2025 Fall Galas and Events Guide
By • August 14, 2025 One Comment 2294
Here’s our guide to the cream of the crop of Washington’s fall galas and events. Remember to bookmark this page, as others will be added as they are announced.
August 2025
Saturday, Aug. 23
Opera in the Outfield
6:30 p.m., Nationals Park
Washington National Opera presents a free broadcast of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.”
September 2025
Saturday, Sept. 6
Afterdark at THEARC 2025
THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE
Celebrating 20 years of impact.
Tuesday, Sept. 9
29th Annual Dinner Under the Stars
5:30-9 p.m., National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE
Join leaders across agriculture, conservation, and policy sectors for an unforgettable evening of connection and impact at the U.S. National Arboretum.
Saturday, Sept. 13
2025 Human Rights Campaign National Dinner
5 p.m., Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW
The Human Rights Campaign’s annual event celebrates advancements in the fight for full LGBTQ equality.
Sunday, Sept. 14
The Capital Jewish Museum Gala
An embassy in NW D.C. that will be shared upon registration.
Celebrating the theme “Preserving History and Building Bridges,” the event will honor Esther Safran Foer and David M. Rubinstein. Dana Bash will host.
Trees for Georgetown Garden Party
From 6-8 p.m., the annual Trees for Georgetown Garden Party is an evening offering friends and neighbors the opportunity to gather to celebrate and support the preservation of Georgetown’s tree canopy. Proceeds fund the long-term care of residential street trees throughout the community, helping to ensure the neighborhood’s natural beauty for generations to come. Tickets are limited. For additional information or to inquire about availability, please contact Trees for Georgetown at TreesforGeorgetown@gmail.com.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Citizens Association of Georgetown’s Fall Fundraiser
6:30-9:30 p.m., Sequoia, 3000 K St. NW
Embrace the Past and Shape the Future with Us at CAG’s Annual Fundraiser Cocktail Party.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 40th Annual Anniversary and Gala
6 p.m., National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
This year’s theme is “The United States: Innovation & Inspiration.”
48th Annual CHCI Gala
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Pl. NW
Hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Cloverleaf Polo Classic
12 p.m., Great Meadow, The Plains, VA
The Cloverleaf Polo Classic is the premier community partnership and largest annual fundraising event to support the mission of Cloverleaf Equine Center.
American Horticultural Society Gala
River Farm, 7931 E. Blvd. Dr., Alexandria
Enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing while celebrating the work of the AHS.
Thursday, Sept. 25
Friends of Rose Park Gala
6:30 p.m., The Washington Harbour, 3030 K St. NW
Enjoy an evening of food, wine, a silent auction, remarks and more.
The Beltway Brawl
7:30 p.m., The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. NW
Boxers raise funds for Haymakers for Hope.
Friday, Sept. 26
The Wolf Trap Bollywood Ball
7 p.m., Filene Center, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA
Join us for a glamorous evening of dinner and dancing on the epic Filene Center stage, transformed to capture the spirited music, cuisine, and culture of India.
Saturday, Sept. 27
National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Gala
7 p.m., Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW
The National Symphony Orchestra is kicking off its 95th performance season.
The 38th Annual Bark Ball
5:30-10 p.m., Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW
Area residents and their canine companions will cheer on the people and animals of our community at the Bark Ball, benefiting the Humane Rescue Alliance.
Break the Cycle: SOME’s Annual Gala
6 p.m., Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Break the Cycle celebrates the successes of So Others Might Eat, the triumphs of its clients and the recipients of its highest honors.
10th Annual CBC Black and White Gala
8 p.m., Marriott Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Honoring the works of the Congressional Black Caucus.
ARTS by George!
5 p.m., George Mason Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax
The evening begins at 5 p.m. with showcases by talented Mason Arts students throughout our studio and performance spaces complimented by a buffet dinner and culminates with the exciting headliner performance at 8:30 p.m. by Darren Criss in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall.
October 2025
Friday, Oct. 3
A Night of Hope: 45 Years of Impact
6:30-9 p.m., The Intercontinental-The Wharf, 801 Wharf St. SW
Join us as we celebrate 45 Years of Community of Hope’s Impact on Washington, D.C.
Thursday, Oct. 9
The 49th Annual Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Awards
5:30 p.m., Friends Meeting of Washington, D.C., 2111 Decatur Pl. NW
Honoring outstanding champions of human rights.
The Spirit of Mount Vernon
6:30 p.m., Mount Vernon, 3200 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mt. Vernon, VA
A celebration in support of Mount Vernon’s education and historic preservation mission.
2025 Benefit for The Anchor Fund
6-8:30 p.m., The City Tavern, 3206 M St. NW
Please join us to help survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
A Wide Circle Presents Neighbor to Neighbor Night 2025: Sneaker Soireé: Stepping Into Stability
6:30-10:30 p.m., The Ann & Don Brown Center for Community Service, 9159 Brookville Rd., Silver Spring, MD
This evening highlights the importance of our work supporting families transitioning into stable, furnished homes; job seekers building their career path; and community members investing in their neighborhood.
Saturday, Oct. 11
The Annual Virginia Fall Races
12:30 p.m., Glenwood Park, Middleburg, Virginia
The fall races have been a must-attend event since 1955.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
The Spirit of Georgetown 2025
6-8:30 p.m., City Tavern, 3206 M St. NW
At this year’s Spirit of Georgetown, Georgetown Ministry Center will honor longtime GMC volunteer Sue Massimiano.
Thursday, Oct. 16
Middleburg, Virginia
Narrative and documentary films — festival favorites, world and regional premieres, foreign films and Oscar contenders — will be screened in intimate theater environments and followed by conversations with filmmakers, actors and other guests.
19th Annual Lombardi Women
5:30 p.m., Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner, 1700 Tysons Blvd, Tysons, VA
Benefiting Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research.
Sitar Arts Center 25th Anniversary Gala
6:30 p.m., Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW
Celebrates 25 years of building a creative community of learning and belonging for D.C. youth.
Saturday, Oct. 18
The 50th Annual National Italian American Foundation Gala
5:30 p.m., Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW
NIAF’s 49th Anniversary Washington, D.C. Gala will celebrate the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Monday, Oct. 20
The Washington International Horse Show
Prince George’s Equestrian Center, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
The famed show will be held over seven days and nights in the Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center.
Tuesday, Oct. 21
NewsBash
7-9 p.m., Royal Sonesta Washington D.C. Capitol Hill
DC NewsBash, the charity event that raises funds and awareness for breast cancer causes, announces its 15th annual event.
Thursday, Oct. 23
Rock Creek Conservancy Gala
6 p.m., Carter Barron Amphitheater, 4850 Colorado Ave. NW
The gala celebrates progress in restoring Rock Creek’s forests, building community around the Carter Barron Amphitheater and nurturing current and future Rock Creek stewards.
March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
6 p.m., National Building Museum, 440 G St. NW
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we gather more than 25 of DC’s top chefs, over 50 corporations, and more than 600 guests in support of March of Dimes.
Friday, Oct. 24
Pre-ball dinners at over 30 embassies start a lively evening that ends at the Meridian.
Arts Fairfax Awards
11:15 a.m.-2 p.m., Hyatt Regency Reston, 1800 Presidents Street, Reston, VA
The event supports the services and resources from Arts Fairfax.
Friday, Oct. 25
National Blue Hope Bash
6:30 p.m., National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
The Blue Hope Bash benefits patients and caregivers served by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
D.C.’s Dancing Stars Gala 2025
6 p.m., Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City, 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington, VA
Local dancers and celebrities compete for charities.
Wednesday, Oct. 29
Global Leadership Awards Gala of the International Student House of Washington, D.C.
6 p.m., The International Student House of Washington, D.C.
This year’s 2025 Honorary Diplomatic Chair is His Excellency Shigeo Yamada, Japanese ambassador to the U.S.
November 2025
Saturday, Nov. 1
The Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company Black and White Gala
6:30-10 p.m., Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St. NW
Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company’s gala celebrates Washington, DC’s acclaimed modern dance company’s 33rd season. This elegant evening includes a cocktail hour, three course dinner, and art auction. The Honorary Gala Chairs are Kelly Dinglasan Minton, Izette Folger, and Bonnie Kogod. The evening includes works by the DMV’s premier modern dance company and its resident musicians. Dana Tai Soon Burgess is renowned for its innovative choreography and deep cultural storytelling. Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company was lauded by The Washington Post as a “national dance treasure.” This widely-touring troupe was named “Best Dance Company” by Washington City Paper for three years running.
The Viva School Envision Gala
7 p.m., The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW
The event raises funds for the VIVA School of Dance.
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Going Places 2025
MLK, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW
Joe Dempsey will be honored this year.
Wendt Center for Loss and Healing’s 50th Anniversary Benefit
Four Seasons Georgetown, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
The Wendt Center does important work to support children and adults who are grieving traumatic loss in and around Washington, D.C.
Big Celebration Gala 2025
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE
The 2025 Guest of Honor is Patrick Caulfield, Retired Legacy Partner and Co-Founder of Coakley & Williams Construction.
Thursday, Nov. 6
2025 Chamber’s Choice Awards & Gala
6-11:30 p.m., National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
Celebrates leaders who are contributing to the businesses and neighborhoods of and around D.C.
Sibley Soiree
The National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW
The event will help support the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley hospital.
March of Dimes Heroines of Washington
6 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
Heroines of Washington recognizes and honors women in the D.C. metro area for their dedication to community service.
D.C. Central Kitchen’s Capital Food Fight
6 p.m., The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. NW
The annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen includes a thrilling stage show featuring the rising stars of DC’s culinary scene, tastes from dozens of top restaurants from across the region, and appearances from some of the biggest names in food.
Friday, Nov. 7
Fall Soirée with The Historic GeorgeTown Club Foundation
6:30-8:30 p.m., The Georgetown Club, 1530 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Enjoy special themed rooms throughout the club, food and drinks, live music and an after-hours event.
Saturday, Nov. 8
Breakthrough T1D Mid-Atlantic Hope Gala
6 p.m., National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
The Breakthrough T1D Hope Gala brings together more than 700 philanthropic community leaders to raise critical funds for type 1 diabetes research.
National Center for Victims of Crime’s 40th Annual Gala
6 p.m., National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW
This is not just a gala; it’s a celebration of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of coming together to make a difference.
Wednesday, Nov. 12
Whitman-Walker Gala
6 p.m., Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., 1150 22nd St. NW
The gala will include cocktails and food and the attire is festive cocktail.
Sunday, Nov. 16
Woodley House’s 29th Annual Movie Benefit
AFI Silver Theatre & Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD.
The Movie Benefit is the biggest annual event supporting critical housing and services for individuals living with mental illness. Dana Bash will emcee.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Washington Business Hall of Fame
5:30 p.m., The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW
Every year, a cohort of our most prolific business and community leaders receive the region’s signature lifetime achievement award, joining the more than 180 Laureates in the Washington Business Hall of Fame who serve as role models to the next generation of business leaders.
Wednesday, Nov. 19
21st Annual Youth and Real Estate Event Presented by HITT
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Marriott Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW
In 2004, a small group of passionate individuals – BGCGW board members who were also in the real estate space – came together with a shared idea: to create an event that would provide a way to recognize the impactful work being done by their peers while simultaneously raising funds in support of the hundreds of youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.
Friday, Nov. 21
A Capital Evening XII
Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., 1150 22nd St. NW
John S. Mulholland Family Foundation’s signature Gala Dinner and Silent Auction serve as the organization’s sole fundraising event each year, with proceeds directly supporting its work for the following year.
Saturday, Nov. 22
TransformerDC 21st Annual Benefit Auction Gala
The Line DC, 1770 Euclid St. NW
Transformer’s Annual Silent Auction & Benefit Party is a large-scale exhibition of artworks by local, national, and international emerging and established artists.
December 2025
Sunday, Dec. 7
48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
This year’s honorees: George Strait, KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor and Sylvester Stallone.
The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea Party
3 p.m., Location TBA
The annual Nutcracker Tea Party highlights one of the crown jewels of D.C.—the gorgeous cherry blossoms. Tea party tickets also include tickets to either the 1 p.m. matinee or 5:30 p.m. evening performance of The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre.
Friday, Dec. 12
AFCEA DC’s 49th Annual Winter Gala
7:30 p.m., National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
Join the who’s who in the federal IT community with immersive experiences and sensory delights.
British Christmas Luncheon Gala
12-3 p.m., The Fairmont, 2401 M St. NW
The British-American Business Association is hosting its 29th annual Christmas luncheon this year.
Monday, Dec. 15
The Choral Arts Society’s 45th Annual Holiday Concert & Gala
7 p.m., The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
The Choral Arts Annual Holiday Concert and Gala is a highlight of the Washington holiday season and entertains over 400 local business leaders, diplomatic dignitaries, DC trendsetters and more.
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