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!
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
PorTREATS by GiggleBox Design
Free babysitting for Open Door parents by Open Door teachers!
and More!
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
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 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!
Check back later for more information on tickets, babysitting, and parking.
Tickets go on sale August 12th!
