

Selected Wednesdays and Fridays, October 3, 8, and 10, 11 a.m.–noon 

Registration required 

 

Red, Yellow, and Blue 

Selected Wednesdays and Fridays, November 5, 7, and 14, 11 a.m.–noon 

Registration required 

 

Puppy Party 

Selected Wednesdays and Fridays, December 5, 10, and 12, 11 a.m.–noon 

Registration required 

 

For 2- and 3-year-olds and a favorite grown-up. We’ll explore works of art in the galleries and then create our own project or engage in sensory play. 

 

At the Fair 

Wednesday, September 3, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Little Snowflakes 

Wednesday, December 3, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Wee Wednesdays programming is specifically designed for children ages five and under, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy thematic art-making activities, story times, performances, and gallery activities. 

 

Thursday and Saturday, September 11 and 13, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Sense-sational Art 

Thursday and Saturday, October 9 and 11, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Froggy Fun 

Thursday and Saturday, November 6 and 8, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Drip and Drop 

Thursday and Saturday, December 11 and 13, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

For a 3–5-year-old and a favorite grown-up. Adults and young children listen to a story, look at works of art, and play hands-on games in the Museum galleries before creating an original work of art in the studio. 

 

Saturday, September 13, 1–2:30 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Sensory Explorations 

Saturday, October 11, 1–2:30 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Heroes & Villains 

Saturday, November 8, 1–2:30 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Painting Places 

Saturday, December 13, 1–2:30 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

For children ages 6–12 and their favorite grown-ups. Explore the galleries, engage in artful conversations and try hands-on games as a family before creating a work of art in the studio. 

 

Third Saturdays, 2–3 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Explore the DMA’s four floors of art with a DMA docent and visit some of the highlights of the Museum's global collection. Whether you are an art history buff or this is your first visit, we can't wait to talk about art with you! Tours meet at the Guest Services Desk near the Museum’s Main Entrance and are limited to 30 participants. All ages are welcome. To request accessibility accommodations such as ASL interpretation, gallery stools, or wheelchairs, please email access@dma.org. 

 

Saturdays and Sundays, September 6, 7, 20, and 21, 1–3 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Learn more about Color Vision Deficiency (CVD), more commonly known as color blindness, and try out our EnChroma® color-correcting glasses. These glasses enhance hues for individuals with red-green type CVD, allowing them to experience the entire color spectrum. 

 

Seeing Me for Me 

Sunday, September 28, noon–2 p.m. and 3–5 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Seeing Me for Me is a play that follows the journey of three women as they navigate life beyond their blindness, discovering their true identities and embracing their inner strength. Through themes of empowerment, friendship, and self-discovery, the play highlights the resilience and triumph of women who refuse to be defined by their challenges. This heartfelt production celebrates tenacity and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, inspiring audiences to see beyond limitations and recognize the beauty of authenticity. 

 

Art Beyond Sight Month Art Kits 

Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5, noon–4 p.m.  

Free; no registration required 

While supplies last 

 

Stop by Open Studio and receive a FREE Art Kit for an at-home art activity to celebrate Art Beyond Sight Month. Supplies are limited and cannot be reserved. 

 

Sensory Tour 

Saturday, October 5, 12:30–1 p.m. and 2–2:30 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

Space is limited 

 

In honor of Art Beyond Sight Month, join us to explore the 5 senses in the DMA collection. This 30-minute tour will feature gallery games, a small art-making project and lots of tactile materials. All ages are welcome. 

 

White Cane Day at the Nasher 

Tuesday, October 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Free; registration required 

 

The DMA is partnering with the Nasher Sculpture Center and the National Federation of the Blind, Dallas Chapter, to host a White Cane Day Awareness Walk at the Nasher Sculpture Center. Established by Congress in 1964, White Cane Safety Day—recognized annually on October 15—honors the independence and mobility that white canes provide for people who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, please email Access@DMA.org. 

 

Sensory Day at the Dallas Arboretum 

Tuesday, September 30, 5:30–8 p.m. 

Registration required 

 

Sensory Day at the Dallas Zoo 

Sunday, October 26, 8–11 a.m. 

Registration required 

 

Sensory Days are a collaboration between local arts and culture organizations to provide sensory-friendly programming. Families will have the opportunity to engage in fun interactives and explore the venues with less noise, crowds, and stimulation than a typical day. 

 

Hispanic Heritage 

First and third Saturdays and Sundays in September, noon–4 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Sculpting 

First and third Saturdays and Sundays in October, noon–4 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Art Exchange 

First and third Saturdays and Sundays in November, noon–4 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Wearable Art 

First and third Saturdays and Sundays in December, noon–4 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Whether you love to draw, paint, sculpt or glue, we've got a project for you! Stop by on the first and third Saturday and Sunday of September through December. Art projects change each month, offering new inspiration for playing and creating. All materials are provided. The first hour of Open Studio is dedicated to providing a pleasant sensory environment for art creation, with a focus on offering a calm and relaxing atmosphere for our sensory-sensitive attendees, but all are welcome! 

 

Saturdays, 1–4 p.m. 

Free; no registration required 

 

Looking for a hands-on experience in the DMA galleries? Visit the Pop-Up Art Spot for creative writing, playing, and sketching activities inspired by nearby works of art. All ages welcome. 

 

Nasher Sculpture Center 

Tuesday, September 23, 10:30 a.m.–noon 

Free; registration required 

 

Dallas Museum of Art 

Tuesday, October 28, 10:30 a.m.–noon 

Free; registration required 

 

Nasher Sculpture Center 

Tuesday, November 18, 10:30 a.m.–noon 

Free; registration required 

 

This program provides a nurturing environment for adults ages 45+ who experience chronic, life-threatening, or degenerative illness, or early to mid-stage dementia, along with their care partners. Trained staff will be leading the group. Please email us at Contact@meaningfulDFW.org to receive more information about the criteria for participation. 

 

Thursdays, September 4, October 2, and November 6, 9:45–10:45 a.m. 

Free; registration required 

 

In partnership with Making Memories, this free community program provides caregiver respite and meaningful engagement for adults experiencing dementia or memory loss. Hosted at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, the DMA and the Nasher Sculpture Center lead monthly art projects on the first Thursday of each month. Visit MakingMemoriesDallas.com to learn more and register. 

 

Program begins Tuesday, September 16 

Spring 2026 registration opens Monday, November 3 

 

Go van Gogh brings the wonders of the DMA to pre-K through 6th-grade students in your classroom, FREE OF CHARGE, through hour-long programs that inspire students to engage with works of art from our collection. All programs include hands-on experiences and art-making activities that provide opportunities for individual creative expression and are offered in English, Spanish, and Bilingual Spanish/English formats. Go van Gogh programs are available for schools (private or public) within Dallas city limits or that are part of Dallas ISD for grades pre-K through 6th and Special Education. 

 

Spring 2026 registration opens Monday, November 3 

 

Our Special Education Art Workshops bring the wonders of the DMA to pre-K through 12th-grade students in your special education classroom (FLS, TC, and ADL), FREE OF CHARGE, through an hour-long workshop that inspires students to engage with works of art from our collection. All workshops include hands-on exploration, experiences, and art-making activities that provide opportunities for individual creative expression. Workshops are offered in English, Spanish, and Bilingual Spanish/English formats. Special Education Art Workshops are currently available for any Dallas ISD campus, as well as for schools (private or public) within Dallas city limits.   

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Senior Manager of Public Relations
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Ellee McMeans
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