Big Night OUT 2026
Every Dream Begins With a Door.
Dream in Color. Hope Lives Here.
Join Milwaukee's premier celebration of LGBTQ+ leadership, philanthropy, and community at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center's signature annual fundraising gala.
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 5:00 PM | Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel | 2300 N. Mayfair Road
JOIN THE CELEBRATION
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience Big Night Out. To make the evening as accessible as possible, we offer multiple ticket options.
Regardless of ticket type, every guest enjoys the same gala experience. There are no separate seating sections or different levels of access based on ticket price. Our pricing simply creates more opportunities for members of our community to attend.
An Unforgettable Evening Begins with Hope.
An unforgettable evening celebrating courage, community, and the future of Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ community.
Chapter One: Welcome
Big Night Out is the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center's signature annual fundraising gala and one of Milwaukee's premier celebrations of LGBTQ+ leadership, community, and philanthropy.
Each year, community leaders, businesses, elected officials, advocates, and supporters gather for an inspiring evening celebrating our progress and investing in the Center’s future.
More than a celebration, Big Night Out is the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center's largest annual fundraiser. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, auction item donated, and contribution made helps expand access to affirming behavioral health services, youth and family programming, older adult initiatives, workforce development, advocacy, and community engagement throughout Wisconsin.
This year's theme, Dream in Color: Hope Lives Here, celebrates the power of hope, belonging, and transformation. Through storytelling, music, movement, and immersive experiences, guests will be reminded that when people are welcomed, affirmed, and empowered to live authentically, entire communities flourish.
Step into the Experience
Experience an unforgettable evening unlike anything the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center has presented before.
Cocktail Reception
Silent Auction
Gala Dinner and Community Awards
Immersive Production
Fund-a-Mission
Your Evening Begins
5:00 PM | Registration Opens
Begin your evening by checking in, reconnecting with friends, and stepping into the world of Dream in Color.
5:30 PM | Cocktail & Silent Auction
Enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, immersive installations, and an exceptional collection of silent auction packages.
6:30 PM | Dinner, Community Awards Program & Immersive Production
Join us for an inspiring evening featuring dinner, community awards, spoken word, live performances, and an unforgettable theatrical experience celebrating hope and belonging.
Celebrating Those Who Inspire Us
Each year, Big Night Out recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, generosity, and advocacy have strengthened Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ community. From lifelong champions and emerging leaders to visionary organizations and community builders, our honorees represent the very best of what is possible when courage, compassion, and commitment come together.
2026 Honorees
Bill Wardlow – Legacy of Pride Award
Chelle Ebert – Elena Dominguez Award
Greater Milwaukee Foundation – Community Pillar Award
Dr. Katherine G. Quinn – Liberation Award
Ed Zamora – Catalyst Award
Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa – Vanguard Award
Aaron Bledsoe – Ignite Award
Kevin Flaherty & Warren Scherer – Luminary Award
Michail Takach – Living History Award
Our Lives Magazine – Visibility Award
Jack H. Smith – Cornerstone Award
Hope in Action
Creating Hope. Building Belonging. Transforming Lives. Every day, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center provides affirming programs and services that strengthen the health, well-being, and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout greater Milwaukee and surrounding areas.
6,000+Individuals Served Annually
2,100+Community Participants
500+Behavioral Health Visits
580+Transgender & Gender Diverse Program Visits
31%Increase in Community Engagement
Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and donation made helps ensure these life-changing programs continue to grow and remain accessible to those who need them most.
Where the Evening Comes to Life
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is proud to host Big Night Out 2026 at the Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel.
Known for its contemporary elegance, exceptional hospitality, and beautifully appointed ballroom, the Renaissance provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and community. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Milwaukee, the hotel offers complimentary parking and overnight accommodations for guests traveling from near and far.
Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning to celebrate with our community once again, we look forward to welcoming you for an extraordinary evening.
Come As You Are
Cocktail attire is encouraged. Most importantly, come as your authentic self. Whether your style is classic, colorful, bold, elegant, cultural, or uniquely your own, we invite you to celebrate the evening in a way that reflects who you are. No one is expected to purchase new attire, and we never want clothing to be a barrier to attending. Your presence is what makes this evening extraordinary.
Accessibility & Accommodations
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is committed to creating an event where everyone feels welcome, included, and able to fully participate.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to attend Big Night Out 2026, such as accessible seating, mobility assistance, communication accommodations, dietary accommodations, or another accessibility need, we encourage you to let us know when purchasing your ticket or by contacting us in advance.
Our team will make every reasonable effort to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Need an accommodation?
📧 admin@mkelgbt.org
📞 (414) 271-2656
Please contact us by Friday, November 13, 2026, whenever possible, to allow adequate time to coordinate accommodations.
Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship secured, and every gift made helps open doors to hope, healing, belonging, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across Wisconsin.
On Saturday, November 21, 2026, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and impact.