GALAvant 1925

The Appell Center for the Performing Arts will host GALAvant 1925, the sixth iteration of its signature fundraising celebration, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the historic Strand Theatre in downtown York.

Since launching in 2017, GALAvant has brought supporters of the arts together for a theatrical evening of live entertainment, immersive decor and interactive experiences. As a nonprofit organization, proceeds from the event help the Appell Center bring great stage performances to York and make arts education more accessible for everyone in the community.

Past GALAvant themes have included Casablanca, Moulin Rouge, Mardi Gras, and the 1980s. This year’s GALAvant theme is 1925, drawing inspiration from the year the Strand Theatre first opened in York and serving as a final bow to the theatre’s Centennial Anniversary Season.

GALAvant guests are invited to explore the historic theatre in a new way—discovering Roaring Twenties-era influences, vintage-inspired spaces, and a variety of themed activities throughout the building. Guests are encouraged to dress in themed attire, and the evening will feature live music from York’s own Uptown Band, whose high-energy performance will keep the dance floor alive all night.

This year’s GALAvant event will include the addition of both a silent auction and a Fund a Need initiative benefiting the Appell Center’s Education Endowment Fund. This endowment fund was designed to offer long-term support for the organization’s growing list of arts education programs like Stage the Page, Tot Rock, Antonio’s Imagination Hour, Dance Lab, summer camps, and more.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for GALAvant 1925 are available.