Gala Season Has Arrived: The Bay Area Arts Events to Have on Your Radar This Spring
It’s officially Gala Season, and across the Bay Area, the spring calendar is filling up with evenings that bring together artistry, community, and a shared commitment to supporting the future of the performing arts.
At Red Curtain Addict, we’re always looking at the moments that go beyond the performance, the rooms where artists, audiences, and advocates come together to shape what’s next. Gala season is exactly that!
From milestone celebrations to rising organizations building what’s ahead, we've rounded up some upcoming galas to have on your radar this spring (in date order). And to watch some of our highlights from our recent segment on KRON4's Live in the Bay, click the link above!
California Symphony 40th Anniversary Gala — April 18
Also taking place in Berkeley, the California Symphony celebrates 40 years with an evening at the Claremont Hotel. Hosted by Classical California’s Dianne Nicolini, the gala brings together fine dining, performance, and an auction in support of the Symphony’s education and community programs.
This is one of those milestone moments that reflects both longevity and evolution, an organization honoring its history while continuing to expand its reach in the East Bay.
Korsa Gala: Raise the Curtain — April 18
Korsa Musical Theater’s annual gala offers something different from the traditional gala format, an intimate, community-centered evening rooted in the next generation of performers. Held in Berkeley, the night features live performances by Korsa students, along with food, drinks, and the reveal of their upcoming season.
What stands out here is the direct impact: you’re not just attending, you’re actively supporting a training ground for young artists who are stepping into the industry with both discipline and creative voice.
SFGMC Crescendo Gala — April 25
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus marks 20 years of its Crescendo Gala at the Westin St. Francis. The evening brings together supporters for cocktails, dinner, and performances that reflect the Chorus’s role as both a musical institution and a cultural force.
It’s a gathering that goes beyond celebration, grounded in visibility, advocacy, and the power of collective voice through music.
Oakland Symphony Gala: Opus Oakland — Together We Rise — April 30
At The Bridge Yard, the Oakland Symphony’s annual gala brings the full ecosystem of the organization into one space. Under Music Director Kedrick Armstrong, the evening features performances by the Symphony, Chorus, and Youth Orchestra, alongside special guest artists.
What makes this one particularly compelling right now is the momentum behind the organization's efforts to expand access, invest in youth programs, and deepen its connection to the Oakland community. This gala reflects that forward movement in a real and tangible way.
SFJAZZ Gala — May 7
This year’s theme is “Milestones”, inspired by Miles Davis’ 1958 album, a project that marked a major shift in jazz and changed the direction of the music, and a reflection of a turning point for SFJAZZ as the organization steps into a new era under Terence Blanchard and Gabrielle Armand.
And there will be a new flow to this year’s gala. After you enjoy bubbles at the reception, you’ll get to experience an all-star lineup concert celebrating Miles Davis and John Coltrane’s centennials, and celebrate an honoring of George Benson, one of the most influential guitarists in history. Then, to keep the festivities going, you’ll head to the iconic City Hall for dinner and a vibrant afterparty!
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