Fort Worth knows how to party. This fall, the top fundraising galas in town will turn up the "Neon Lights," step right up to a "Cirque du Soiree," conduct a "Masquerade in the Lab," and bet on "A Night at the Races."

More than being fun, fancy fêtes to attend, these events raise vital funds for local nonprofit organizations (many of which are also participating in North Texas Giving Day, through September 19.)

So steam your gown, shine your boots, circle these dates on the calendar, and click through to reserve the 10 most coveted gala tickets in Fort Worth this season. (With an even longer list below.)

Cowtown Ball - September 27
American Cancer Society’s cowgirl-chic gala will bring all the sequins, spurs, boots, and bling to The Reserve at the Fort Worth Zoo. The 31st annual Cowtown Ball, themed “Neon Lights & Cowboy Nights,” is co-chaired by Christian Burton and Virginia Durham Carter with Ronda and Walter Stucker serving as honorary chairs. The night will include a giraffe feedings, sit-down dinner and open bar, live and silent auctions, raffle items, paddle raise, and boot-scooting the night away to Straight Tequila Night. To date, Cowtown Ball has raised more than $8.5 million for the American Cancer Society in the Fort Worth area. Limited tables and tickets (from $350) remain on the website.

The Ladder Alliance Elevate 2024 - September 27
It’ll be an “elevated” night of dancing under the neon lights, auctions, food, and fun at this Fort Worth nightlife-themed fête benefiting The Ladder Alliance. The cool cocktail-attire evening, chaired by Logan Speights, will raise vital funds toward Ladder Alliance’s mission of providing survivors of domestic violence and low-income women tools to gain employment and independence. It takes place at the 4 Eleven in the Near Southside and will include a three-course meal and a s’mores bar (come hungry!). Tickets are $150, available through September 16. For more information and tickets, visit the event website.

The attire is "lab coat chic" at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's Mad Scientist Ball. Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Mad Scientist Ball - September 28
"Masquerade at the Lab" is the theme of this year’s 21+ gala that will take over the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, after hours. While masks and masquerade garb are encouraged, guests will receive white lab coats to wear as they enjoy live music and magic to start the night; followed by “Taste of Texas” cuisine from top Fort Worth chefs, creative cocktails, silent and live auctions, museum exhibits, desserts, and dancing under the dinosaur. Kimberly and Joseph DeWoody chair this year's museum benefit. Limited tables and tickets (from $500) are available on the website.

A Cool Night for the WARM Place - October 12
Step right up for the WARM Place's biggest fundraiser of the year (with the most creative theme), “A Cool Night at the Cirque du Soiree.” The event has gotten so popular, it’s moving to a larger location this year: The Legends Club at Amon G. Carter Stadium at TCU. Event chair Lauren Muckleroy and her committee have set an ambitious goal to raise $500,000 for the organization’s children’s grief support program. Guests at the cocktail-chic gala can expect drinks, dinner, live entertainment, live and silent auctions, and more. The WARM Place provides peer-support groups for children and their families after the death of a loved one. Limited tickets ($250) are available on the website.

Monster Mash is the coolest Halloween-time costume party around.Facebook/The Women's Center

Monster Mash - October 18
The Women’s Center’s annual Halloween-time gala is getting back to its haunted roots with a classic Monster Mash Haunted Mansion – “where the eerie meets the exquisite!” Guests should dress in their “bootiful best” for drinks, dinner, photo booths, psychic readings, live entertainment by Downtown Fever, and more - all taking place at the Fort Worth Club. Proceeds from the ghoul-icious evening will go to support the Women’s Center’s mission to mission of inspire and empower women, men, and children to overcome violence, crisis, and poverty. For tickets (starting at $350), head here.

Former Fort Worth mayor Betsy Price serves as honorary chair of the 2024 Hope Gala. Photo by Trey Daugherty

Hope Gala - October 25
The third annual Hope Gala, benefiting New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy, has a familiar Fort Worthian serving as its honorary chair: former mayor Betsy Price. Held at the picturesque Lucky Spur Ranch in Justin, the evening will include a greeting by equine friends, dinner and open bar, silent and live auctions, and dancing to the Champagne Yacht Club Band. Event chair Jason Hodson and his committee have themed the event “A Night at the Races,” and they’re betting on raising crucial funds for the organization to provide therapeutic horseback riding services for people with a variety of disabilities, special needs, and challenges. Tickets ($175 each or $300 for two) are available on the website.

The Lone Star Film Festival Gala brings Hollywood A-listers (like "Yellowstone" stars) to Fort Worth. Photo courtesy of Lone Star Film Festival

Lone Star Film Festival Gala - November 1
The celebrity-studded Lone Star Film Festival is a November tradition in Fort Worth, and so is its grand gala - complete with an Oscars-style red carpet. This year's event moves to a new location - the Western-upscale Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection hotel. Presented by Lone Star Film Society and the Fort Worth Film Commission, the black-tie ball promises a night of food, libations, and celebrity appearances. Honorees will be announced soon. The gala benefits education outreach programming of the Lone Star Film Society. Tables and tickets ($600) are available on the website.

The Folds of Honor Gala will take over the field at AT&T Stadium.Facebook/Folds of Honor

Folds of Honor Gala - November 9
Always timed to coincide with Veterans Day, the Folds of Honor Gala brings together military families, veterans, scholarship recipients, and supporters on the field at Arlington's AT&T Stadium. The patriotic event's proceeds (which totaled over $3 million in 2023) go to educational scholarships for spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The black tie-optional evening will include seated dinner, auctions, dancing to Emerald City, and a few red-white-and-blue surprises. Honorary chairs are Dyan and Mike Colby. For tables, tickets, and donations, visit the website.

Presbyterian Night Shelter Home for the Holidays Gala - December 6
The 30th Anniversary Home for the Holidays Gala, taking place at the Fort Worth Club, promises to be a festive evening of dining, dancing, live and silent auctions, raffles, and games, all benefiting Presbyterian Night Shelter. Those who can’t attend in person can still bid on silent auction items online. All proceeds from the holiday-time event will go toward helping Tarrant County residents who are struggling with homelessness. For more information and tickets, visit the website.

Margarita Ball attracts a high-energy young professionals crowd. Photo by Rachel Delira

Fort Worth Margarita Ball - December 7
The secret to getting the most out of Margarita Ball is to arrive early when the margaritas are flowing. Benefiting Children's Charities of Fort Worth, the 35th annual black-tie gala will bring a young professional crowd to the Worthington Renaissance Hotel. They’ll dress to impress in traditional or Western formal attire for a night of hors d'oeuvres and complimentary margaritas, a casino, dancing to The Manhattan Band, silent auction, raffles, photo booths, and an appearance from Santa himself. Tickets are $150 in advance (while they last), then go up to $175. In an extra-charitable twist, a ticket includes a toy donation for local children. Tickets and information are here. As a run-up to the big gala, check out the celebrity fashion show taking place at 81 Club at Billy Bob's Texas on September 26; it's free to attend and will feature local celebrity models showcasing Margarita Ball-inspired looks.

Also save the date for:

• Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. Main Table - September 15 along Main Street downtown (sold out)
• Vitro Moda benefiting SiNaCa Studios School of Glass and Gallery - September 21 at The Social Space
• Roundup for Autism - September 21 at River Ranch Stockyards
• Christmas in Cowtown Preview Party - October 9 at Will Rogers Memorial Center
• Salvation Army Inspiring Hope Luncheon - October 16 at AT&T Stadium
• 65 Roses Wine & Food Extravaganza - October 16 at Benbrook Stables
• Bras for a Cause - October 18 at River Ranch Stockyards
• Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation Fête of Four Seasons - October 23 at Fort Worth Club
• Camp Fire An Artists’ Christmas - November 1 at River Ranch Stockyards
• National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon & Ceremony - November 12 at Dickies Arena
• Airpower Foundation Sky Ball - November 21 at Globe Life Field
• The Woman's Club of Fort Worth Casino Royale Gala - November 22 at The Woman's Club
• American Heart Association Hats for Heart Tea & Fashion Show - December 5 at The Bowden in Keller