Spring 2026 Galas and Events Guide
By • February 10, 2026 0 1026
Compiled by Mia Pech
It’s time to think spring! Prepare for Washington’s blooming social season with this gala guide featuring parties and events. We’ll update the list in real time as event details are announced.
FEBRUARY
Friday, February 20
6:00-12 a.m., Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW
The Wish Ball supports the mission of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic by raising critical funds to grant life-changing wishes for local children facing serious illness across the DMV area.
78th Annual Affair of the Heart Luncheon and Fashion Show
11:00 a.m., Marriott Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW
A stylish and inspiring afternoon of fashion, philanthropy and connection featuring a runway show, luncheon and survivor stories in support of women’s heart health through the American Heart Association.
Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28
The 26th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala
There will be multiple events across two days to celebrate the work of the Virginia Black History Month Association.
Saturday, February 28
6:00-10:00 p.m., Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner, 1700 Tysons Blvd, McLean, VA
A celebratory 55th anniversary gala featuring dinner, drinks, live and silent auctions and community support for the mission of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation.
MARCH
Thursday, March 5
2026 N Street Village Gala & Auction
Marriott Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW
An inspiring event raising critical funds to support housing, healing and hope for women served by N Street Village, with powerful stories and a shared commitment to ending homelessness in DC.
Saturday, March 7
6:30-10:30 p.m., Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW
An elegant 27th anniversary evening of wine, global cuisine and exclusive auctions benefiting young patients at Children’s National Hospital.
Friday, March 13
7:00-11:00 p.m., Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NW
A stylish, pink-themed evening with food and cocktails from top DC restaurants, music, a benefit auction and celebration in support of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
7:30-11 p.m., Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW
If you’re passionate about Bridgerton, Jane Austen, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Disney Princesses, and all things romance and romantasy, this is the must-do event of the season!
Saturday, March 14
6:00-11:00 p. m., Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW
An elegant evening featuring a cocktail reception, auctions and awards in support of cancer research at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Monday, March 16
The Ireland Funds National Gala
The National Building Museum, 440 G St NW
A celebration of 50 years of The Ireland Funds and 250 years of the deep ties, heritage and friendship between the island of Ireland and the United States.
Tuesday, March 17
5:30-7:00 p.m., National Building Museum, 401 G St NW
An inspirational evening honoring military families, bringing together survivors, leaders and supporters to celebrate patriotism and remembrance with TAPS.
Saturday, March 21
The Washington Performing Arts Gala
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW
A gala celebrating 60 years of music and impact with cocktails, dinner and live performance in support of Washington Performing Arts.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Reception
This invite-only VIP reception kicks off the official start of the festival.
Monday, March 23
Washington Nationals Foundation Dream Foundation Gala
The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW
The event supports youth-focused events throughout the D.C. region.
Saturday, March 28
Greater Washington Region Heart Ball
6:30-12 a.m., Waldorf Astoria, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
The Greater Washington Region Heart Ball brings the community together to support the American Heart Association’s mission to save lives and advance health equity so every heart can thrive.
APRIL
Saturday, April 4
1-9 p.m., West Entrance at Half St. SE
The National Cherry Blossom’s open-air festival is back for another year.
Thursday, April 9
The Latino Student Fund Annual Gala
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW
The Latino Student Fund (LSF) was founded in 1994 to address disparities in access to education for underrepresented youth in D.C. The fund has served over 11,000 youth over the last three decades.
Friday, April 10
Imagination Stage’s 2026 Annual Gala
5:30 p.m., Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD
An evening celebrating your inner child with whimsy, imagination and friends old and new.
Saturday, April 11
6:00-11:00 p.m., Washington Golf & Country Club, 3017 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA
A festive evening celebrating the legacy of Artistic Director Diane Coburn Bruning, with cocktails, dinner, live dance and music.
Monday, April 13
All the World’s a Stage: STC 40th Anniversary Gala
6:00 p.m., The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW
A celebratory evening honoring Wendell Pierce and arts leaders, with performances and tributes marking Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 40th anniversary.
Wednesday, April 15
The Georgetown House Tour Patrons’ Party
6:30-8:30 p.m., Prospect House, 3508 Prospect St. NW
Each year, St. John’s Episcopal Church, members of our community and beyond gather to participate in the annual Georgetown House Tour, where residents open their doors to visitors from all over to experience the architecture, design and history of Georgetown and to raise funds for vital community outreach programs in our area.
Thursday, April 16
Calvary Women’s Services Hope Gala
The Ritz Carlton, 1150 22nd St NW
Celebrating women overcoming homelessness and raising critical support for the work of Calvary Women’s Services.
Friday, April 17
The Washington Ballet’s 2026 Annual Gala
6:00 p.m., The Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW
A magical evening at the Washington National Cathedral with cocktails, dinner and special performances celebrating artistry and movement in support of the Washington Ballet.
Saturday, April 18
The Annual Catholic Charities Gala
6:30 p.m., Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW
An elegant evening with cocktails, dinner and entertainment in support of the vital work of Catholic Charities serving neighborhoods in need across our community.
The Lab School of Washington’s 41st Annual Gala
Ritz Carlton D.C., 1150 22nd St, NW
Honoring outstanding achievers with learning differences and raising support for students and educators at the Lab School of Washington.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Raise funds for ministry and outreach.
Monday, April 20
Atlas 20th Anniversary Benefit
6:00 p.m., Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE
The Atlas Spring Benefit supports the Atlas Performing Arts Center’s mission to support artists, engage the neighborhood and bring people together through the arts.
Wednesday, April 22
The 2026 Smithsonian Craft Show
Through Sunday, April 26, The National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
The Smithsonian Craft Show is the country’s premier showcase for the finest in hand-crafted, American artisanal works.
Thursday, April 23
6:00 p.m., Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Fun and festive evening showcasing our amazing Club kids and programs.
Friday, April 24
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
Join us on Friday, April 24, for the annual Folger Gala—a celebratory evening to benefit the Folger and its many vital and creative programmatic offerings.
Saturday, April 25
6:00-midnight, The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. NW
The annual black-tie gala celebrates the future of children’s health.
The 2026 Hyde-Addison PTA Gala
7:00-10:00 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3240 O St. NW
A lively jazz-inspired gala with live music, food and drinks bringing the school community together in support of programs and resources at the Hyde-Addison Elementary School.
The 2026 White House Correspondents Dinner
Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW
The event is typically one of D.C.’s biggest weekends.
Monday, April 27
Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition and Gala
6:00 p.m., President Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S St. NW
Spectacular exhibition of international style, where cultural diversity and elegance unite, promoting global connection and bridging nations.
Wednesday, April 29
The Metro DC Capitol Swing 2026
6:00 p.m., Army Navy Country Club, 1700 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, VA
The gala supports the mission to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives.
6 p.m., The Barns, 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna
Enjoy a culinary experience inspired by America’s 250th anniversary.
Thursday April 30
6:30 p.m., under the big tent in the Mule Yard
Enjoy a soirée benefitting Georgetown Heritage.
MAY
Saturday, May 2
The Orchestra of the Americas Gateway to Greatness Awards Gala
6:00 p.m., The Salamander Hotel, 1330 Maryland Ave. SW
An evening at the Salamander Hotel DC featuring Michelin-star cuisine, cocktails, live music and Latin dancing.
101st Running of the Virginia Gold Cup Race
10:00 a.m., Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains
The 101st running of the Virginia Gold Cup races features steeplechase racing, elegant tailgates and social festivities.
6:00 p.m., JW Marriott Washington D.C., 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
An evening with dinner, auctions and networking that brings leaders together in support of families staying at the Children’s Inn at NIH.
Tuesday, May 5
The 16th Annual Great Ladies Luncheon & Fashion Show
10:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m., The Ritz Carlton, 1150 22nd St. NW
Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
Wednesday, May 6
Hearts Delight Wine Tasting and Auction
Through May 9
Four days of fun including a Congress Has Heart Celebration, intimate wine dinners and an exclusive Vintner’s Dinner.
The 2026 Pen/Faulkner Award Celebration
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW
An engaging literary evening celebrating award finalists, judges’ presentations and the 2026 Literary Champion with the Pen/Faulkner Foundation.
Thursday, May 7
Americas Ball for the Mall: 250th Anniversary
The National Mall
Celebration of all 50 states and kick off the grand national celebration that culminates on the Fourth of July.
This year’s event will honor Kitty Kelley.
Friday, May 8
4th Annual Gala for Foster Care
6:00-9:00 p.m., Rooftop Terrace at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW
Fantastic night of live music, open bar and fun as we honor champions of foster care.
12th Annual Alzheimer’s Association Vision Gala
6:00 p.m., Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St. NW
The event celebrates amazing individuals doing tremendous work in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
2026 Dinner of Champions: Nation’s Capital
6:00-11:00 p.m., Waldorf Astoria, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
A high-energy, 80s-themed evening with dinner and live silent auctions celebrating progress and raising funds to end MS through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The Phillips Collection Annual Gala 2026
6:30-11:30 p.m., The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
An elegant evening honoring leaders in art and culture while celebrating the museum’s commitment to education, community engagement and modern and contemporary art.
Saturday, May 9
96th Annual Georgetown Garden Tour
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Georgetown area
Enjoy a garden walk and afternoon refreshments.
Georgetown Garden Tour Patrons Party
Enjoy an invite-only evening celebrating the Garden Tour.
Tuesday, May 12
National Building Museum, 440 G St. NW
A lively culinary competition where Members of Congress serve signature dishes, paired with tastings, awards and fundraising in support of the mission of the March of Dimes.
Saturday, May 16
Washington National Opera Ball
The National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
The 70th annual gala will be co-hosted by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz and Jamie Bernstein, the daughter of West Side Story composer Leonard Bernstein.
Wednesday, May 20
Tudor Place’s Annual Spring Garden Party
6:00-9:00 p.m., Tudor Place, 1633 31st St. NW
An elegant spring garden party under the stars with cocktails, celebration and festive attire in support of the historic Tudor Place.
Saturday, May 30
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW
A meaningful evening supporting the mission of Blood Cancer United to fund lifesaving research and provide critical support for patients and families affected by blood cancer.
JUNE
Tuesday, June 2
6:00-10:00 p.m., Lunar Lawn, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW
A black-tie evening celebrating the opening of Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles, with cocktails, exclusive exhibition access and a starlit dinner supporting the mission of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.
Friday, June 5
The 20th Annual Celebration of Hope Gala
6:00 p.m., W. Scott Funger House, 10100 Laureate Way, Bethesda, MD
Celebrating our ongoing work providing free emotional support programs, education, wellness and Hope for people with cancer and their loved ones.
Saturday, June 20
The RalRosa Foundation 5th Annual Rum & Rosé Charitable Fundraiser
5:30 p.m., Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW
