Avant Garden 2025

Avant Garden is SOLD OUT.

In a world that feels increasingly serious, here is your permission to PLAY.

Join us at this year’s Avant Garden. The night begins in the galleries with dinner and our celebrated art auction. Then, the party spills into the tent on the Walker hillside with drinks, dancing, and photo-ready moments at every turn.

The grand finale? A high glam, high energy DJ set from Trixie Mattel—drag superstar, chart-topping musician, and beloved icon—who brings serious fun (and fabulous hair) to the booth. The party’s opening set comes from local phenom DJ Sophia Eris.

Our gala brings together bold art, spirited community, and the freedom to find your joy. How do you dress to PLAY? Wear your wildest prints, mix materials, and layer however you like.

It isn’t just a party. It’s a reminder that creativity and camaraderie still matter, and always will.

All proceeds support the Walker’s award-winning artistic and community programming.

Have questions about the event? Refer to our FAQ.

TICKETING

Party Ticket ($150) (SOLD OUT)

Enjoy the legendary late-night experience featuring photo ops, a drink ticket, and a selection of cocktail snacks. The Party begins at 8:30 pm.

Dinner Ticket ($1,500) (SOLD OUT)
For one guest

All of the above, with open seating.

Silver Table ($15,000) (SOLD OUT)
Package for 10 guests

All of the above, with general placement.

Gold Table ($20,000) (SOLD OUT) Package for 10 guests

All of the above, with preferred placement.

Platinum Table ($25,000) (SOLD OUT) Package for 10 guests

Cocktail reception, gourmet full-service dinner at a seated table with premier placement in the Walker galleries, silent art auction, and live program. Dinner entry begins at 5 pm. Includes admission to the Party.

Elevate Your Late-Night ($6,000) (SOLD OUT)

Add to any experience: Reserved lounge and unlimited drinks near the dance floor (opens at 8:30 pm and seats up to 10 ticket holders).

AVANT GARDEN 2025 CO-CHAIRS

Ana Haqq
John Higgins

AUCTION CO-CHAIRS

Molly Pfohl Rand
Dean Salita

BIPOC ARTIST FUND CO-CHAIRS

Gabrielle Grier
Natalie Morrow

SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE

Ellie Anderson
Chris Haqq
William Lively
Aaron Mack
Sean Reilly
Jeff Sunberg

TABLE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Kathleen Cafesjian Baradaran
Muffy MacMillan

TABLE COMMITTEE

Ellie Anderson
Tara Dev
Christopher Hermann

PARTY TICKET COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Kerry Ciardelli-Chevalier
Jahna Peloquin

PARTY TICKET COMMITTEE

Jennifer Berg
Susan Blaska Lindahl
Christopheraaron Deanes
Davee Ek
Leslie Firkins
Maddy Higgins
Bobbi Jo Lamar Brunson
Bryan Lee
Susan Leppke
Camille Metty
Richard Moody
Adair Mosley
Madeline Nachbar
Shayla Owodunni
Jeffery Perkey
Bryan Pieper
Kathy Reilly
Becky Salita
Vitoria Sass
Patrick Shelton
Gayle Smaller, Jr.
Robert Spikings
Nicole Sunberg
Sarah Lee Winstead
Sade Young