These formal events make for a lively, fancy evening out on the town — and support health initiatives, cultural arts and more in our community
by Addie Ladner

Looking to swap that heavy sweater for a slinky dress and strappy heels? These Raleigh charity events are a great excuse to dress up — while supporting essential causes in our community. From a Bridgerton-themed affair hosted by hospitality pros to a sophisticated black-tie event for the performing arts scene, add one of these parties to your social calendar this spring.

Dress for Success’s Celebrate Success Gala

Dress for Success in the Triangle and Eastern NC equips women with professional attire, career coaching and community support to help them secure employment and build lasting economic independence and advance economic mobility. The mission is far more than clothing — it helps build confidence, access and stability for women and their families in our area. The organizations event held at the lovely Umstead Hotel & Spa will including live music, a DJ after party, silent and live auctions and fabulous food and drink.

March 6 | 6 p.m.; from $300; 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary; dfstrianglenc.org

The North Carolina Opera Gala

Join fellow arts supporters, civic leaders and tastemakers for a glamorous black-tie event celebrating music and community at the North Carolina Opera Gala. It’s a chance to invest in Raleigh’s cultural future while enjoying an evening of live performances, fine dining and dancing to support world-class opera in our region. 
March 14 | 6 p.m.; from $300; 2450 Alumni Drive; one.bidpal.net/ncoperagala2026

North Carolina Red Cross Gala

The North Carolina chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting its 35th annual gala at The Umstead Hotel. This black tie optional event supports relief efforts across the state and the globe, with emphasis on disaster recovery and emergency preparedness.

March 14 | 6 p.m.; from $300; 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary; redcross.org

Art in Bloom’s Starry Night Designer Reception

To kick off its annual Art in Bloom event, the North Carolina Museum of Art hosts a party where guests an early look at the installations and meet the designers who created them. This year, Art in Bloom’s theme is Written in the Stars — and expect to see cocktail attire inspired by both flowers and the Zodiac at the Starry Night Party. Proceeds benefit the NCMA to keep the People’s Collection thriving.

March 18 | 6:30 p.m.; from $150; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

Merrimon-Wynn House’s Evening to Ignite

This fun, fabulous gala — produced by Raleigh’s uber-talented event-planning folks — raises big money for North Carolina nonprofits. Held at downtown’s historic Merrimon-Wynne House, each year they support a different organization at this event with an over-the-top theme complete with a guest style guide and incredible sets. This year’s benefactor is Haven House and get out your corsets because the theme is Bridgerton!

March 20 | 7:30; from $225; 500 N. Blount Street; merrimonwynne.com/an-evening-to-ignite

No Women, No Girl Initiative’s Gala For Dignity

Founded by Shirnetta Harrell, The No Woman, No Girl Initiative works to make sure women in need have access to basic hygiene items like menstrual products, dental hygiene items and other basic toiletries like shampoo and conditioner. Through this program, women who can receive these items at no cost, with no questions asked. This month, No Woman, No Girl will host a black-tie fundraising gala to celebrate its fifth birthday. Hosted at Raleigh Union Station, expect live music, an auction, food and wine, with funds benefiting the launch of the Dignity Program, a safe shopping experience for women in need.
March 27 | 6 p.m.; $250; 510 W. Martin Street; nowomannogirl.org

The Reese Ward Foundation’s Hope in Bloom Ball

Following a successful inaugural year, The Reese Ward Foundation is hosting its second charity gala, The Hope in Bloom Ball, at Prestonwood Country Club. Step into a whimsical world of garden beauty and enjoy cocktails and cuisine, gorgeous installations and live entertainment. All funds go toward the American Cancer Society and the Melanoma Research Foundation in honor of Reese Ward, who lost his life to cancer in 2022.
March 28 | 6 – 11 p.m.; From $250; 300 Prestonwood Parkway, Cary; reesewardfoundation.com 

This web-exclusive article was originally published on February 19, 2026 on waltermagazine.com