Despite a blizzard raging outside in January, the Independence Center sparkled. Nearly 400 people came to the 19th Dancing with the Stars evening held at the Ritz Carlton. By the end of the night more than $555,000 had been raised to support clinical services, community connection, employment opportunities and housing for programs for adults across the region with severe and persistent mental illness. Dancing with the Stars St. Louis is one of the city’s longest-running fundraising traditions — nearly two decades. It has become one of the most highly anticipated fundraising events in the region, and this year was no exception.
The Stranger Than Fiction: Gets A Clue Gala brought all the intrigue of film noir and mystery fiction, with attendees donning their best sleuth attire. More than 430 guests attended and raised $252,000 for St. Louis Public Library. Throughout the evening, attendees could find literary inspired activities such as a clue-inspired mystery game featuring actors from Brickworks Theatre Company. Attendees could also look for red herrings, or sip on one, as the signature cocktail was named after the famous term and created by Tim Wiggins, owner of Extra Wavy, Yellowbelly and Lazy Tiger. Get a clue and you just might find your face inside this article.
On March 28, community and corporate leaders gathered at The Ritz ‑Carlton for the 2026 St. Louis Breakthrough T1D Dream Gala, an elegant evening centered on progress, purpose and hope. Approximately 240 guests attended, which raised an extraordinary $1 million plus and counting, fueling life‑changing research and advancements for the T1D community. Guests enjoyed a seated dinner‑Carlton, silent and live auctions, a live sweepstakes drawing and a powerful Fund A Cure program. More than a celebration, the evening reflected a collective commitment to accelerating cures and improving lives while honoring the resilience, innovation and progress shaping a brighter future for the Type One Diabetes community.
With record-setting attendance, more than 400 supporters gathered at Energizer Park on May 1 for Hear the Future, St. Louis Public Radio’s annual celebration in support of independent local journalism, the city heard the call. This support comes during what has been a defining year for public media, with challenges including the loss of federal funding. In response to those cuts, community members have stepped up to become members of STLPR, with over 28,000 supporters in total – another record for the station. See how supporters of STlPR lit up the night at the 2026 Hear the Future Gala.
If you are reading this, you are the FIRST to see our May/June 2026 issue. In it, we explore how St. Louis continues to leave its imprint on the world stage. Our cover story, “The Rooms That Speak: Lou Bopp and the Art of Photographing Absence,” is a deeply moving piece that will leave a lasting impression on you. It is a poignant look at the creation of a 2026 Oscar-winning documentary by a St. Louis photographer. It is, quite simply, unforgettable. We also take a deep dive into two other St. Louis institutions, the 101-year-old Al’s Restaurant, which was the very definition of fine dining in yesteryear and carries the torch today in St. Louis and beyond. Also read about how Stifel Financial Corporation Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski ensures that their brand is carried throughout the nation and the world.
Hosted by Stifel Chairman and CEO Ron Kruszewski and Amanda Perkins, more than 400 guests gathered for La Notte Bianca, “White Night in Cortina,” inspired by Cortina d’Ampezzo from the 2026 Winter Olympics. Guests embraced the “all white” theme in glamorous style, turning the night into a dazzling alpine celebration. The record-setting event raised $1.375 million to support the athletes of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, who mingled with guests throughout the evening.
The Saint Louis Art Museum’s 2025 gala, Elements: The Alchemist’s Garden, on December 6, was inspired by the monumental exhibition “Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea.” The evening, co-chaired by Lisa R. Carnahan and Brooke Ray, celebrated 40 years of the museum gala and featured an immersive dining experience and high-energy after party where elegance and art converged. Proceeds from the event ensure that world-class exhibitions, transformative programs and unparalleled art experiences continue to inspire the community.
The Black and White Ball 2025 was a true celebration of St. Louis’ generous heart. It transformed the Four Seasons Ballroom into a celebration of glamour, community and giving back, blending high-fashion moments with unforgettable performances and hometown pride. Nelly, a longtime supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, announced that 4-year-old Elijah Gilligan will be going on an all-expense paid trip to Disney World with his family. Nelly also surprised Harris-Stowe State University student Te’Ron Moore with a 4-year full ride scholarship. Ashanti, Busta Rhymes, Doug E. Fresh, Jermaine Dupri, Ozzie Smith, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Wesley Bell.
This year marked the museum’s 20th Art in Bloom, the Saint Louis Art Museum’s annual celebration of fresh flowers and fine art. It drew a record-breaking 35,000-plus visitors from February 27 through March 1. The festival featured 30 local floral designers’ interpreting works from the museum’s collection. In addition to the floral arrangements on view, the Art in Bloom weekend included a successful Preview Party, the ticketed Flowers After Hours event, family programs and a drop-in demonstration by Rachel Cho, a New York–based floral designer who created a large-scale installation in Sculpture Hall for the festival. See highlights.
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) gathered its most brilliant supporters for Spark: CAM's 2026 Gala on Friday, April 17 at the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis. Spark guests generously raised their paddles during the Fund the Need auction to ensure continued support of beloved CAM programs and resources such as New Art in the Neighborhood, guided tours, youth transportation, Resident Teaching Artist honorariums, Artist Talks, and Family Days. The event generated over $415,000, making it one of the most successful events in CAM’s history—and keeping CAM free and accessible to all.
Twenty nine young women were presented to the Archbishop of St. Louis at the 67th Annual Fleur de Lis Charity Ball on December 27. Held at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, the lavish event raised funds for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. To date, the Fleur de Lis has exceeded a total of $3 million in donations. Last year, the hospital provided millions of dollars in free care to children from St. Louis and the surrounding bi-state area.
“Don’t feel sorry for us — invest in us.” In a nutshell, this is what Microfinancing Partners in Africa is all about. On Friday, April 24, supporters of the St. Louis-based organization will gather in the Frontenac Hilton’s ballroom to help those who help themselves in a multitude of countries scattered throughout the continent such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Beginning at 5pm, the 20th Annual African Gala marks two decades of steadfast commitment to one of the world’s most pressing challenges: extreme poverty.
Fly 12 stories high onto the rooftop of the Gold Tower at Westport. Billed as the Skyline Stakes Soirée, this party guarantees an afternoon of racing-inspired revelry — it is truly unique. Where else can you watch “the most exciting two minutes in sports” with the in-crowd?
No where else can you ride in a private glass-enclosed elevator to a Derby event in St. Louis.
No where else can you see panoramic views 30-miles in each direction of St. Louis.
No where else can you sip on fine cocktails, gorge on a sumptuous buffet, and socialize with the St. Louis elite in true Derby fashion high in the sky.
Details here on Saturday, May 2nd, a day you will remember long after race day is done.
Spring. Ah, glorious spring. The parties. The food. The activities. St. Louis loves the warm weather. We embrace it. There is so much to do here. We all want to live our lives like they are golden. The stores glimmer throughout the metropolis like flowers on a sunny day. The restaurants and bars across the St. Louis area are welcoming guests back outdoors with vibrant patio spaces, seasonal menus, and warm-weather specials. From sunny brunch spots to lively happy hours and sunset dinners, patio season offers locals and visitors new ways to enjoy the city's most beloved destinations. From Passover, to Easter, to Derby Day and Earth Day, and of course, Mother’s Day, St. Louis in the spring is magical. Drink it up!
Just in time for Hanukkah 2025, the St. Louis Jewish Community Center (the J) successfully hosted it’s annual J’la gala at the Factory in Chesterfield, with a record-breaking 550 guests and over $600,000 raised. The gala honored Jane Tzinberg Rubin for decades of service on both the St Louis and North American JCC Boards, and Ken Rubin for his leadership role with local organizations the support the St Louis J.
Soon we will be singing Auld Lang Syne as we say farewell to 2025. Throughout 2025, we’ve shared with you the good life, both near and far. We are the region’s leading luxury lifestyle omnichannel publication. From print, to digital, to social media, we make sure that you have your finger on the pulse. Let’s take a look back at 2025 through the lens of our issues of the last 10 months, and say hello to our newly-minted November/December issue, which will be available soon.
Tower Grove Park’s 21st Annual Martinis at the Mansion was a tremendous success! Held on Friday, October 10, the event brought together more than 180 guests for an unforgettable evening celebrating and supporting the Park’s mission to preserve its beauty and history for generations to come. Thanks to the generosity of their sponsors, attendees, and donors, the event raised over $52,000 to support Tower Grove Park’s ongoing preservation and community programs.
MUSE: The Styled Course, is an intimate, one-night-only fashion and culinary experience and couture-inspired dinner where fashion meets flavor. Happening October 2, 2025, at 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis, it is a production of Brainchild Next. MUSE pairs Chef Bonnie Moore, Executive Chef of Idol Wolf, with acclaimed designer Shanna Britta for a four-course dinner inspired by fashion, styled with intention.
Here’s a recipe for the perfect society event for a scorching St. Louis summer day. Take one part historic mansion. Mix with 75 patrons of the arts. Add the cast of Tennessee Williams’ hottest play. Stir in a heaping helping of brie, beignets, and berries. Garnish with a spritz of sparkling summer libations. Splash liberally in a newly-installed pool. And voilà! You have the ingredients for the Tennessee Williams “Brunch with Blanche” Pool Party Fundraiser to raise a record sum for the storied institution’s 10th season. Click here to see all how it all turned out.
For ten years now, the institution (and yes, they can officially call it an institution at the decade mark) has lifted high the banner and has been the siren call that beckons all to bask in the brilliance of St. Louis’ adopted son, and arguably the greatest playwright in the nation, the inimitable Tennessee Williams. This month and next, the festival shifts into high gear with events at the St. Louis County Library, the Missouri History Museum, a CWE mansion, and the eleven day festival itself in the Grand Center Arts District.
