Dallas, August 20, 2025
News Summary
The third annual Unleashed LGBTQ+ Conference & Festival will take place in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas. This three-day event will feature a variety of speakers, panels, performances, and live podcasts, culminating in activities that align with the Pride in Dallas Parade. The festival aims to foster community involvement and showcase influential voices from various sectors, including film, music, and technology.
Dallas — The third annual Unleashed LGBTQ+ Conference & Festival is scheduled for September 19–21, 2025 in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas. The three-day event will feature a program of speakers, panels, performances and live podcasts, and the festival’s final day will coincide with the annual Pride in Dallas Parade on Cedar Springs, bringing activities throughout Oak Lawn and encouraging broad community participation.
Key details
The festival is presented as a multidisciplinary conference and cultural event intended to showcase influential voices across film, television, music, business and technology. Organizers plan a dynamic lineup of events including speaker sessions, panel discussions, live performances, and on-site podcasts. Public submissions for speakers, panelists and performers are open through the event’s official website, providing opportunities for individuals and groups to participate directly in the program.
Confirmed talent and presenters
- John Waters — filmmaker
- Carmen Carrera — model and television host
- Kennedy Davenport — drag performer
- Naomi Green — consultant and member of House of Juicy Couture
- Sara Cunningham and Liz Dyer — founders of Free Mom Hugs and Mama Bears
Organizational aims and atmosphere
The conference aims to create a safe and empowering space where individuals from entertainment, business and LGBTQ+ culture can gather to explore ideas about the future. Programming is designed to reflect a range of professional backgrounds and creative disciplines, and organizers intend to build on momentum from the festival’s previous editions to expand reach and impact in 2025.
Supporters and community partners
The event lists support from multiple organizations spanning foundations, tourism, media and local community groups. Named supporters include the Mark Cuban Foundation, Visit Dallas, Dallas Voice, Local Media Association, Pride in Dallas, News is OUT and MINT Dentistry. The festival will take place across venues and public spaces in Oak Lawn, facilitating participation from local businesses and residents.
Programming and public participation
Over the three days, attendees can expect a mix of scheduled panels, keynote-style sessions, live performances, and recorded podcast episodes with live audiences. The final festival day’s alignment with the Pride parade is intended to amplify community engagement and create opportunities for festival-goers to participate in broader Pride activities taking place along Cedar Springs and throughout Oak Lawn.
How to get involved
- Public submissions for speakers, panelists and performers are currently being accepted through the official festival website.
- Programming slots are expected to include both invited talent and selected public submissions to reflect a range of community voices.
- Local participation is encouraged through venue partnerships and on-street activities during the Pride parade day.
Context and background
The Unleashed LGBTQ+ Conference & Festival returns for a third year following previous editions that combined conference-style sessions with festival programming. The event sits within a larger calendar of Pride and LGBTQ+ cultural programming in Dallas and is positioned to intersect with established community events, most notably the Pride in Dallas Parade. Organizers emphasize cross-sector exchange among creative professionals, business leaders and advocates as a core component of the festival’s mission.
By aligning the festival’s final day with the city’s Pride parade, the event aims to offer both structured conference content and spontaneous community engagement, using Oak Lawn’s established role as a local hub for LGBTQ+ activity to create multiple points of access for residents and visitors.
Logistics and planning
Specific venue listings, a full program schedule and ticketing details were not enumerated in the initial announcement. Attendees and prospective participants are directed to consult the event’s official channels for updates about venue maps, session times, accessibility information and any public health considerations as the festival date approaches.
FAQ
When and where is the Unleashed LGBTQ+ Conference & Festival?
The festival will run from September 19 to 21, 2025, in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas, Texas.
What types of activities will the festival include?
Planned activities include speaker sessions, panel discussions, live performances, recorded live podcasts and community events tied to the Pride in Dallas Parade.
Who are some confirmed participants?
Confirmed talent includes filmmaker John Waters, model and TV host Carmen Carrera, drag performer Kennedy Davenport, Naomi Green (House of Juicy Couture), and Sara Cunningham and Liz Dyer of Free Mom Hugs and Mama Bears.
Are submissions open for speakers and performers?
Yes. Public submissions for speakers, panelists and performers are open through the festival’s official website.
How does the festival relate to Pride in Dallas?
The festival’s final day coincides with the Pride in Dallas Parade on Cedar Springs, and activities will be scheduled across Oak Lawn to encourage community engagement.
Who is supporting the event?
Supporters named in the announcement include the Mark Cuban Foundation, Visit Dallas, Dallas Voice, Local Media Association, Pride in Dallas, News is OUT and MINT Dentistry.
| Feature | Details | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | September 19–21, 2025 |
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| Location | Oak Lawn neighborhood, Dallas |
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| Duration | 3 days |
|
| Program types | Speakers, panels, performances, live podcasts |
|
| Community link | Final day coincides with Pride in Dallas Parade |
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Additional Resources
- Outtake Online: Dallas Unleashed Conference & Festival
- Google Search: Unleashed LGBTQ Conference 2025
- Dallas Voice: Unleashed LGBTQ Conference 2025
- Wikipedia: LGBT Conferences
- Metro Weekly: Spotlight on Unleashed LGBTQ Interactive Virtual Event
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
