Play It Forward 2026
Unearth the Future
Saturday, September 26th from 7:30-10:30 PM
At the Texas Science and Natural History Museum
2400 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78712
Together, we’ll transform the museum into an after-hours experience filled with discovery, imagination, and impact. Indulge in gourmet bites, crafted cocktails, and lively music, all while exploring the exhibits at the dinosaur museum!
Unearthing Potential. Discovering Possibility. Building Futures Through Play.
Last year, we celebrated 50 years of service and began writing our next chapter. This year, we invite you to help bring that future to light. Your sponsorship directly supports inclusive early childhood education, ensuring every child has the opportunity to explore, grow, and thrive.
Become a Play It Forward Sponsor Today!
Sponsor Levels and Underwriting Opportunities
Already a sponsor? RSVP here: Sponsor RSVP
Honoring Piper Stege Nelson with the Opening New Doors Award
This year, we are proud to honor our dear friend, Piper Stege Nelson, with the Opening New Doors Award. This distinction recognizes an individual who exemplifies and promotes our core values of equity and inclusion, ensuring our community remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Piper has dedicated her life to lifting up marginalized voices and promoting nonprofits doing vital work across Central Texas including I Live Here I Give Here, SAFE, Annie's List, and Michelle Obama's Let Girls Learn Initiative. Piper is also a long time supporter of Open Door Preschools and a former Open Door parent, and we feel so incredibly lucky to have her in our village. We are happy to celebrate Piper’s accomplishments, her advocacy and her unwavering support for the people of Austin. Please join us in honoring her remarkable achievements at Play It Forward 2026!
Come Dig Into Play With Us!
Tickets go on sale August 12th! Event tickets for current parents are $120 and general admission is $150. Don’t miss Early Bird Ticket pricing from August 12th-31st!
As always, Open Door strives to be open for ALL. If purchasing a ticket is not in your budget this year, please let us know by filling out the Pay What You Can Ticket, and our village will cover the rest.
Childcare Provided at Our M Station School: We’ve got you covered with FREE childcare from our amazing Open Door Teachers! Make sure to reserve your childcare spot: Reserve Childcare Now
Location & Entry: Both the main entrance and accessible entrance to the museum are located at 2400 Trinity Street.
Parking Tips: Parking is available in the San Jacinto Garage. After parking, exit the garage on level 3 and follow the signs. Spaces are limited! We highly recommend taking a rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
🦖Please email Kati_Garrett@opendoorpreschool.org to reserve an accessible parking spot.
Event Highlights:
Party beneath a towering tyrannosaur skeleton in the Texas Science and Natural History museum
Gourmet Gals Catering and Desserts by The Cupcake Bar
Amazing raffle baskets including two vacation packages
Music by DJ David
Make Friendship Bracelets to celebrate our village
Free babysitting for Open Door parents by Open Door teachers!
and More!
