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    best april society events

    21 best April events no savvy Houston socialite should miss

    Steven Devadanam
    Apr 2, 2019 | 9:07 am

    April in Houston may bring showers, but it also brings a flood of must-attend society events. Savvy partygoers can look forward to good-hearted luncheons, ultra-chic galas, hip, young professional happenings, an all-American bash honoring a Houston military legend, and a chance to party like a (Houston Zoo) animal.

     

    Nab those gowns and tuxes from the tailor, and dust off those cowboy boots: Here, then, are 21 can’t-miss society events for the jam-packed month of April.

     

     “Get In The Game for the Kids,” benefitting Escape Family Resource Center
     Date: April 3
    Chaired by Lara Bell and Roseann Rogers, this event benefits the Escape Family Resource Center, which provides healthy development for their children. Attendants can truly get into the game when they pack this sporting soiree at Union Station in Minute Maid Park.

     

     Crime Stoppers Young Professionals Kick-Off Event
     Date: April 4
    The mission of the Crime Stoppers of Houston Young Professionals Group is to cultivate a new generation of donors and to raise awareness about our mission to solve and prevent crime in the Greater Houston Area. The hip YP Kick-Off Event will be held at the El Pueblito Patio.

     

     Bayou Bend Fashion Show
     Date: April 5
    The Bayou Bend Fashion Show regularly attracts a prime social following of savvy fashionistas. The uber-elegant affair offers a catered lunch in a large, decorated open-air tent. Guests can also save the date for the Bayou Bend Children’s Party on April 6, and the Bayou Bend Garden Party on April 7, both of which takes place in the same tented spot.

     

     Cherish Our Children International Luncheon
     Date: April 5
    The 25-year-old COCI organization that benefits No More Victims, a program that helps high school students who have one or more parents who are incarcerated. The event, held at the Junior League, is chaired by Franelle Rogers and honorees include Dominique Sachse and Nick Florescu, restaurateur Ben Berg, and Arlene Levy. Keynote speaker is Dr. Chris Greeley, director of the Child Abuse Pediatrics Program at Texas Children’s Hospital.

     

     Heroes for Children presents Heroes and Handbags Brunch
     Date: April 5
    Stylish Houstonians can consider this a chance to nab a fab bag while supporting a worthy cause. Event chair Lisa Sharp and Heroes for Children will present a brunch and silent auction benefiting Texas families battling childhood cancer. The signature event includes a delicious champagne brunch, a meaningful program, and an exciting auction of designer handbags — which is a big draw each year at the River Oaks Country Club.

     

     Joe Niekro Foundation’s Knuckle Ball
     Date: April 5
    The baseball-themed, annual Houston Knuckle Ball: Field of Dreams, supports research of brain aneurysm, AVM, and hemorrhagic stroke research and awareness. The ball will honor top surgeons who are relentless in their work against these often devastating attacks. The Knuckle Ball will be thrown at the Ballroom at Bayou Place and is chaired by Tricia Bonilla Harrison, a survivor herself.

     

     Zoo Ball 2019: Flights of Fancy
     Date: April 6
    Houston's social birds of a feather are encouraged to flock to this festive, black-tie gala. Guests will encounter ambassador animals, bid on unique Zoo experiences and items, and shake their tail feathers on the dance floor. This year’s gala celebrates the Zoo’s diverse collection of birds and efforts to save bird species around the world. (Party note: Zoo after parties make for quite the late-night event; expect a hip, vibrant crowd.)

     

     The Society for the Performing Arts Black & White Ball
     Date: April 6
    Reminiscent of the “Party of the Century” hosted by Truman Capote in New York City in 1966, the SPA Black & White Ball will celebrate 50 years of the SPA. Expect inspiring cuisine, performances by the cast of Chicago, and music by Empire6 band at the Wortham Center. Guests are advised to wear formal attire and even masks.

     

     Sky High for Kids present “Ladies Who Brunch”
    Date: April 7

    Each Sky High for Kids event offers fashionable ladies the opportunity to mingle, enjoy light bites and cocktails, and raise money to help fight pediatric cancer. This year’s stylish soiree features guest Sonja Morgan from The Real Housewives of New York and will be held at Chapman & Kirby.

     

     The Spirit of Texas Battleship Texas Benefit
     Date: April 7
    Socially minded Houstonians, military supporters, and music fans are invited to party with country star Cory Morrow and honor local military hero Marcus Luttrell (known to many from the book and film Lone Survivor) as well as Shell Deer Park at this rousing benefit for the Battleship Texas. Ticket purchase includes free barbecue and an open bar. The boot-scootin’ party takes place at Armadillo Palace.

     

     2019 Game Day Gala
     Date: April 11
    Football is the theme here as founding chairmen Hannah and Cal McNair (of the Houston Texans) join founders Ericka and Garrett Graham and Ecclesia’s Chris Seay. Expect a host of Houston Texans past and present at this event that benefits Project 88, which connects kids to advancement and opportunity.

     

     Orange Show Center for Visionary Art’s Houston Art Car Ball
     Date: April 12
    One of the wildest — and most colorful — parties in Houston, the Legendary Art Car Ball at Hermann Square sees outrageous costumes, live music, performance art, and the now-famous art cars. Locals should save the date for the Houston Art Car Parade on April 13 as well. Nearly 250 colorful art cars, bikes, skaters, and motorized creatures will roll along Smith Street in downtown Houston.

     

     Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Gala and Art Auction
     Date: April 12
    This artful affair the CAMH’s 70th anniversary and is co-chaired by Haydeh and Ali Davoudi and Jordan and Dylan Seff. Look for a night of fine dining, cocktails, and a spirited contemporary art auction produced in partnership with Christie’s. The event benefits the CAMH’s programs and allows for free admission daily to the museum.

     

     Women of Wardrobe’s Spring Fling
     Date: April 13
    Ladies and gents are invited to the Women of Wardrobe and Dress for Success annual fundraiser. Look for fun raffle packages — including Astros tickets, dinners at restaurants such as Uchi, and more. The vibrant, feel-good event is sponsored by Melissa and Paul Dobrowski, Meg Greenwood Rife, Christine Lafollette, Tiffany LaRose, Sandy and Keith Oden, and Sydney and Jeff Shellebarger.

     

     Houston Grand Opera’s Opera Ball, “Cielito Lindo”
     Date: April 13
    Dramatic and elegant, Opera Ball is always a premier occasion on Houston’s gala calendar. Houston’s A-listers, gliterati, and movers, shakers, and tastemakers will gather at this fete that celebrates Mexico’s rich, vibrant culture and an extraordinary mix of influences and creative collisions at The Revaire. Expect breathtaking and one-of-a-kind gowns donned by local social royalty.

     

     DePelchin Children’s Center Families for Kids Luncheon
    Date: April 17

    Luncheon chairs Kim and Scott David invite locals to join them at River Oaks Country Club to honor The Hamill Foundation. Keynote speaker for the luncheon is Ashley Rhodes-Courter, an internationally recognized motivational speaker, children’s advocate, businesswoman, and author of the riveting books Three Little Words and Three More Words.

     

     Stand-Up for Brain Cancer Gala
    Date: April 18

    The Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research (Broach Foundation) will host its eight annual Stand-Up for Brain Cancer Gala at the River Oaks Country Club. Guests can expect to eat, drink, and laugh the night away with this year’s featured stand-up comedian, viral sensation John Crist — who boasts 500 million views.

     

     Crafting a Legacy Spring Luncheon
    Date: April 24

    Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s 10th annual Crafting a Legacy Spring Luncheon honors legendary arts professional Clint Willour. The longtime board and committee member has been a boon to the local arts scene for nearly 50 years. Luncheon guests can expect to shop and bid on contemporary craft, centerpiece artworks, and jewelry and accessories.

     

     Operation Smile’s Smile Gala
     Date: April 26
    The 2019 Houston Smile Gala will celebrate the hundreds of thousands of life-changing surgeries provided in more than 60 countries around the globe since 1982, as well as the thousands of smiles Operation Smile aspires to deliver this year. Hundreds of guests are expected to pack this formal event at the Hotel Zaza - Museum District.

     

     20th Anniversary Platinum Promise Ball
     Date: April 27
    The JDRF Houston Gulf Coast Chapter will host their 20th Anniversary Platinum Promise Ball. Philanthropic community leaders will come together to enjoy a seated dinner, silent and live auctions as well as exciting entertainment from Professor D sure to keep the guests dancing. Partygoers are then invited to test their luck as the party continues with the opening of late-night casino games, a champagne reception, open bar and late-night snacks.

     

     Cattle Baron's Ball “ City Lights & Bayou Nights!”
     Date: April 27
    This rowdy — and consummately Houston — party will see guests trying their hand at Vegas-style gaming and cheering on their favorite piglet during the pig races. Revelers can also enjoy the wine pull, featuring over 300 exemplary bottles of wine and champagne or the jewelry pull featuring Kendra Scott. Guests can dance the night away when Diamond Rio takes the stage, performing such hits as “One More Day,” “Love a Little Stronger,” and “Meet in the Middle.” The wildly popular shindig takes place at George Ranch Historical Park.

    Getting dramatic at Opera Ball.

    Houston, Houston grand opera ball, April 2017, dance floor
      
    Courtesy photo
    Getting dramatic at Opera Ball.
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    Silk and Sequins

    Cultural fashion takes center stage at Runway to Asia in Houston

    Joel Luks
    Jul 10, 2025 | 12:30 pm
    Asia Society Runway to Asia fashion show 2025
    Photo by Annie Mulligan
    Rekha Muddaraj, Shazia Sultan, Danny Nguyen, Zang Toi, Bonna Kol, Phoebe Tudor, and Leigh Smith.

    If fashion is a language, Runway to Asia spoke it fabulously fluently.

    The ballroom of The Post Oak Hotel shimmered with silk, sequins, and sartorial splendor as Asia Society Texas debuted its first-ever Runway to Asia style-studded affair — a glamorous gala-meets-catwalk moment where heritage was hand-stitched into haute couture.

    More than 300 guests filled the swanky venue for the event, greeted by models perched like living mannequins in Danny Nguyen’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, each ensemble a fabric-forward love letter to cultural identity and avant-garde vision. This was a glamnifesto on what it means to wear your roots with pride and purpose.

    Leading the stylish charge were co-chairs Leigh Smith, Shazia Sultan, and Phoebe Tudor, who curated the afternoon like seasoned couturiers. Attendees noshed on a three-course lunch before the real feast began: a full-throttle catwalk presentation honoring two design dynamos — Danny Nguyen, Houston’s own silhouettist supreme, and international fashion luminary Zang Toi.

    Rekha Muddaraj, former KHOU 11 anchor turned emcee extraordinaire, welcomed the crowd with poise, passing the mic to Asia Society Texas president Bonna Kol, who framed the gathering as more than just fashion, but part of the nonprofit’s mission to celebrate cultural diversity through art.

    The applause crescendoed when Michael Buening, the organization’s director of performing arts and culture, announced the event had raised more than $300,000 to fund more than 20 annual programs.

    Pro tip: philanthropy always looks better in couture.

    Then came the honors. Nguyen was honored with the Texas Trendsetter Award, praised by Shazia Sultan for blending traditional elegance with avant-glam silhouettes. Meanwhile, Tudor crowned Toi with the Global Icon Award, charting his runway rise from Malaysia to Manhattan.

    Toi’s “Opulence of the Orient Express” collection brought the house down with 37 jaw-dropping looks: Ottoman-inspired caftans, midnight velvet suits, pearl-dusted evening gowns, and coat-dress hybrids that defied the laws of layering. Each ensemble whispered luxury and screamed craftsmanship.

    The raffle added a thrill of retail roulette with prizes including a luxe Hill Country escape, personal styling sessions with the honorees, and golden tickets to Zang Toi’s Fall 2026 New York show.

    Soaking in the scene were Sushila Agrawal, Nancy Allen, Fady Armanious, Kristy Bradshaw, Divya Brown, Tripp Carter, Theresa Chang, Anne Chao, Molly Crownover, Kari Dagley, Chloe Dao, Debbie Festari, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Brigitte Kalai, Mandy Kao, Sippi Khurana, Karen Kwok, Teri Lee, Kelley Lubanko, Christy Lynn, Petra Martinez, Sneha Merchant, Duyen Nguyen, Cabrina Owsley, Akemi Saitoh, Miya Shay, Sue and Randy Sim, Shawn Stephens, Y. Ping Sun, Ileana Trevino, Janae Tsai, Stephanie Tsuru, Heidi Turney, and Asha Virani.

    Asia Society Runway to Asia fashion show 2025
      

    Photo by Annie Mulligan

    Rekha Muddaraj, Shazia Sultan, Danny Nguyen, Zang Toi, Bonna Kol, Phoebe Tudor, and Leigh Smith.

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