Looking to get out on the town this January? Here are some of the most fun and fabulous local galas, fundraisers, celebrations and other community events to see and be seen at this month around Marin County and in the Bay Area.
Date TBD The Fourth Hall Gala for The San Francisco Conservatory of Music
The San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s annual fundraising celebration raises money for scholarships, enabling its students to access the Conservatory’s peerless education. The 2024 event featured performances by acclaimed singer Joyce DiDonato alongside SFCM students and faculty. More than 400 guests also received their first look of SFCM’s new immersive digital opera hall.
Date TBD Preview Gala for the FOG Design+Art Fair
Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture‘s yearly preview gala of FOG Design+Art—an event showcasing leading contemporary artists—is often a sold-out affair with thousands of guests in attendance, including much of the city’s well-heeled crowd. Along with benefiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s (SFMOMA) educational programs and exhibitions, the gala offered previews of works of contemporary art and design from leading galleries. Photos by Devlin Shand, Jessica Monroy, Katie Ravas, Natalie Schrik or Dave Zahrobsky for Drew Altizer Photography.
Date TBD 101 Surf Sports Annual First-of-the-Year Paddle Race
Each January, the San Rafael creek fills up with racers on SUPs, surfskis, outrigger canoes, prone paddleboards and kayaks — many of whom sport festive costumes — for the first race of 101 Surf Sports’ yearly winter racing series, attracting both experienced athletes and novices alike.
Date TBD San Francisco Ballet Opening Night Gala
The San Francisco Ballet pirouettes into its next season at its annual Season Opening Night Gala held in January of each year. Each gala has a theme, a dinner at City Hall, performances at the War Memorial Opera House and an after-party.
Date TBD Sing Out for Youth in Arts
Youth in Arts’ teen a cappella group, ‘Til Dawn, headlines this yearly benefit concert to raise funds for the non-profit’s Til Dawn Scholarship Fund, which ensures that anyone can participate in Youth in Arts’ tuition-based a cappella program regardless of their ability to pay.
Give Back When You Go Out: Volunteer
Looking for more ways to give back to our community by volunteering your time? Here’s a list of Marin County nonprofits supporting a variety of causes — ranging from helping our most vulnerable residents to keeping our environment healthy — where your assistance can really make a difference.
