River City Pride Hosting First-Ever Gayla in Evansville

River City Pride is getting ready to host a brand-new, 21-and-over event in Evansville this September, and you're invited!

The first-ever River City Pride Gayla will take place Thursday, September 17, at The Helms Hall, bringing together an evening of food, entertainment, community, and plenty of opportunities to color outside the lines.

River City Pride Hosts Its First Gayla

The inaugural River City Pride Gayla is designed as an upscale yet welcoming celebration of LGBTQIA+ joy, advocacy, and community impact throughout the Evansville region.

Guests can expect a plated dinner from Chef Lo, live entertainment, community awards, and a silent auction. The evening will also highlight some of River City Pride's current initiatives and its vision for the future.

Organizers say the event is intended to bring together community leaders, local businesses, artists, healthcare professionals, advocates, and allies for a night that's equal parts celebration, connection, and purpose.

This Year's Theme: Color Outside the Lines

For its first Gayla, River City Pride has chosen a theme that encourages guests to embrace exactly who they are.

Color Outside the Lines celebrates individuality, authenticity, and creativity, along with the courage to exist beyond expectations.

River City Pride says the theme reflects a community that has challenged norms, created space for self-expression, and helped build a more vibrant and inclusive world by daring to live authentically.

And yes, you can absolutely carry that theme into what you wear!

What Does 'Creative Formal' Mean?

The dress code for the River City Pride Gayla is creative formal, which means you can leave the boring black-tie rules at home.

Guests are encouraged to wear formal or cocktail attire, but bold colors, artistic details, vintage glam, modern statement pieces, and expressive fashion are all welcome.

You can go classic and elegant or use the night as an excuse to get a little more adventurous with your outfit. The idea is to show up as the fullest version of yourself.

Supporting River City Pride Across the Tri-State

Beyond the dinner, entertainment, and fabulous outfits, the Gayla will help support River City Pride's work throughout the Tri-State.

Proceeds will support LGBTQIA+ programs, outreach, education, and advocacy while giving guests an opportunity to learn more about the organization's growing initiatives.

Whether you're there to celebrate, connect with others, support the mission, or just experience something new in Evansville, River City Pride is billing the Gayla as the region's first large-scale, upscale LGBTQIA+ focused gala.

Don't Wait Until September to Buy Your Tickets

The River City Pride Gayla takes place Thursday, September 17, at Helms Hall, but there's an important date to remember before then:

Ticket sales end September 1.

That means you won't be able to wait until the week of the event to decide you want to go. Tickets are on sale now, and anyone planning to attend should reserve their spot before the September 1 deadline.