Guys attend Fight Night, where scantily clad hostesses light their cigars; women head to Knock Out Abuse for dinner, an auction—and eye candy of their own.
This lavish fundraiser for the Shakespeare Theatre Company pulls in a who’s who of names to enjoy mini-performances of ballet, modern dance, and theater.
Luxe tables dot the Kennedy Center’s beautifully decorated terrace level while Ailey dancers join guests for dinner—and unchoreographed dancing to the band.
Get lost in the dancing—a real possibility, given the 2,000 attendees at the convention center. If the gowns don’t do it first, the auction prices will take your breath away.
First dine at one of a handful of ambassadors’ residences before dessert at the host envoy’s home (last year, Germany’s) and dancing with some of the city’s biggest titans.
This article appears in our December 2015 issue of Washingtonian.
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The Year in Washington Galas
From Fight Night to Kennedy Center Honors—here's where Washington's social set can be seen.
November
Fight Night, $1,000/Knock Out Abuse, $650
Guys attend Fight Night, where scantily clad hostesses light their cigars; women head to Knock Out Abuse for dinner, an auction—and eye candy of their own.
Harman Center Gala, $750
This lavish fundraiser for the Shakespeare Theatre Company pulls in a who’s who of names to enjoy mini-performances of ballet, modern dance, and theater.
December
Kennedy Center Honors, $500
A Hollywood/Wash-ington mash-up where you’re almost guaranteed to get a glimpse of the President and First Lady.
February
Alvin Ailey Opening Night, $500
Luxe tables dot the Kennedy Center’s beautifully decorated terrace level while Ailey dancers join guests for dinner—and unchoreographed dancing to the band.
March
Leukemia Ball, $1,000
Get lost in the dancing—a real possibility, given the 2,000 attendees at the convention center. If the gowns don’t do it first, the auction prices will take your breath away.
April
Children’s Ball, $1,000
Fast becoming one of the top events on the calendar, it draws boldface me-dia types to handle auctioneer duties to benefit Children’s National.
May
Phillips Collection Gala, $1,350
The Contemporaries Bash, which follows the main dinner in the museum, brings in a younger crowd mingling until the wee hours in a hip, off-site spot.
Washington Ballet Spring Gala, $1,200
Septime Webre always cooks up a magical theme to echo the venerable company’s season, highlighted by great performances from corps members.
Trust for the National Mall Benefit Luncheon, $500
Switch things up and head to a lunch-eon in a white tent on the Mall—and don’t forget your fancy spring hat!
June
Opera Ball, $500
First dine at one of a handful of ambassadors’ residences before dessert at the host envoy’s home (last year, Germany’s) and dancing with some of the city’s biggest titans.
This article appears in our December 2015 issue of Washingtonian.
Don’t Miss Another Big Story—Get Our Weekend Newsletter
Our most popular stories of the week, sent every Saturday.
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