Where Passion, Culture, and Art Meet

Experience Elegance at the Excellence Black Tie Gala

Join us for the most prestigious Black Tie event of the year, where culture, creativity, and elegance come together.

The Gala

the Excellence Black Tie Gala
Nov 7th -8th

The 5th Annual Excellence Black Tie Gala

This is more than a gala—it’s an extraordinary celebration of art, music, dance, comedy, culture, and culinary excellence.

Excellence Black Tie Gala Weekend

FRIDAY: OPENING NIGHT – 11/7/25
Start the weekend with New York–style energy—a vibrant, hip atmosphere where live performances, DJs, and cultural showcases collide. Think the pulse of the city: bold sounds, electric crowds, and an unforgettable vibe that sets the stage for the rest of the Gala Weekend.

SATURDAY: THE MAIN GALA – 11/8/25
Saturday marks a historic milestone: for the first time ever, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra will headline with an R&B & Hip Hop Symphony performance. This groundbreaking show blends the power of a full orchestra with the rhythm of hip hop and the soul of R&B—an unforgettable centerpiece of the evening.

In addition to this debut, guests will experience:

Two comedy shows by BruhMan (Martin Lawrence Show) bringing laughter and nostalgia.
Live bands and multiple DJs driving the energy.
artistic and literary showcases, and access to COSI’s 320,000 square feet of interactive exhibits.

Culinary Excellence: Tastings from Columbus’s top chefs and culinary artists.
Entertainment: Symphony, comedy, DJs, bands, and more.
Culture & Exploration: authors, art, and creative showcases.

The Gala begins at 7:00 p.m. and continues until midnight, followed by an after-party at 11:00 p.m. to keep the night alive.

Highlights

CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Food stations throughout COSI
Tastings included with admission
Featuring 20+ chefs, caterers, and vendors

ENTERTAINMENT

Debut Performance: R&B & Hip Hop Symphony by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Two comedy shows by BruhMan (Martin Lawrence Show)
Live bands and multiple DJs

CULTURE

Author spotlight
Excellence Fashion Show
Artist displays

Sponsorship

Become a Sponsor

Partner with us and gain brand visibility while supporting an unforgettable cultural event.

Why sponsor?

Reach thousands of attendees and online followers.
Strengthen community engagement and brand alignment.
Exclusive marketing and branding opportunities at the event.

Event Gallery – A Look at Excellence

Relive the elegance and excitement from past Excellence Black Tie Galas with our exclusive photo and video gallery. Witness breathtaking fashion, joyful moments, and unforgettable experiences captured from previous years.

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What Participants Are Saying...

"My first time at Excellence, I experienced it with my mom, who traveled in from NYC. We made sure to gather as much information as possible about the event beforehand. I really wanted to see the fashion show and poetry performances. My expectations were exceeded—the food, the artists, and the networking connections were all incredible. I’m excited for the events to come."

"Being a vendor with First Fridays was a smooth and fun experience. It gave me an opportunity to attend one of their exciting events, meet some amazing people, and share my books with the world."

"It is such a proud and satisfying experience to sponsor this magnificent, unparalleled event. My team and I connected with over 4,000 attendees from some of the most impacted communities. No one else within our geographical boundaries can match this level of engagement and impact. Hats off to FACE 614 and First Fridays for their incredible work. Keep building, leading, and connecting the dots—we are the change we seek."

"Attending the 2024 Black Tie Gala was an experience I’ll never forget. Walking into the grand venue, I was struck by the elegance and grace of everyone present. It was a celebration of excellence, beauty, and community. The evening was filled with stunning fashion, heartfelt conversations, and a shared vision of progress. This wasn’t just a night of glamour; it was a celebration of history, heritage, and the promise of what’s to come. To anyone who hasn’t experienced this—let me tell you, it’s not just an event; it’s a reminder of who we are and what we can achieve together."