Balls & Galas Guide 2026

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:

2026 EXPRESSIONS OF HOPE GALA

Join us on November 6 (tentative) at the elegant Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club for the Expressions of Hope Gala—an unforgettable evening bringing together 300 guests from the medical and business community, community leaders, and dedicated supporters. Enjoy a night of delectable cuisine, curated libations, live music and dancing, and extraordinary live and silent auction opportunities.

All proceeds directly support the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana’s vital programs and services, helping individuals and families improve their quality of life and face the challenges and devastating impacts of potentially life-threatening seizures with strength, hope, and support.

KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM BALL - CELEBRATING DERBY FASHION PRESENTED BY CENTRAL BANK

Mark your calendars for April 24, 2026, and enjoy an extraordinary evening of bold elegance at the Kentucky Derby Museum Ball, and celebrate the rich history and tradition of Kentucky Derby fashion.

Guests will enjoy curated cocktail stations, artfully plated dinner, and live entertainment. After dinner, the celebration continues at the Backstretch Afterparty, where energy soars with music, dancing, cocktails, and late-night bites starting at 9:00 PM.

Event Details:Kentucky Derby Museum + The Paddock ClubCocktails 6 PM | Dinner 7 PM | Afterparty 9 PMAttire: Black Tie – Derby Headwear EncouragedAn all-inclusive experience featuring valet, cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Afterparty tickets available separately.

WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS’ FASCINATOR AFFAIR

Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ Fascinator Affair is the Gardens’ signature Derby-season celebration, bringing together men and women for an afternoon of style, creativity, and community spirit. Our 5th annual event will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This elegant spring fundraiser features a festive luncheon and a lively fashion show highlighting the season’s finest fascinators, hats, bowties, and pocket squares. Guests are invited to embrace their own flair while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gardens. The event also welcomes local artists, who showcase and sell their work, adding an extra layer of color and craftsmanship. Tickets are $100, and more information is available at waterfrontgardens.org/fascinator. Proceeds support the Gardens’ mission, helping this urban botanical oasis thrive and inspire the community year-round.

NIGHT AT THE FRAZIER

Night at the Frazier returns on May 15, 2026, with the theme Red, White, & Bluegrass to honor the spirit of America 250. Join the Frazier Kentucky History Museum for our third annual gala, a signature fundraiser supporting our mission to inspire, engage, and educate by connecting Kentucky’s past with its present to shape the future.

This dynamic evening brings our community together to highlight the museum’s work in education, preservation, and cultural connection. The Owsley Brown Frazier Impact Award will recognize an individual whose contributions reflect a deep commitment to the museum and community that continues the legacy of our founder.

With signature cocktails, inspired cuisine, energizing music, and a curated auction, the event blends celebration with purpose, giving guests memorable ways to support the museum’s mission while experiencing the richness of Kentucky’s heritage.

VIP and Late Night tickets are now on sale at fraziermuseum.org/night-at-the-frazier. For details, contact Hayley Harlow at(502) 753-1693 or hharlow@fraziermuseum.org. 

GILDA’S NIGHT

On November 6, Gilda’s Night 2026 will bring our community together in an unforgettable celebration of hope, resilience and the life-changing mission of Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana. The gala will welcome supporters for an evening filled with heartfelt stories, vibrant energy and a shared commitment to ensure no one faces cancer alone. Guests will enjoy elegant dining, inspiring program moments and a spirited live auction—all ensuring the 190 monthly programs that provide social and emotional support to individuals and families impacted by cancer continue to be available at no cost to participants.

More than just a fundraiser, Gilda’s Night highlights the power of community and the compassion that fuels our work year-round. Together, attendees help raise critical funds that directly support local families navigating the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings.

BOURBON & BOWTIES™

The 16th Bourbon & Bowties™, benefiting Norton Children’s Hospital, is presented by Northwestern Mutual. Enjoy music, hors d’oeuvresfrom Louisville’s top chefs and an auction to raise funds for Norton Children’s Hospital through the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation. The community has contributed more than $3.39 million over the years, benefiting nearly 215,000 children annually from throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

June 2026 | 6:30–10 PM | Fleur de Lis Farm | 8316 Wolf Pen Branch Road, Prospect, KY 40059

More info: Norton Healthcare Foundation

THE SNOW BALL

The Snow Ball is one of the largest annual fundraisers for Norton Children’s Hospital. This magnificent black-tie event for more than 1,000 guests is illuminated on all sides with the sparkle of holiday lights, and it has become one of the most fashionable holiday partiesin Louisville.

All funds raised at the Snow Ball benefit Norton Children’s through the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation, raising funds exclusively for Norton Children’s services, including those offered at Norton Children’s Hospital, Norton Clark Hospital, Norton King’s Daughters’ Health, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital and Norton Children’s Medical Center. These generous contributions from businesses and individuals provide much-needed support for programs, equipment, new technologies, clinical research, child advocacy and health education for patients, families, medical staff and the community.

As Kentucky and Southern Indiana’s only full-service, free-standing pediatric hospital, Norton Children’s Hospital and its sister facilities continue to care for more than 215,000 children each year, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

More info: Norton Healthcare Foundation

TWISTED PINK UNMASK THE CURE GALA

We’re planning something mysterious to unmask the cure for metastatic breast cancer.

Save the Date – Friday, October 30, 2026 | At The Galt House

Proceeds benefit the mission of Twisted Pink

www.twistedpink.org

2026 CALENDAR:

JANUARY 

Her Hope Kentucky Gala 

Restaurateur’s Gala 

FEBRUARY 

Wrapped in Red Gala 

KY Shakespeare in Love Gala 

Reverend Doctor Charles Elliott Jr. Peace Awards Dinner 

KET February Fanfare 

NAMI Spirit of Peace Awards Dinner 

Tyler Gerth Art Gala 

Willennium Comedy Fundraising Gala 

Discover Love Annual Valentine’s Silent Auction & Gala 

Red Tie Gala 

Sacred Heart Schools Interlude Gala 

An Evening of Loving Hearts Gala 

The Fight Foundation Valentine’s Gala 

Molo Village African Gala 

SPARC Hope Gala 

Lunar New Year Dinner and Auction – Year of the Fire Horse 

MARCH 

LVA Honors Gala 

SWCM’s Annual Giving Back Gala 

Day Spring Horizon of Hope Gala 

Speed Art Museum Ball 

Harbor House Feathers and Friends Gala 

Beaux Arts Ball 

Great Futures Sneaker Ball 

Blessings in a Backpack Pack the Sack 

Fillies Derby Ball 

KMAC Couture 

Flights to Fight Cancer Gala Benefiting the Steven Vanover Foundation 

GLMS Foundation Doctor’s Ball 

American Heart Association Heart Ball 

Fairness Campaign Fairness Dinner 

APRIL 

Breakthrough T1D Gala 

Down Syndrome of Louisville Gallop Gala 

Kentucky Derby Museum Ball 

Race for Grace Gala 

MAY 

Night at the Frazier 

Louisville Urban League Derby Gala 

100 Black Men Derby Gala 

Unbridled Eve Derby Gala 

American Lung Association Derby Eve Gala 

Annual VIPS Gala 

Red Tulip Gala 

Sneaker Ball 

Fillies and Lilies 

Young Nonprofit Foundation Derby Gala 

Barnstable Brown Gala 

Silks Bash 

Fillies and Stallions 

Revel at the Races 

JUNE 

Juneteenth Gala 

AUGUST 

Live & Be Gala 

Park DuValle Community Health Center Legacy Fundraising Gala 

SEPTEMBER 

Create a Stir About Autism Gala 

VAREP Gala Dinner 

Soccer Ball 

Yew Dell Twilight in the Garden 

The Art of Bourbon 

A Night for Life Gala 

Denim & Diamonds 

OCTOBER 

St. George’s Scholar Institute Gala 

65 Roses Gala 

KRM Global Gourmet Gala 

The Dracula Ball 

Twisted Pink Gala 

University Club of Louisville Homecoming Gala 

NOVEMBER 

Louisville Tourism Annual Gala and ROSE Awards 

Expressions of Hope Gala 

Louisville Youth Group Glitter Gala 

REACH Gala 

Bows and Bowties Gala 

KTO Gala Awards Dinner 

Snow Ball 

Kentucky Brain Ball 

Gilda’s Night 

Art Sanctuary Surreal Soiree 

The Louisville Witches Ball 

DECEMBER 

Apron Inc. Sparkle Ball