This year, we gather in the breathtaking Garfield Park Conservatory for the 2025 Gala—an evening of elegance, connection, and celebration. Surrounded by beauty, community, and purpose, we’ll raise our glasses to the progress we’ve made and recommit to the work ahead.
Join us for the 2025 OPALGA+ Gala on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the breathtaking Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. This unforgettable evening will feature a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live auction, and vibrant entertainment—all in celebration of LGBTQ+ advocacy, community, and scholarship. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with programming beginning promptly at 7:00 PM. Dress to impress and come ready to celebrate, support, and shine. All proceeds benefit the OPALGA+ Scholarship Fund.
Because when we invest in our youth, when we gather in joy, and when we stand together—we build a future where everyone belongs.
We’ve got an unforgettable night planned, featuring some familiar faces and amazing talent!
6:00 PM Cocktail Hour
Check in and walk around the stunning gardens at the Conservatory before our program starts.
7:00 PM Dinner
A delicious plated dinner with time to mingle with folks at your table.
8:00 PM Program Starts
Get ready for inspiring scholarship stories, drag entertainers, and a voguing showcase. The program will be hosted by WGN’s Sean Lewis, featuring WGN’s Tim Joyce as our auctioneer!
9:00 PM Dancing and Entertainment
Ready to dance the night away? We will have DJ Zeetus Lapetus on deck to spin all of the greatest dance hits for you in Horticulture Hall! A mellow nightcap with friends more your speed? We will be hosting a jazz keyboardist in the Palm Room.
11:00 PM Event Ends
Dress Code
Dress to impress! The attire is cocktail to formal. Think polished, expressive, celebratory, and ready for a beautiful night out.
Getting There
Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
- Parking is available and will be monitored by security.
- We also encourage taking a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or using the CTA Green Line (Conservatory–Central Park Drive stop).
Silent Auction: Grab a Treasure & Give Back!
Take a look at the silent auction items we have available. Bidding is already open!
Even if you are not able to attend the Gala this year, you can still bid on auction items or make donations in support of the fund.
The OPALGA+ Scholarship Fund provides financial support for the post-high school education of students who have demonstrated service and advocacy to the LGBTQ+ community and/or the larger community. This year, we awarded $60,000 in scholarships and have awarded over $280,000 since the inception of the scholarship fund ten years ago. Scholarship amounts awarded each year depend on your generosity!
