11 galas that will help Austin’s social season blossom this spring

March 21

Greater Southwest Optimist Annual Scholarship Gala

What: For 40 years, the Greater Southwest Optimist Club has raised funds for scholarships and local youth projects. The gala will include a complimentary wine reception, dinner, dance and the presentation of the annual “Excellence in Education” award.

Cost: $80 individual tickets; sponsorships start at $100

Where: Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark, 4140 Governors Row

Information: gswoc.org

March 22

Pug Rescue of Austin Spring Gala

What: Celebrate the changing of the seasons and your love for pugs with this event featuring a pug-themed silent auction, live music, food from two local Italian restaurants and a full roster of alcoholic beverages

Cost: $35 individual tickets; sponsorships start at $500

Where: Mercury Hall, 615 Cardinal Lane

Information: austinpugrescue.ticketleap.com/pra2020

April 18

Austin Diaper Bank Bash

What: A night of celebration as the nonprofit raise funds to support families in Central Texas with diapers, wipes and period supplies. There will be dinner, drinks, dancing and live and silent auctions.

Cost: $100-$250 individual tickets; sponsorships start at $1,000

Where: Junior League Community Impact Center, 5330 Bluffstone Lane

Information: austindiapers.org

Flight of Fancy with Women and Their Work

What: This magical evening is inspired by the birds of art history. Women and Their Work’s highly anticipated spring bash is an immersive multimedia art experience with performances, installations, face painters, photo booths and more. Come dressed avian chic.

Cost: $250-$350 individual tickets; sponsorships start at $1,000

Where: 1710 Lavaca St.

Information: womenandtheirwork.org/upcoming/bash-2020

April 21

Trinity Center’s Barbara Jordan Celebration

What: A benefit and tribute to original benefactor Barbara Jordan, with cocktails, good food and good company, to support the center’s services for Austin’s homeless neighbors

Cost: $125 individual tickets; sponsorships start at $1,200

Where: Bethell Hall at St. David’s Church, 301 E. Eighth St.

Information: trinitycenteraustin.org/the-2020-barbara-jordan-celebration

April 25

Austin’s Fab Five Benefiting Seedling

What: The purpose of Austin’s Fab Five event is to raise funds for Seedling’s mentor program, serving children challenged by parental incarceration, and to recognize five exceptional people who have had a significant impact on young people, in their profession and in our community.

Cost: $180 individual tickets; sponsorships start at $1,800

Where: Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road

Information: one.bidpal.net/fabfive2020/welcome

May 1

8th Annual Storybook Heroes Awards

What: BookSpring aims to raise the necessary funds to support getting the right books to the right children at the right time in their lives. This year's keynote address is by award-winning Austin author Sarah Bird.

Cost: $150 individual tickets; sponsorships start at $750

Where: Westin at the Domain, 11301 Domain Drive

Information: bookspring.org/storybookheroesluncheon

May 6

Taste of Mexico 2020

What: Explore the diversity and richness of Mexican cuisine with this year's festival, which will bring together more than 50 of Austin's most exciting restaurants and beverage purveyors and will delve into the influence of chilies, benefiting Mexic-Arte Museum’s art education programs

Cost: $55-$70 individual tickets through March 13; $65-$80 after that date

Where: Brazos Hall, 204 East Fourth St.

Information: mexic-artemuseum.ticketbud.com/taste-of-mexico-2020

May 9

Paramount Gala 2020

What: Let the good times roll at the Paramount Theatre’s anniversary gala, featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Preservation Hall Jazz Band, with additional music by New Breed Brass Band and Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet.

Cost: $500 individual tickets; sponsorships start at $4,000

Where: The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.

Information: austintheatre.org/paramount-gala-2020

Rock on For PKD

What: The Austin chapter of the PKD Foundation, aimed at finding treatments for polycystic kidney disease, hosts a benefit with live music, games, fun and food, as well as raffles and a door prize

Cost: Free; for every $25 online donation, receive a door prize ticket. Sponsorships start at $250.

Where: Rock House Bar and Trailer Park, 6900 Ranch Road 620 N.

Information: support.pkdcure.org/event/rock-on-for-pkd-austin/e270994

Sept. 19

31st Annual Bandana Ball

What: Cowboy chic attire, Texas fare with flair, boot-scootin’, ace-high games and entertainment combine with great fanfare for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas’ annual benefit

Cost: Sponsorships start at $1,500

Where: Omni Barton Creek, 8212 Barton Club Drive

Information: rmhc-ctx.org/all-events/bandana-ball