2025 Balls & Galas Guide

Voice-Tribune

Louisville’s rich tradition of philanthropy comes alive in this year’s Balls & Galas Guide, our curated collection of the city’s most anticipated charitable events. Known for its iconic Derby season, Louisville also boasts a year-round calendar of celebrations that blend style, community, and purpose. From grand ballrooms illuminated by dazzling chandeliers to intimate evenings supporting causes that inspire, these events highlight the spirit of generosity and camaraderie that defines our city. 

Whether you’re donning your finest black-tie attire or stepping into a themed soirée, this guide offers a glimpse into the events that bring our community together. Explore opportunities to celebrate, connect, and contribute, as Louisville’s most glamorous nights promise unforgettable memories and impactful legacies. Let this guide be your companion as you plan your year of giving back in style. 

If your favorite Ball, Gala, or Premier Event is missing from this list, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us to ensure your event is included. Plus, join us in celebrating Louisville’s vibrant event scene by casting your vote for the city’s best events of 2025 later this year. Make your voice count and honor the events that embody Louisville’s heart and soul! 

LOUISVILLE PREMIER EVENT SPOTLIGHT: 

KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM BALL: RUBY JUBILEE 

April 25, 2025 

Celebrate Kentucky Derby Museum’s 40th Anniversary at the annual Ball, presented by Central Bank. 

The red carpet begins at 6 PM, and the evening promises curated cocktail stations, artfully plated dinner and dessert, live entertainment, and dancing. Tickets are now on sale! 

GILDA’S NIGHT 

November 7th, 2025 

Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana is devoted to uplifting and supporting individuals in Kentucky and southern Indiana impacted by cancer by providing free social and emotional support. In 2024, over 3,600 people living with cancer benefited from more than 190 free programs offered each month. These programs include support groups, individual and family counseling, as well as health and educational initiatives. Gilda’s Night is our premier fundraising event and is crucial for ensuring that members of our community continue to receive essential support at no cost. Join in celebrating the 21st anniversary of Gilda’s Night! 

WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS’ 4TH ANNUAL FASCINATOR AFFAIR 

April 10th, 2025 

Waterfront Botanical Gardens celebrates its 4th Annual Fascinator Affair. This stylish and vibrant celebration brings together the community to support the Gardens’ mission of cultivating beauty, education, and sustainability. This Derby-season luncheon fundraiser features a fashion show of locally designed accessories for both men and women. Proceeds from the event help advance the Gardens’ programs and initiatives, ensuring this urban oasis continues to thrive and inspire. 

RED TIE GALA 

February 22, 2025 

Louisville Marriott Downtown hosts Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK) for the 2025 Red Tie Gala, presented by McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana. Enjoy an evening filled with delicious food, exciting auctions and raffles, live entertainment, and inspiring stories of families served by RMHCK. Wear your best red and help continue providing a home filled with love and care for families in need. 

WRAPPED IN RED GALA 

February 8, 2025 

The 15th annual Wrapped in Red Gala is the signature event of the American Red Cross Louisville Area. The gala serves up a specially prepared three-course dinner, live entertainment provided by Groove Essential and a live auction featuring exciting trips and one-of-a-kind items. The 15th annual gala is presented by Lexus of Louisville. All proceeds benefit local Red Cross community programs. 

2025 BALLS & GALAS:

JANUARY 

- Charla’s Angels Fundraising Gala 

- 2nd Annual Romantasy Gala 

FEBRUARY 

- KET February Fanfare 

- KY Shakespeare in Love Gala 

- Peace Awards Dinner 

- Sneaker Ball Aquarius Edition Finale 

- Wrapped in Red Gala 

MARCH 

- Beacon Ball 

- Beaux Arts Ball 

- Blessings in a Backpack Pack the Sack 

- Day Spring Horizon of Hope Gala 

- Great Futures Sneaker Ball 

- Inaugural LGBTQIA+ Awards Gala 

- Speed Art Museum Ball 

- Tyler Gerth Art Gala 

- Fillies Derby Ball 

APRIL 

- 4th Annual Fascinator Affair 

- Down Syndrome of Louisville Gallop Gala 

- Frazier History Museum Gala 

- JDRF Gala 

- Kentucky Derby Museum Ball 

- KMAC Couture 

MAY 

- 100 Black Men Derby Gala 

- American Lung Association Derby Eve Gala 

- Annual Women of Color Cancer Benefit Gala 

- Annual VIPS Gala 

- Barnstable Brown Gala 

- Fillies and Lillies 

- Fillies and Stallions 

- Horizon of Hope Gala 

- Louisville Urban League Derby Gala 

- Red Tulip Gala 

- Revel at the Races 

- Silks Bash 

- Sneaker Ball 

- Trifecta Gala 

- Unbridled Eve Derby Gala 

- Young Nonprofit Foundation Derby Gala 

JUNE 

- Juneteenth Gala 

JULY 

- Twisted Pink Gala 

AUGUST 

- Conrad Caldwell House Gatsby Garden Gala 

- Hear on the River Gala 

- Live & Be Gala 

- Park DuValle Community Health Center Legacy Fundraising Gala 

SEPTEMBER 

- Black and White Masquerade Ball 

- Create a Stir About Autism Gala 

- Soccer Ball 

- The Art of Bourbon 

- The Louisville Witches Ball 

- VAREP Gala Dinner 

- Yew Dell Twilight in the Garden 

OCTOBER 

- 65 Roses Gala 

- A Night for Life Gala 

- Brown Hotel Gala 

- Denim & Diamonds 

- KRM Global Gourmet Gala 

- St. George’s Scholar Institute Gala 

- The Dracula Ball 

NOVEMBER 

- Art Sanctuary Surreal Soiree 

- Bacchanal 

- Bows and Bowties Gala 

- Expressions of Hope Gala 

- Gilda’s Night 

- Kentucky Brain Ball 

- KTO Gala Awards Dinner 

- Louisville Tourism Annual Gala and ROSE Awards 

- Louisville Youth Group Glitter Gala 

- REACH Gala 

- Snow Ball 

DECEMBER 

- Apron Inc. Sparkle Ball 

- Greater Louisville Area Realtors Sneaker Ball 

- Lineage and Legacy Spirit Fest Afro Masquerade Ball 

- National Action Network Black Tie Gala 

- Toys for Tots 

- Willenium Holiday Fundraising Gala