It’s time for a new season of formal attire—galas are back in full swing
Understated Beauty
HER LOOK: Embroidered Sutash Sequin Mesh Gown, $700, Feather Clutch, $175, Mariel, Cherry Creek, 303.623.1151, marielboutique.com
Baguette Tennis Bracelet, $52,551, Emerald Cut Dangle Earrings, $7,523, Cluster Pendant, $3,933,
Trice Jewelers, Southglenn, 303.759.9661, tricejewelers.com
HIS LOOK: Shawl Lapel Slim Fit Tuxedo, $995, Duman’s Custom Tailor, Denver, 303.832.1701, dumaninc.com
Turn Some Heads
HER LOOK: Melanie Swiss Velvet and Italian Silk Crepe de Chine Gown $2250,
Guillermo Pharis, Denver, 646.322.4959, gp-bridal.com
HIS LOOK: Shawl Lapel Slim Fit Tuxedo, $995, Duman’s Custom Tailor, Denver, 303.832.1701, dumaninc.com
All That Glitters
HER LOOK: Milado Ball Gown $700, Opera Gloves $65, Mariel, Cherry Creek, 303.623.1151, marielboutique.com
Dilamani YG Ring $9,028, TopClass Explosion Dangle Earrings, $2,695, Riveria Necklace, $36,480, 18k White Gold Rnds & Baggs Ring, $9,901, 18k Eternity TT Bracelet $29,108, 18k Diamond Bangle, $24,013, Raymond Weil Freelancer Watch, $2,696, Trice Jewelers, Southglenn, 303.759.9661, tricejewelers.com
HIS LOOK: Homer Reed Stratford Tuxedo, $828, Homer Reed, DTC, 303.770.7512, mensclothingdenver.com
Belle of the Ball
HER LOOK: Carol Silk-blend Italian Taffeta Gown $3,450, Guillermo Pharis, Denver, 646.322.4959,
gp-bridal.com
Badgley Mischka Teretha Pump, $235, Nordstrom, Park Meadows, 303.799.3400, nordstrom.com
Oval Sapphire Necklace, $14,732, Sapphire Dangle Earrings, $11,167, Double Pear Sapphire Ring, $2,700, Oval Sapphire Ring, $11,000, Sapphire Bangle, $11,028, 18k Oval Blue Tanzanite Ring, $23,115, Kelege Bangle, $17,812, Wide Band Kelege, $8,350, Trice Jewelers, Southglenn, 303.759.9661, tricejewelers.com
HIS LOOK: Homer Reed Stratford Tuxedo, $828, Homer Reed, DTC, 303.770.7512, mensclothingdenver.com
Shimmer and Shine
Sequin Tulle Ruffled Gown, $1200, Swarovski Crystal Snake Purse, $500, Mariel, Cherry Creek, 303.623.1151, marielboutique.com
Badgley Mischka Kalista Pump, $235, Nordstrom, Park Meadows, 303.799.3400, nordstrom.com
GET TO THE GALAS!
September 10
CASTLE PINES MASQUERADE PARTY
“Unmasked” is an annual event presented by the city of Castle Pines, to help raise funds for Mental Health Colorado. Attendees are encouraged to get all decked out in creative costumes, and this year’s special guest is Olympic Gold Medalist Missy Franklin. 5–8 p.m. at THE HAVEN IN THE PINES, mentalhealthcolorado.org
September 10
DENVER ZOO FLOCK PARTY
Get ready to “shake a tail feather” for a good cause! This flamboyant soiree is a moveable feast and exclusive zoo experience that benefits the Denver Zoo’s new habitat for American and Chilean flamingos. There’s also multiple live music acts, animal demos and Keeper Talks throughout the grounds. Tickets are selling quickly! 5–9 p.m. at DENVER ZOO, denverzoo.org
September 16
HEARTS-4-HEARTS CASINO NIGHT
Experience the Monte Carlo lifestyle at this elegant casino night, the 8th-annual event to benefit the American Cancer Society. 6:30 p.m. at CASTLE ROCK FORD, eventbrite.com
September 16
DINE FOR THE HIGH LINE
After a four-year hiatus, this gala is back for 2022. The event helps raise crucial funds for the High Line Canal Conservancy, and the celebration will be held under the trees at the Conservancy’s new home in Centennial. The evening includes a cocktail and appetizer reception, a sit-down feast, live music, a silent auction and stargazing around the “bonfire.” Attendees will have a chance to purchase artworks inspired by the beautiful sights along the canal. 5:30 p.m. start at HIGH LINE CANAL CONSERVANCY, highlinecanal.org
September 17
BAJA UNDER THE STARS
The Palapa Society of Todos Santos is a nonprofit organization that provides educational and other opportunities for the future leaders of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The evening includes a VIP mezcal tasting, seated dinner and live entertainment by Conjuntos Colores. 5 p.m. at DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS, palapasociety.org
September 22
DISTINCTLY COLORADO 2022
This event, featuring “cocktails and cuisine supporting breast cancer thrivers,” is
presented by Sense of Security, a nonprofit that helps Colorado families in financial need during breast cancer treatment. Tickets include a cocktail party, a three-course dinner, a silent auction and live fundraising. Wear a splash of pink! BALDORIA ON THE WATER, Lakewood, senseofsecurity.org
October 8
STAR SPANGLED GALA
The nonprofit Healing Warriors Program presents this fancy gala to help support veterans throughout the Front Range. It’s at the Denver Downtown Aquarium, where attendees get to experience the newly redone Nautilus Ballroom and tour the aquarium exhibits. The evening includes a cocktail and appetizer reception, a full-course dinner with wine pairings, a silent auction and a famous dessert auction. 4:30–9 p.m. at DENVER DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM, healingwarriorsprogram.org
October 14
Fête DES FABLES: DEEP IN THE FOREST
The 7th-annual fundraising gala for the Douglas County Libraries Foundation takes attendees deep into the forest to explore the tale of Hansel and Gretel. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes that fit the theme. The evening includes signature cocktails, a catered dinner, delectable desserts, a silent auction and unique themed entertainment like axe-throwing. All proceeds support the libraries and their mission to share the love of reading with future generations. HIGHLANDS RANCH MANSION, dcl.org
October 29
A PRECIOUS CHILD’S ANNUAL GALA
The 14th-annual gala fundraiser for A Precious Child is a Halloween masquerade party, with guests able to attend in-person or virtually. The evening includes a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, casino games and dancing to live music—all to help raise funds that provide opportunities and resources to children in need. 5:30 p.m.–midnight at HYATT REGENCY DENVER, apreciouschild.org
December 2
PAWSITIVE FOR A PURPOSE WINTER GALA
Victory Service Dogs, a nonprofit based in Colorado Springs, helps veterans and first responders learn to train their dogs to be service dogs. All the details about this fundraising gala weren’t available at press time, so check the website for updates. THE PINERY NORTH, victorysd.org