Welcoming Week
We know communities are stronger and more connected when people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to come together and work side-by-side to advance the common good. That’s what Welcoming Week is all about! Created by the YMCA of the USA’s national partner, Welcoming America, this annual celebration brings people together to experience global cuisine, expressive arts, cultural dance, storytelling, and intergenerational activities. Join us in celebrating and honoring the cultures that shape our communities!
From Friday, September 12 – Sunday, September 21, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas will join YMCAs and organizations across the country in celebrating Welcoming Week. Events will take place at the Frisco, J.E.R. Chilton, Lake Highlands, Moorland at Oak Cliff, Park South, Plano, Richardson, Semones, T. Boone Pickens, and White Rock YMCAs.
Welcoming Week Events
Frisco Family YMCA
Where in the World Are You From? | Starts Monday, Sept. 12
- Pin your country on our World Map
- Snap a photo with your flag
- Get featured on our Wall of Fame!
Welcoming Week Table Display
- Explore and celebrate culture, belonging, and the spirit of welcoming.
Culture Day at Childwatch | Friday, Sept. 19
- Let’s celebrate our culture and what makes us unique!
- Childwatch staff wearing attire from around the globe
- Kiddos are invited to wear something from their own heritage
- Daily Creative Activities - Hands-on art projects celebrating cultures from around the world!
Get Ready to Move | Friday, Sept. 19 | 10:30 AM
- Join Cynthia L. & Rachel H. for a Special Co-Taught Zumba class - feel the energy of Latin-infused rhythms from across Latin America!
J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall
Where in the World Are You From? | Sept. 12 - 21
- Pin your country on our World Map
- Snap a photo with your flag
- Get featured on our Wall of Fame!
Voices of Welcome
- Write a note of encouragement and cultural appreciation
- Notecards at the front desk - take one, leave one, or both!
“Welcome to the Y” Art Wall!
- Kids in Childwatch can color “Welcome to the Y ” coloring sheets - we’ll proudly display their art!
“Getting to Know You” Table
Explore heritage stories from staff and members - from the U.S. and around the world!
Welcome to Better Health | M,W,F | 9-11 AM
- Meet trainers on the fitness floor
- Get a free InBody Scan in the lobby
Lake Highlands Family YMCA
Sept. 15 - 20
Rep Your Roots
- Wear traditional attire and share where you’re from!
Family Zumba | Nightly | 6:30 PM
- Dance, move, and connect with your community!
Ebru Art Workshop | Thurs, Sept. 18 | 12 PM
- Learn Turkish tradition paper marbling on water with the Dialogue Institute Dallas.
Family Fun Night | Fri, Sept. 19 | 5 – 7 PM
- Mask-making with Kelechi (Luis Enrique Villar) (Ages 12+)
- West African drumming, storytelling & music with Banda Koro (Ages 2+)
Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff
Sept. 17 | 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Taste of Culture
- Food and Refreshments
Live Music
- Enjoy a diverse mix of Jazz, Country, Blues, and Latin music from every decade!
Drumming & Music
- Feel the beat and energy of live percussion. Celebrate unity and the rhythms that connect us all!
Dynamic Dance Performances
- Traditional African Dance
- Hip Hop Fusion
- Afrobeats
- Freestyle Movement
Park South Family YMCA
Friday, Sept. 12 | 12:30 - 3 PM
Dance & Move
- Fun for All Ages!
- Swing Out Dancing - Experience lively swing dance
- Line Dancing - Easy-to-learn steps for all ages
Cultural Culinary Delights
- Savor the flavors of our diverse community.
Crafting Connections
- Celebrate culture with hands-on creativity!
Plano Family YMCA
Where in the World Are You From? | Starting Friday, Sept. 12
- Pin your country on our World Map
- Snap a pic with your flag
- Get featured on our Wall of Fame
Community Celebration | Saturday, Sept. 20 | 8 AM - 4 PM
ALL FREE, ALL WELCOME!
- 8 AM: BollyX Dance Class
- 9 AM: Yoga
- 12–4 PM: Parents’ Day Out - Multicultural Movie & Crafts. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Richardson Family YMCA
Where in the World Are You From? | Starts Monday, Sept. 15 | Groupex Room
- Pin your country on our World Map
- Get featured on our Wall of Fame!
Global Flavors | Sept. 15 - 21
- Take your taste buds on a trip!
- Enjoy delicious dishes from around the world, courtesy of local restaurants.
Sports & More | Sept. 15 - 21
- Get moving with fun sports and activities for all ages!
Multicultural Parents’ Night Out | Saturday, Sept. 20
An evening of fun and cultural activities for kids, giving parents a well-deserved break.
Semones Family YMCA
Tuesday, Sept. 16
11 AM–1 PM:
- Taste the World – Enjoy samples of cultural cuisines
- Folklóric Dance – Celebrate Hispanic traditional dance
- Dance Classes – Move to the vibrant rhythm of Bolly Beats & more!
FESTIVE & FUN | 5–7 PM:
- Food Trucks – Enjoy a variety of savory, globally inspired bites
- Dance Classes – Move to the vibrant rhythm of Bolly Beats & more!
- Live Music – Celebrate the rich diversity that brings our community together
T. Boone Pickens YMCA
TEEN OPEN HOUSE | Sept. 17 | 4 - 7 PM
Join us for an epic afternoon to meet up, vibe, and celebrate what connects us.
Card Pop-Up Musical Workshop | 4:30–5:30 PM
- Design a unique pop-up card that links to a song reflecting you or someone special.
Literary Arts/Spoken Word | 5:30–6:30 PM
- Tell your story through art-inspired writing! With prompts and pro tips, explore your voice, culture, and community.
- Free food from around the world
- Live music & trivia
- Games & rec activities
- Awesome prizes
Open to ages 12–18 | Free to attend
Welcoming Week Event is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.
White Rock YMCA
Where in the World Are You From? | Sept. 12 - 21
- Pin your country on our World Map
- Snap a photo with your flag
- Get featured on our Wall of Fame!
Culinary Delights | Sept. 12 - 21
Take your taste buds on a trip!
- Delicious dishes inspired by diverse cultures, courtesy of local East Dallas restaurants
- A variety of savory bites to savor and enjoy
REGISTER FOR AN EVENT
Enjoy any of our YMCA locations, workout space, exercise classes, or indoor pools, all that the Y has to offer - no membership required!