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Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Southwest Festivals

Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival is saying “thank you” to the men and women who serve their country and communities with special discounted admission available through GovX — giving eligible guests even more reason to experience the magic, mischief and adventure of the Hollow now through Nov. 1.

The exclusive ticket offer is available to a broad range of eligible service-related groups, including active-duty military members, veterans, retired military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, nurses, medical professionals, government employees and teachers.

Eligible guests can verify their status and access the special ticket offer at www.srfestival.com/govx/.

“Scarborough’s Hollow is all about bringing people together for fun, imagination and shared experiences, and we’re especially pleased to offer this discount to the people who give so much to our communities every day,” said Veronica Castelo, general manager of Southwest Festivals, producer of Scarborough’s Hollow and Scarborough Renaissance Festival. “Whether they serve in our military, keep our communities safe, care for us when we’re sick, teach our children or work in public service, this is one small way we can say thank you.”

The Hollow Is Open Now

Recognized as Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival in the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, Scarborough’s Hollow is open every Saturday now through Oct. 31, plus Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 9 p.m. at Scarborough Faire, 2511 FM 66 in Waxahachie. 

Guests don’t have to wait until Halloween to experience the Hollow. Every operating day transforms Scarborough Faire’s 16th-century village into an immersive world of fantasy, folklore and autumn adventure, with live entertainment, roaming characters, artisan shopping, seasonal food and beverages, interactive experiences and attractions that continue into the evening.

A New Chapter Begins

This season introduces a new chapter in the Hollow’s original storyline.

The Three Sisters — Morwyn, Faylen and Slyra — have long protected the balance of their magical realm. Now, a powerful new force has emerged.

Lucian seeks to claim the Hollow for himself, spreading his influence throughout the village and challenging the Sisters like never before. Guests become part of the unfolding adventure through live performances, roaming characters, interactive encounters and immersive storytelling woven throughout the festival grounds. 

The experience evolves from day into night, giving visitors opportunities to discover characters, stories and surprises as they explore the village.

Discover Something Around Every Corner

Throughout the Hollow, guests can browse handcrafted goods from talented artisans, enjoy seasonal food and beverages, relax in lively pubs, experience live music, comedy and stage performances, and encounter whimsical creatures and colorful characters around nearly every corner. 

Visitors are encouraged to become part of the fantasy by wearing family-friendly autumn, fantasy, Renaissance or period-inspired attire. Guests looking to complete their look can also shop for clothing, accessories, jewelry, artwork, home décor and handcrafted wares from the village’s artisan merchants. 

Immersive Attractions Add to the Adventure

Guests can further enhance their visit with optional attractions and premium experiences available throughout the festival.

Brave souls can enter the ancient Blackthorn Haunted Castle, where Lucian’s dark influence has transformed its halls into a foreboding realm filled with eerie encounters.

Families and adventure seekers can explore Trickster’s 3D Fun House, a whimsical walk-through attraction filled with colorful illusions, playful surprises and mind-bending twists inspired by Slyra’s mischievous magic.

Guests can also uncover hidden clues and forgotten secrets inside the Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery, an interactive scavenger adventure that becomes even more mysterious after sunset. 

Adults 21 and older can elevate their visit with guided Harvest Wine Tastings hosted by Certified Sommelier Flynn Markley or Brews of the Hollow Beer Tastings led by Certified Cicerone® Seamus Norwood. 

More Fall Fun Still to Come

While Scarborough’s Hollow is open now and every Saturday throughout October, two special celebrations will bring the 2026 season to a festive conclusion.

Halloween Celebration – Saturday, Oct. 31
Halloween at Scarborough’s Hollow combines beloved fall traditions with immersive fantasy adventures. The first 500 children through the gates will receive a complimentary trick-or-treat bag before collecting treats throughout the village from participating artisan merchants. Families can also enjoy the Costume Contest, pumpkin coloring in Kids’ Hollow, live entertainment, seasonal food and beverages, immersive attractions and fall photo opportunities. 

Día de los Muertos Celebration – Sunday, Nov. 1
The season concludes with a special Día de los Muertos celebration featuring live mariachi performances, cultural programming, colorful face painting and a community ofrenda honoring the memories of loved ones. Children can decorate Día de los Muertos sugar skull coloring pages in Kids’ Hollow, and guests of all ages are invited to participate in the Family Costume Contest.

From whimsical daytime adventures to an enchanting atmosphere after sunset, Scarborough’s Hollow gives guests an opportunity to celebrate the magic of autumn through imagination, exploration and shared experiences. Whether it is a family’s first visit or an annual tradition, every trip promises new discoveries, memorable characters and a little magic around every corner. 

Scarborough’s Hollow is open Saturdays now through Oct. 31, plus Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 9 p.m. 

Eligible military members, veterans, first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, government employees and other qualifying groups can learn more, verify eligibility and purchase specially priced tickets at www.srfestival.com/govx/.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is sponsored by Dr Pepper and Tom Thumb & Albertsons. 

ABOUT SOUTHWEST FESTIVALS

Southwest Festivals produces immersive events celebrating history, creativity and community, including the nationally recognized Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival and the Texas Mead & Music Festival. Hosted at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, Southwest Festivals' events feature live entertainment, artisan marketplaces, interactive experiences, themed attractions, and exceptional food and beverage experiences.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival were recently recognized in the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, earning fan-voted honors as Favorite Renaissance Festival (Southeast) and Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival, respectively.

 

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) will celebrate the successful conclusion of Dream Big, its historic first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, with a week of public festivities in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Launched in celebration of TWU’s 125th anniversary, by year’s end the campaign will significantly surpass its original goal of $125 million, raising $191 million to date to expand student opportunity, fuel academic and research innovation, and support the university’s continued growth.

Festival highlights include TWU history exhibits, two original stage productions, interactive mural and video projects, a history-flavored cooking demonstration, a Paup Lecture on women’s sports and a special gymnastics exhibition, among a host of other activities.  The festival will also include a groundbreaking celebration for the upcoming athletic complex named in honor of TWU alumna Dr. Dawn S. Chaney, as well as the unveiling of a new campus art installation inspired by the supporters of the Dream Big campaign. Most events are free.


WHEN/WHERE

OCT. 19-24, 2026
Texas Woman’s University (Denton, Dallas and Houston)

Full schedule: https://events.twu.edu/event/dream-big-festival


FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Make your mark on TWU:

OCT. 19: Community Mural (Student Union at Hubbard Hall - South Stairwell, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Help paint a community mural designed by TWU students.

OCT. 22-23: 125th Celebration Photo Wall (Student Union at Hubbard Hall,  6-8 pm on Oct. 22;  4-6 p.m. on Oct. 23)
Add a printed photo of a favorite TWU memory to an interactive logo wall and participate in a special anniversary video montage.


TWU history up close (and tasty):

OCT. 19-24: “125 Years of Pioneering New Trails” (Exhibit at the Blagg-Huey Library - 1st-2nd floors)
Explore the university’s fascinating history through an intriguing collection of photographs, letters, and other treasures.

OCT. 19-24: “125 Years of Academic Evolution” (Exhibit at the Blagg-Huey Library - Den)
Trace TWU’s academic journey from the original four courses to today’s five colleges.

OCT. 20: Special Collections and University Archives Open House (Blagg-Huey Library - 2nd floor, 1-4 p.m.)
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at rare books, WASP artifacts, and university history.

OCT. 22: “A Taste of TWU History” (Neva Hudiburgh Cochran Wellness Kitchen, 10:30-noon)
Join TWU Libraries and the Department of Nutrition & Food Sciences for a culinary demonstration inspired by the university’s renowned cookbook collection.

Big ideas and bold conversations:

OCT. 19-24: Research Symposiums | Graduate Open Houses |TEDxTWU Salon  (See website for event details)

OCT. 20: “The Next Play: Leadership in Women’s Sports (Student Union at Hubbard Hall - Southwest Ballroom,
7 p.m.)
This special installment of TWU’s acclaimed Paup Lecture Series explores leadership and the business of women’s sports. Dallas Sports Commission executive Monica Paul will headline the conversation, joined by two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Brandi Chastain and Dallas Trinity FC president and founder Charlie Neil. Tickets required.


Dream Big becomes public art:

OCT. 17: “Dreams” Sculpture Opening
Three new large-scale sculptures commemorating the impact of the Dream Big campaign, created by noted artist Bianca Beck, will make their debut as a permanent campus art installation near the amphitheater along North Bell Avenue.

A new era for Pioneer athletics:

OCT. 23: Dr. Dawn S. Chaney Athletics Complex Groundbreaking (Pioneer Soccer Park- Entrance, 11 a.m.)
TWU will celebrate the upcoming construction of a new athletics complex named in recognition of a transformational $10 million gift from three-time TWU alumna and philanthropist Dr. Dawn S. Chaney.

Pioneer athletics in action:

OCT. 23: Special Gymnastics Practice Viewing Party (Dance-Gymnastics Lab Building - 3rd Floor, 2 p.m.)
Experience an action-packed, up-close look at TWU’s 14-time national champion gymnastics program.

OCT. 23: Artistic Swim Exhibition (Pioneer Hall Pool, 3 p.m.)
TWU’s top-ranked artistic swimming team will present a thrilling swim exhibition.

OCT. 21: Goals, Beats, Eats (Pioneer Soccer Park, 5-6 p.m.)
Enjoy limited edition giveaways, music, free food trucks and games, plus cheer the Pioneers as they take on Lubbock Christian. Stick around for a post-game contest with a $2,500 scholarship prize!

OCT. 23-24: Pioneer Volleyball (Kitty Magee Arena - 6 p.m. on Oct. 23;  2 p.m. on Oct. 24)
Cheer the Pioneers as they face Lubbock Christian and Midwestern State, at matches featuring special fan experiences. Volleyball Tailgate at 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 at Pioneer Hall.

Pioneers on stage:

OCT. 21-25: The Night Witches (Redbud Theatre - evening and matinee performances)
This TWU-original work is inspired by the legendary all-female Soviet bomber pilots of World War II. Tickets.

OCT. 22-24: The Suffragist (Margo Jones Performance Hall -evening and matinee performances)
A new musical about Alice Paul explores the fight for women’s voting rights. Tickets.

125 years of art and artists:

OCT. 23: Alumni Art Show and Reception (Fine Arts Annex - East and West Galleries, 5-7 p.m.)
Celebrate TWU’s visual arts legacy at a reception featuring two anniversary exhibitions: the Distinguished Alumni Invitational Exhibition (Sept. 28-Oct. 24), showcasing work by more than a dozen accomplished alumni artists, and the TWU Visual Arts Juried Alumni Exhibition (Sept. 28-Oct. 24), featuring emerging, mid-career and established alumni working across a range of media.

Honoring local history:

OCT. 20: Quakertown Memorial Ribbon Cutting (near the East Campus Pavilion, 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.)
TWU will dedicate a new memorial honoring Quakertown, the historic Black neighborhood displaced in the 1920s, with historical storytelling and the unveiling of a commemorative exhibit.

Houston and Dallas celebrations:

OCT. 19: Past & Present Unite: Celebrating 125! (TWU Dallas – noon-1 p.m.)
Celebrate 125 years of TWU with food, fun, photo opportunities and Pioneer pride.

OCT. 20: Rise & Dream Breakfast: Celebrating 125 Years of TWU (TWU Houston – 8-11 a.m.)
Start the day with breakfast and a celebration of TWU’s past, present and future.

For the complete festival lineup, visit: https://events.twu.edu/event/dream-big-festival

ABOUT TWU:
Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2024, TWU eclipsed a $125 million goal in its ongoing fundraising effort, DREAM BIG, which supports programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.edu or twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity.

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit: Erik Palos, Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman’s University, Bezos Academy, the City of Denton and Texas Women’s Foundation celebrated the opening of Bezos Academy Denton Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new $6 million preschool located on the Texas Woman’s University campus.

The six-classroom preschool at 1820 Frame St. is the largest Bezos Academy preschool in Texas and will provide full-day preschool at no cost to families for up to 120 children ages 3 to 5. The school officially opens to students Sept. 8. 

Texas Woman’s University Chancellor and President Carine M. Feyten joined Bezos Academy Chief Learning Officer Dr. Brandi Kenner,Denton Mayor Chris Watts and Texas Women’s Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White for remarks before participating in the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Following the ceremony, guests toured the new preschool.

“Texas Woman’s has long recognized the financial hardships that many of our student-parents face, particularly when it comes to childcare, and for them this academy is a true gamechanger,” said TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten. “Texas Woman’s, Bezos Academy and the City of Denton have a shared mission to develop lifelong learners and leaders by increasing educational access – and this academy will help us achieve that.”

The preschool was constructed on university-owned land through a partnership involving Texas Woman’s University, Bezos Academy and the City of Denton. The city contributed $1.5 million toward the $6 million project.

Bezos Academy Denton will offer full-day, Montessori-inspired preschool at no cost to families served, through fully funded scholarships. Meals, educational materials and other programming also are provided at no cost. Twenty percent of the preschool’s seats are reserved for children of TWU students, faculty and staff, with the remaining 80% available to families in the surrounding community. 

"When parents know their children are safe, supported, and learning, they're able to focus on goals of their own, whether that's pursuing a degree, building a career, or creating new opportunities for their family,” shared Dr. Brandi Kenner, Chief Learning Officer at Bezos Academy. “Thank you to Texas Woman's University, the City of Denton, and Texas Women's Foundation for showing what's possible when a community comes together to remove barriers and expand opportunities for children and families. We can't wait to open our doors." 

The opening comes at a time when the affordability and availability of quality child care continue to present challenges for Texas families. Child care in Texas costs approximately $11,000 annually, an amount comparable to state college tuition, according to Texas Women’s Foundation. In Dallas County, child care costs represent approximately 12.5% of median family income.

The economic implications extend beyond individual families. Texas Women’s Foundation estimates that parents missing work because of inadequate access to child care and preschool could result in cumulative economic losses of $562 million to $859 million in Dallas County and $5.5 billion to $8.3 billion statewide over the next decade.

During Wednesday’s ceremony, Hughes White addressed the importance of access to child care for Texas families and findings from Texas Women’s Foundation’s “Addressing the Texas Childcare Crisis” research, while Watts spoke about the City of Denton’s partnership and support for the project. Kenner discussed Bezos Academy’s mission, curriculum and approach to early childhood education.

More than 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before age 5, making early childhood a critical period for learning and development. High-quality preschool can help children establish foundational language, literacy, math and social-emotional skills that support their transition to kindergarten and elementary school.

Bezos Academy Denton is fully enrolled for fall 2026 following a lottery process. Families interested in future enrollment opportunities and eligibility information can visit https://bezosacademy.org/eligibility/. 

With the Denton location, Bezos Academy will operate 12 schools across Texas this fall, including six in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, five in the greater Houston area and one in San Antonio.

MORE INFORMATION:

https://bezosacademy.org/schools/denton-tx/

940.283.8008 or denton@bezosacademy.org 

About Texas Woman’s University:

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2024, TWU eclipsed a $125 million goal in its ongoing fundraising effort, DREAM BIG, which supports programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.edu or twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity. 

About Bezos Academy: 

Bezos Academy is a nonprofit organization operating a network of full-day preschools at no cost to families served. Through fully funded scholarships, Bezos Academy provides students with all necessary educational supplies and services to set each student up for success, including Montessori materials, books, arts and crafts, field trips and meals. Bezos Academy operates preschools across Arizona, Hawaii, Florida, Kentucky, Texas and Washington. 

 

As of fall 2026, Bezos Academy will operate 12 schools across Texas including six schools in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, five schools in greater Houston, and one school in San Antonio. For more information, visit BezosAcademy.org.

 

# # #

 

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit: Southwest Festivals Scarborough's Hollow will be open Saturdays, Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, plus Sunday, Nov. 1, for a special Día de los Muertos celebration.

Recognized as Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival at the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, as voted on by Renaissance festival fans nationwide, Scarborough's Hollow returns this fall with its biggest and most immersive season yet. The expanded fall fantasy festival transforms Scarborough Faire’s 16th century village into an enchanted world of fantasy, folklore and unforgettable autumn adventure

Scarborough's Hollow will be open Saturdays, Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, plus Sunday, Nov. 1, for a special Día de los Muertos celebration. Festival hours are 1 to 9 p.m. at Scarborough Faire, 2511 FM 66 in Waxahachie. Tickets start at $29.70 for adults and $16.50 for children ages 5 to 12, plus tax, and go on sale Aug. 6 at www.ScarboroughsHollow.com.

Expanded for 2026, the festival offers more live entertainment, artisan shopping, seasonal food and beverages, themed environments, immersive attractions and interactive experiences than ever before. From lively village streets to enchanted gathering places, each area has been thoughtfully designed to reveal new experiences throughout the day and into the evening.

"Scarborough's Hollow isn't just another seasonal attraction," said Veronica Castelo, general manager of Southwest Festivals, producer of Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow. "It's an immersive fantasy world where guests become part of the story. Every visit leads to a new discovery, every character has a tale to tell, and every visit offers something different to explore. We wanted to create an experience where people can escape reality for a day and step into a magical world they'll want to visit again and again."

A New Chapter Begins

This season introduces a new chapter in the Hollow's original storyline.

The Three Sisters, Morwyn, Faylen and Slyra, have long protected the balance of their magical realm. Now, a powerful new force has emerged.

Lucian seeks to claim the Hollow for himself, spreading his influence throughout the village and challenging the Sisters like never before. Guests will experience this unfolding adventure through live performances, roaming characters, interactive encounters and immersive storytelling woven throughout the festival grounds.

Discover Something Around Every Corner

Throughout the village, guests can browse handcrafted goods from talented artisans, enjoy seasonal food and beverages, relax in lively pubs, experience live music, comedy and stage performances, and encounter whimsical creatures and colorful characters around nearly every corner.

Visitors are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the Hollow by wearing family-friendly autumn, fantasy, Renaissance or period-inspired attire. Guests looking to complete their look can also shop for clothing, accessories and handcrafted wares from the village's artisan merchants.

Signature Weekends & Seasonal Celebrations

Throughout the season, Scarborough's Hollow will feature special themed weekends that provide guests with even more reasons to return. From celebrating accessibility and honoring talented artisans to festive Halloween activities and a colorful Día de los Muertos celebration, each event offers unique experiences while preserving the immersive fantasy atmosphere of the Hollow.

Deaf Awareness Day – Saturday, Oct. 3

Scarborough's Hollow will celebrate Deaf Awareness Day in partnership with Hired Hands, Inc., reinforcing the festival's commitment to creating an inclusive experience for all guests. American Sign Language interpretation will be available during select performances throughout the day, making the Hollow's entertainment, storytelling and magical experiences more accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Artisan Appreciation Weekend – Saturday, Oct. 17

The festival will spotlight the talented artisans whose handcrafted creations help bring the village to life during Artisan Appreciation Weekend. Guests can meet the makers while exploring unique jewelry, leatherwork, pottery, artwork, home décor, fantasy-inspired gifts and more throughout the Artisan Village.

As a special one-day promotion, guests who spend $250 or more with participating artisans will receive one complimentary admission ticket to either the 2027 Scarborough Renaissance Festival or any remaining 2026 Scarborough's Hollow operating day. Guests must present same-day qualifying receipts totaling $250 or more at the Redemption Booth before leaving the festival. Exclusions apply.

Halloween Celebration – Saturday, Oct. 31

Halloween at Scarborough's Hollow combines beloved fall traditions with immersive fantasy adventures. The first 500 children through the gates will receive a complimentary trick-or-treat bag before collecting treats throughout the village from participating artisan merchants. Families are encouraged to arrive in costume for the Costume Contest, enjoy pumpkin coloring in Kids' Hollow and experience the festival's live entertainment, artisan marketplace, seasonal food and beverages, Blackthorn Castle Haunted House, Rottingwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt and festive fall photo opportunities.

Día de los Muertos Celebration – Sunday, Nov. 1

The season concludes with a special Día de los Muertos celebration honoring one of Mexico's most cherished traditions. Guests will enjoy live mariachi performances, special cultural programming, colorful face painting and a beautifully crafted community ofrenda honoring the memories of loved ones. Children can decorate Día de los Muertos sugar skull coloring pages in Kids' Hollow, while guests of all ages are invited to participate in the Family Costume Contest before experiencing one final day of live entertainment, artisan shopping, immersive attractions and seasonal food and beverages.

Immersive Attractions

Guests can further enhance their visit with optional attractions and premium experiences available throughout the festival.

Brave souls can enter the ancient Blackthorn Haunted Castle, where Lucian's dark influence has transformed its halls into a foreboding realm filled with eerie encounters.

Families and adventure seekers can explore Trickster's 3D Fun House, a whimsical walk-through attraction featuring colorful illusions, playful surprises and mind-bending twists inspired by Slyra's mischievous magic.

Guests can also uncover hidden clues and forgotten secrets inside the Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery, an interactive scavenger adventure that becomes even more mysterious after sunset.

Adults 21 and older can elevate their visit with guided Harvest Wine Tastings hosted by Certified Sommelier Flynn Markley or Brews of the Hollow Beer Tastings led by Certified Cicerone® Seamus Norwood.

Admission starts at $29.70 for adults and $16.50 for children ages 5 to 12 plus taxes, with season passes, bundled admission packages and premium experiences also available. Children 4 and younger are admitted free. General parking is included with most adult admission tickets. Reserved premium parking, tastings and select attractions are available for an additional charge.

From whimsical daytime adventures to an enchanting atmosphere after sunset, Scarborough's Hollow offers guests an opportunity to celebrate the magic of autumn through imagination, exploration and unforgettable shared experiences. Whether it is a family's first visit or an annual tradition, every trip promises new discoveries, memorable characters and a little magic around every corner.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is sponsored by Dr Pepper and Tom Thumb & Albertsons.

For schedules, tickets and additional information, visitwww.ScarboroughsHollow.com or follow SRFestival on Facebook,Instagram TikTok, and YouTube.  

ABOUT SOUTHWEST FESTIVALS

Southwest Festivals produces immersive events celebrating history, creativity and community, including the nationally recognized Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival and the Texas Mead & Music Festival. Hosted at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, Southwest Festivals' events feature live entertainment, artisan marketplaces, interactive experiences, themed attractions, and exceptional food and beverage experiences.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival were recently recognized in the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, earning fan-voted honors as Favorite Renaissance Festival (Southeast) and Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival, respectively.

 

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit: Erik Palos, Texas Woman's University Texas Woman's University and Girl Scouts leaders celebrated the partnership during Thursday’s signing ceremony at Texas Woman's University's Brackenridge Hall Auditorium.

Texas Woman's University (TWU) and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas launched a strategic partnership that creates expanded admissions, scholarship and college readiness opportunities for Gold Award Girl Scouts.

TWU and Girl Scouts leaders celebrated the partnership during Thursday’s signing ceremony at Texas Woman's University's Brackenridge Hall Auditorium. The agreement establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration between the two organizations while strengthening the pipeline of future women leaders through education, leadership and service.

"As Texas Woman's University celebrates its 125th anniversary, this partnership reflects our longstanding commitment to recognizing leadership and expanding educational opportunity for women," said Dr. Carine Feyten, chancellor and president of Texas Woman's University. "Gold Award Girl Scouts have already demonstrated the perseverance, initiative and service that define exceptional leaders. We are proud to recognize those accomplishments and help these young women continue their leadership journey at Texas Woman's."

Through the partnership, eligible Gold Award Girl Scouts will receive admission consideration after completing their junior year of high school, subject to university admission requirements. Additional benefits include merit scholarship opportunities for qualifying students, admission application fee waivers, dedicated admissions counseling, financial aid guidance and college readiness programming. Eligible students also may qualify for TWU's Zero Tuition Guarantee.

Beyond student benefits, the partnership creates new opportunities for collaborative educational outreach, student engagement and leadership development initiatives while increasing awareness of Texas Woman's University among Girl Scouts throughout Northeast Texas.

"Leadership begins long before a young woman arrives on a college campus," said Jennifer K. Bartkowski, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. "Through Girl Scouts, girls develop the courage, confidence and character to lead, and Texas Woman's University will help them build on that foundation through higher education. Together, we're building the leadership pipeline for Texas."

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting and recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable projects that create lasting community impact. Under the partnership, Gold Award recipients will have expanded access to admissions support and educational resources designed to help them successfully transition to college.

As Texas Woman's University celebrates its 125th anniversary, the new agreement reflects the university's continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities and preparing future generations of women leaders through education, leadership and service.

ABOUT TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1901, Texas Woman's University is the nation's largest university system focused on women. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, TWU is a Carnegie-classified R2 institution with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston, offering programs in the liberal arts and sciences, nursing, health sciences, business and education. The university is committed to expanding opportunity through education, innovation and leadership.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEAST TEXAS

Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas serves girls and volunteers across 32 counties, helping young people build courage, confidence and character through leadership experiences, STEM education, outdoor adventure and community service. The organization operates the first STEM Center of Excellence in the Girl Scout Movement and recently opened the first two Girl Scout DreamLabs in Texas.

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Texas Woman's University

Before Texas women could vote, they could pursue a higher education at the Girls Industrial College, a one-building campus in Denton, a rural North Texas community known at the time primarily for agriculture and trade.

Founded in 1901 after years of persistent advocacy by civic leaders and women-led organizations — and graduating just one student in its inaugural class — Texas Woman’s University began as a little-known but ambitious effort to expand educational opportunity for Texas women. Today, it is a nationally recognized, Carnegie-classified R2 research institution and the nation’s first and only woman-focused public university system, with an enrollment of more than 15,000 across campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston and a network of more than 121,000 alumni spanning Texas and beyond. 

This fall, State Fair of Texas visitors will have an opportunity to experience the university’s remarkable history firsthand through “Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman’s University,” a landmark exhibition celebrating TWU’s 125th anniversary. View the TWU history timeline. 

“Texas Woman’s University was founded on a bold idea — that everyone deserves an education that prepares them not simply to participate in society, but to help shape it,” said Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine  Feyten. “For 125 years, TWU has forged a remarkable legacy of opening doors, expanding opportunity and transforming lives.”  

Drawing from selections housed in the Texas Woman's University Special Collections and University Archives, the exhibit tells the story of more than a century of ambition, resilience, innovation and Pioneer spirit, reflecting TWU's enduring impact on education, healthcare, leadership and opportunity for women and families.

At the heart of the exhibit are selections from The Woman's Collection, one of the nation's oldest and largest repositories dedicated to women's history, alongside materials preserved through the university archives. Established in 1932 and designated Texas' official women's history collection in 1979, The Woman's Collection curates stories ranging from nationally known trailblazers to everyday women whose quieter lives helped shape communities, professions and families across generations.

The "Blazing New Trails" TWU history exhibit includes opportunities to:

• Trace TWU's fascinating history through founding-era documents, early university records and other rarely-seen archival materials that chronicle the university's growth from a small women's college to a nationally recognized university system.

• Explore changing roles for women and the evolution of campus life through historic photographs, campus publications, apparel, uniforms and artifacts spanning more than a century of university traditions, milestones and everyday moments.

• Discover intriguing selections from some of TWU's most celebrated collections, including the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) archive and TWU's renowned cookbook collection.

• Experience stories of innovation, service and leadership through materials reflecting TWU's legacy in healthcare, public service, research and decades of barriers broken and doors opened for women in Texas and beyond. 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND 


At its core, this exhibit is about people—the administrators, faculty, staff, students and alumnae who changed the landscape of TWU over time and were pioneers in every sense of the word,” said Suzanne Sellers, dean of libraries. “Each piece tells a story of new trails blazed for women—not just in access to higher education, but as entrepreneurs, pilots, politicians, healers and educators who broke barriers in fields that had long excluded them.”  

The story of Texas Woman’s University began long before the institution opened its doors. Throughout the 1890s, civic leaders and women-led organizations advocated for the establishment of a college where young women could receive a practical education at a time when opportunities for women were sharply limited. In 1901, the Texas Legislature authorized the founding of what would become the Girls Industrial College, combining traditional literary education with instruction in domestic sciences, child care and practical nursing.

When classes began in 1903, the institution enrolled 186 students and employed a faculty of 14. Its curriculum reflected both the realities and aspirations of the time, offering courses ranging from photography, bookkeeping and literary studies to horticulture, nursing care, child development and the chemical study of foods. Helen M. Stoddard, Mary Eleanor Brackenridge and Eliza S. R. Johnson served among the university’s original board of regents, becoming the first women to sit on the governing board of a Texas university. Over time, TWU expanded both its curriculum and access, responding to and often shaping expanding opportunities for women in higher education and professional life. Today, Texas Woman’s University is:

  • The nation’s first and only woman-focused university system, with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston.
  • A nationally recognized, Carnegie-classified R2 research institution known for student experience, social and economic mobility, academic quality and leadership in nursing and allied health professions, education, arts and sciences, and business.
  • Home to recent milestones signaling the university’s growing impact, including the opening of a $107 million Health Sciences Center and the launch of the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences.
  • An institution that continues to advance affordability, first-generation student success, service to student parents, research and workforce preparation for a diverse student body that is nearly 90% women. 

The State Fair exhibit is a highlight of the university’s 125th anniversary celebration, themed “Dreaming Big for 125 Years,” which honors TWU’s history while looking toward its future. Anniversary programming will continue throughout the year, including the Dream Big Festival (Oct. 19–24), featuring student-centered activities, athletics events, lectures, history exhibits, a suffrage musical and the reveal of a new public art installation. The anniversary activities also celebrate the successful conclusion of the Dream Big fundraising campaign, TWU’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, which is expected to significantly exceed its original goal of $125 million. 

Beyond the State Fair exhibit and anniversary celebrations, the public is encouraged to explore the extensive historical collections and archives housed in TWU’s Blagg-Huey Library, many of which are accessible year-round both in person and online. Through The Woman’s Collection and University Archives, visitors can engage with one of the nation’s richest concentrations of women’s history resources, including:

  • Women in aviation collections, including the official Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) archive
  • The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame collection
  • The Texas First Ladies Historic Gown Collection
  • The TWU Cookbook Collection, the largest such collection among U.S. academic institutions
  • Collections related to 20th-century women’s clubs and civic organizations
  • The recently acquired Florence Nightingale Collection
  • The papers of women leaders, such as Sarah Weddington, Jane Nelson and Eddie Bernice Johnson

To learn more about TWU’s history, collections and anniversary celebrations, or to make a gift in support of the Dream Big campaign, visit twu.edu/125th-anniversary

Kathy Beazley
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Photo courtesy of Southwest Festivals

Before beer was brewed and before wine became the drink of kings, there was mead.


Crafted by fermenting honey with water and yeast, mead is considered the world's oldest alcoholic beverage, enjoyed for thousands of years by ancient civilizations, celebrated during medieval feasts and forever linked with Renaissance history and folklore. Today, mead is one of the fastest-growing craft beverage categories, as adventurous drinkers, food lovers and experience seekers rediscover its rich history, remarkable versatility and distinctly modern appeal.


That growing interest comes to North Texas for the first time from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, as the Texas Mead & Music Festival, an event that has become a beloved tradition in Central Texas, makes its North Texas debut at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie. Tickets are on sale now. A portion of proceeds benefits the Texas Mead Association, supporting education, collaboration and the continued growth of mead making across the state.


Produced by Southwest Festivals, creators of the nationally recognized Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival, the one-day celebration invites guests to sip, learn and explore while enjoying award-winning Texas meads, five stages of live music, artisan shopping, educational presentations and several of Scarborough’s Hollow's signature attractions.


"There is no better place to celebrate mead than Scarborough Faire," said Veronica Castelo, general manager of Southwest Festivals. "For decades, guests have associated our Renaissance Festival with mead, history and craftsmanship. The Texas Mead & Music Festival builds on that tradition while introducing visitors to today's incredible Texas mead makers."


A FESTIVAL WORTH THE DRIVE
Located just 30 miles south of Dallas, the Texas Mead & Music Festival is more than a tasting event. This full-day experience features handcrafted meads from 13 award-winning Texas meaderies, live music on five stages, artisan vendors, and opportunities to learn directly from meadmakers and beekeepers.


Festival highlights include:

  • Sample handcrafted meads from 13 award-winning Texas meaderies
  • Meet the meadmakers behind one of Texas' fastest-growing craft beverage industries
  • Enjoy live performances on five stages featuring Texas Country and Red Dirt artists
  • Learn directly from experienced meadmakers and beekeepers during educational presentations
  • Shop artisan vendors offering handcrafted goods, specialty foods and unique gifts
  • Experience several of the upcoming Scarboroughs’ Hollow 's most popular attractions, including the eerie Blackthorn Haunted Castle, the whimsical Trickster's 3D Fun House and the interactive Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt.

WHAT EXACTLY IS MEAD?
Made by fermenting honey with water and yeast, mead predates both beer and grape wine by thousands of years. While often referred to as "honey wine," it stands in a category all its own. Depending on the honey used and the addition of fruits, herbs, spices or botanicals, meads can range from crisp and dry to rich and sweet, still or sparkling, creating flavor profiles that appeal to wine drinkers, craft beer enthusiasts, bourbon aficionados and adventurous food lovers alike.


Behind every glass is another uniquely Texas story. From Hill Country wildflowers and East Texas forests to mesquite blooms across the plains, locally sourced honey gives Texas meads remarkable diversity and character. Much like grapes influence the flavor of wine, the floral source of honey shapes the aroma and taste of every mead.


MEET THE MAKERS BEHIND TEXAS MEAD
Among the featured meaderies are Dancing Bee Winery, built on nearly a century of Texas beekeeping heritage through Walker Honey Farm; Rohan Meadery at Blissful Folly Farm, Texas' oldest commercial meadery and a pioneer in regenerative agriculture; Breaking Brew Meadery, one of North Texas' first dedicated meaderies and home to award-winning session meads; Fox & Raven Mead, whose literary-inspired creations prove every great mead has a story to tell; and veteran-owned Texas Longhouse Meadery and Valkyrie's Kiss Mead, both recognized for award-winning meads crafted from Texas honey.
Festival guests will also discover the educational mission of Bee Immortal Mead, the creative Texas-inspired flavors of Curmudgeons Mead, the Viking-inspired craftsmanship of Bee & Brew, the collaborative expertise behind RenMead, the Norse traditions celebrated by Vinland Meads and Thorin's Mead, along with emerging producer Lonestar Meadery, each contributing to the remarkable diversity of Texas' growing mead movement.


"People are often surprised by mead," said Carlos Herrera, president of the Texas Mead Association and owner and meadmaker at Texas Longhouse Meadery in Wylie. "It's incredibly diverse, and there's truly something for every palate. The Texas Mead & Music Festival lets people explore meads from across the state, meet the makers and experience firsthand why this ancient beverage is enjoying such a remarkable revival."

LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS
Festival admission includes Mead Education presentations throughout the day in the Harvest Garden, where experienced meadmakers and beekeepers share the fascinating stories behind every glass.
Guests can discover how honey becomes mead, learn about the important role honey bees play in agriculture, trace mead's journey from ancient civilizations to today's thriving craft mead movement and, for VIP guests, learn the fundamentals of home mead making. These engaging presentations offer rare opportunities to interact directly with the experts shaping Texas' growing mead community.

FIVE STAGES OF TEXAS MUSIC
Great mead deserves a great soundtrack.


Live performances will fill five stages throughout the historic Scarborough Faire grounds, showcasing some of the best talent from the Texas Country and Red Dirt music scenes. The lineup includes fan favorite Kin Faux, acclaimed country artist Don Louis, West Texas Americana powerhouse Ronnie and The Redwoods, rising singer-songwriter Henry Merchant and veteran Texas troubadour Matt Hillyer and many others.

TICKETS
Tickets for the Texas Mead & Music Festival are available at TXMeadFest.com.


Adult General Admission (21+) | $38.50 plus tax includes one-day festival admission, six mead samples, a commemorative tasting cup, general admission parking and access to live music, Mead Education presentations, artisan vendors and festival activities.


General Admission (Ages 5-20) | $11 plus tax includes one-day festival admission. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.

Guests looking for an enhanced experience can purchase Adult VIP Admission (21+) | $55 plus tax, which includes one-hour early admission beginning at noon, a dedicated entrance, 12 mead samples, a commemorative tasting cup and access to Blackthorn Haunted Castle, Trickster's 3D Fun House and the Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt.


VIP Admission (Ages 5-20) | $22 plus tax includes early admission and access to the premium attractions. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.


Optional experiences include:

  • Blackthorn Haunted Castle | $11 plus tax
  • Trickster's 3D Fun House | $11plus tax
  • Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt | $7.70 plus tax
  • Reserved Premium Parking | $16.50 plus tax

Complete ticket information, schedules and festival details are available at TXMeadFest.com.

ABOUT THE TEXAS MEAD ASSOCIATION
The Texas Mead Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, promoting and advancing the craft mead industry across Texas through education, collaboration and advocacy. Representing commercial meaderies, beekeepers, industry partners and enthusiasts, the association works to increase awareness of mead while encouraging responsible growth of one of the state's fastest-growing craft beverage categories.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST FESTIVALS
Southwest Festivals produces immersive events celebrating history, creativity and community, including the nationally recognized Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival and the Texas Mead & Music Festival. Hosted at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, Southwest Festivals' events feature live entertainment, artisan marketplaces, interactive experiences, themed attractions, and exceptional food and beverage experiences.


Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival were recognized in the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, earning fan-voted honors as Favorite Renaissance Festival (Southeast) and Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival, respectively.

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit: Peterson Management Group Blue Goose Cantina's 24th Annual Hatch Chile Fest returns with 11 limited-time menu items featuring authentic Hatch chile peppers from New Mexico.

The arrival of Hatch chile season is one of the Southwest's most anticipated culinary traditions, and Blue Goose Cantina is celebrating the annual harvest with the return of its 24th Annual Hatch Chile Fest.

For more than two decades, the festival has been one of Blue Goose Cantina's signature seasonal traditions, drawing guests each year eager to enjoy the distinctive flavor of authentic Hatch chile peppers. Grown exclusively in New Mexico's Hatch Valley, Hatch chiles are prized for their earthy, smoky flavor and varying levels of heat, making them one of the country's most anticipated seasonal ingredients.

Available for a limited time only, this year's Hatch Chile Fest features 11 seasonal food and beverage offerings at all eight Blue Goose Cantina locations in Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills and Grand Prairie. The seasonal menu is available from early August through September, depending on the annual Hatch chile harvest. Once the harvest ends, so does the menu until next year.

From shareable appetizers and entrées to handcrafted cocktails and weekend brunch, Hatch Chile Fest offers something for every Hatch chile fan.

APPETIZERS

Hatch Trick — $15
Three ways to enjoy Hatch Chile Season! Creamy Hatch queso, roasted green Hatch salsa and our signature Hatch guacamole.

Hatched Eggs — $12 (New!)
Hatch chiles mixed with our slow-braised brisket and Jack cheese, hand-breaded and fried to crispy perfection. Served with Hatch guacamole and Hatch pico de gallo.

ENTRÉES

Hatch Pulled Chicken Enchiladas — $15
Two enchiladas topped with your choice of spicy Hatch salsa or Hatch queso. Served with Spanish rice and charro beans.

Hatch Dirty Bob — $18
A crispy, golden-fried flour tortilla filled with slow-braised birria, Hatch salsa, refried beans and Jack cheese, topped with our signature Hatch queso. Served with Spanish rice, refried beans, Hatch guacamole and fresh Hatch pico de gallo.

Hatch Street Tacos — $14
Four corn tortilla street tacos topped with fajita chicken (2), fajita beef (2), spicy Hatch pineapple pico and queso fresco. Served with Hatch salsa.

Hatch Tamales — $15 (New!)
House-made tamales stuffed with slow-braised birria, roasted Hatch peppers, roasted sweet corn and fresh green beans. Served with creamy Hatch queso, house-made Hatch salsa, poblano lime rice and black beans.

Hatch Power Bowl — $17 (New!)
Mesquite-grilled chicken served over a bed of lime rice with roasted sweet corn, fresh green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado and crumbled goat cheese. Dressed with Hatch chimichurri.

COCKTAILS

Our Famous Hatch Margarita — $12
Spicy Hatch chile pepper-infused tequila shaken with fresh lime juice and agave nectar.

Hatch Island Margarita — $14 (New!)
A margarita made with Hatch chile-infused tequila, cucumber, pineapple, coconut cream, lime juice and agave.

Prickly Punch — $14 (New!)
A low-calorie mocktail made with Seedlip non-alcoholic spirit, prickly pear juice, agave, lime, cream of coconut and pineapple juice.

BRUNCH (Open Saturdays and Sundays | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Huevos Divorciados — $11 (New!)
Two poached eggs on crispy corn tortillas with house refried beans, featuring the best of both worlds: one egg topped with green Hatch salsa and the other with red Hatch salsa. Served with brunch potatoes.

The seasonal menu is available while supplies last at all eight Blue Goose Cantina locations in Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills and Grand Prairie.

Established in 1984, Blue Goose Cantina brings together fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, Blue Goose Cantina has become a North Texas favorite for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine and signature margaritas.

For more information, including menu and locations, visit BlueGooseCantina.com. 

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP

Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 13 restaurants located across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, two guys with larger-than-life personalities, it all started in 1983 with eclectic seafood shack restaurants, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar. They are the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and tasty crawfish when in season. In addition to Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, Peterson Management Group opened Blue Goose Cantina in 1984, where fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude come together. The restaurant chain has repeatedly been voted the best in North Texas for its winning combination of food, fun, and signature margaritas. Today, Nick Peterson, son of Bob, leads the family business, serving as its CEO. For more information, visit PetersonManagementGroup.net.

 

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Bianca Beck

In celebration of its 125th anniversary, Texas Woman’s University has selected Portland-based artist Bianca Beck to create a site-specific, permanent outdoor installation marking the university’s 125th anniversary and the culmination of its Dream Big fundraising campaign, which concludes this year and is expected to exceed its $125 million goal. The artwork will be on view from October 24, 2026 on the university’s Denton campus.

The artwork will consist of three large-scale, biomorphic sculptures fabricated in fiberglass with steel armatures, designed to withstand the elements while maintaining a dynamic sense of movement and transformation. Conceived as “body doubles,” these forms evoke the Platonic myth of an original, unified human body, reimagined here as fluid, intertwined figures that shift in appearance as viewers move around them. Beck’s sculptures occupy a space between painting and sculpture, their vividly expressive surfaces responding intuitively to form and environment, and activating the surrounding landscape through color, scale, and gesture.

“These figures are not fixed,” Beck notes. “They are in the act of becoming. They are shaped as much by the viewer’s movement and perception as by their own internal logic. What appears as a solitary stride may, from another vantage point, become an embrace. I’m interested in how we hold multiplicity, and how identity, community, and resilience emerge through connection.”

In recent years, Beck has expanded their practice into increasingly ambitious public and outdoor presentations, with works exhibited at institutions including the Ulrich Museum of Art, Wichita, KS; deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA; the Shelburne Museum of Art, Shelburne, VT; and the FLAG Art Foundation, New York, NY. Beck will open a solo exhibition of new large-scale indoor sculptures at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art this May.

Beck’s special presentation has been commissioned to celebrate Texas Woman’s 125th anniversary and the successful conclusion of Dream Big, the university’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Texas Woman’s is the nation’s first and only woman-focused university system, with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Established by the Texas Legislature in 1901 as a small industrial training college for women, the university has grown into a Carnegie-classified R2 research institution nationally recognized for student experience, social and economic mobility, and academic quality. Recent milestones include the opening of a $107 million Health Sciences Center and the launch of the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences, a woman-focused aviation program. The university is widely known for its leadership in nursing, education, the health professions, nutrition, the arts and sciences, and business.


A defining element of Beck’s installation is its aesthetic alignment with the three pillars of the Dream Big campaign—Open Doors, Fuel Innovation, and Cultivate Grit—creating a visual expression of movement, transformation, and resilience.


“Beck’s work embodies the spirit of the Dream Big campaign,” said Jaime Porter, TWU’s vice president for university advancement and alumni engagement. “These sculptures speak to growth, creative movement and strength — qualities reflected in our students, alumni and donors.”

The exhibition will be accompanied by student performances and related anniversary programming, inviting students, faculty, and the broader community to engage with the work and its themes. Additional details will be announced later atdreambig.twu.edu

About the Artist

Bianca Beck (b. 1979, Columbus, OH) earned a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA and an MFA from Yale University, New Haven, CT. The artist has participated in exhibitions at the Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT; Beeler Gallery at Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, OH; the Contemporary Art at MECA, Porland, ME; Contemporary Art Matters, Columbus, OH; Opelvillen Rüsselsheim, Rüsselsheim, Germany; V1 Gallery, Copenhagen, Denmark; the FLAG Art Foundation, New York, NY; White Columns, New York, NY; and Cheim & Read, New York, NY; among others. In 2024, Beck had a solo presentation at Matéria, Detroit, MI. Beck currently has work on view at Summit Public Art, Summit, NJ and Art Omi Sculpture Park, Ghent, NY. They are a recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including the Helen Winternitz Award for Excellence in Painting at Yale University, New Haven, CT; The Ox-Bow School of Art Fellowship Program, Saugatuck, MI; and Artist-in-Residence at Complimenta, Ithaca, NY. Beck’s work is in the permanent collection of the Dallas Art Museum, Dallas, TX, and the Rachofsky Collection, Dallas, TX. Beck lives and works in Portland, ME.

About Texas Woman’s University

Founded in 1901, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is the nation’s largest university system focused on women. For 125 years, TWU has advanced a mission of expanding opportunity through education, innovation, and leadership. Today, TWU is a Carnegie-classified R2 institution with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston, offering programs across the liberal arts and sciences, nursing, health sciences, business, and education.

Committed to access, affordability, and student success, TWU continues to prepare students for impact in a global society while driving research that addresses critical issues in health, education, and community wellbeing.

 

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Peterson Management Group

Blue Goose Cantina is turning up the flavor this summer with the return of its limited-time Augie’s Cocina seasonal menu, featuring oversized Tex-Mex comfort food, tropical-inspired flavors and refreshing cocktails perfect for patio season. The summer menu begins Monday, May 25 at all eight locations in Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie and North Richland Hills.

Whether guests are grabbing dinner with friends or enjoying a family night out, Blue Goose Cantina’s summer offerings are designed to bring bold flavors and laid-back summer vibes to the table. Guests can dine inside the lively restaurant atmosphere or enjoy patio dining throughout the season.

New featured summer menu items include:

Burrito Grande — $18
A Texas-sized flour tortilla stuffed with pork carnitas, Spanish rice, charro beans, sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole. The oversized burrito is smothered in bold red chili sauce and melted jack cheese.

Fried Chicken Elote Tacos — $18
Three tortillas loaded with crispy fried chicken, queso fresco, sriracha, cilantro and elote mixed with chipotle mayo. Served with a side of house-made hot honey.

Marinated Fajita Chicken — $18
Adobo-marinated chicken breast grilled and topped with grilled pineapple pico. Served with poblano rice, sautéed vegetables and chipotle cream sauce.

To beat the Texas heat, guests can pair their meal with refreshing seasonal beverages including:

Prickly Pear Margarita — $20
A Prickly Pear margarita crafted with Socorro Añejo Tequila, fresh lime and agave, floated atop Blue Goose’s Famous Frozen margarita.

Grapefruit Fizz — $14
A non-alcoholic house-made grapefruit soda featuring Seedlip non-alcoholic spirit, El Cantinero Grapefruit Cordial and Topo Chico.

Along with the seasonal specialties, guests can continue enjoying Blue Goose Cantina favorites including sizzling fajitas, homemade tortillas, enchiladas, tacos, legendary OG margaritas and more.

Established in 1984, Blue Goose Cantina brings together made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude. A division of Peterson Management Group, Blue Goose currently operates eight North Texas locations.

For more information, including menus and locations, visit BlueGooseCantina.com and follow Blue Goose Cantina on Facebook and Instagram for updates and promotions.

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP
Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 13 restaurants across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, the company operates Aw Shucks, Big Shucks Oyster Bar, and Blue Goose Cantina. Under the leadership of CEO Nick Peterson, the company continues a more than 40-year legacy rooted in great food, hospitality, and community connection.