Among the Grand Strand’s New Year’s Eve offerings, one event stands apart—the culturally enriching and sensory-uplifting gala sponsored by the area’s most renowned instrumental ensemble—the Long Bay Symphony’s third annual New Year’s Eve Gala.
This popular gathering began in 2022 and has been drawing an increasing number of music-loving celebrants since.
“This is actually the first year we are classifying this event as a fundraiser, and this is due to how much it has grown in the past two years,” explains Allison Gullidge, director of public relations for the Symphony. “The first year we had around 150 people and then last year (2023), it doubled to nearly 300 people… so the board decided this year to turn it into a fundraiser.”
The New Year’s Gala Benefit is indeed the organization’s largest fund-raising affair.
“It is an event that has become much beloved in the last two years we have been doing it,” she notes. “ Being that it is our main fundraiser, the more we can grow the attendance from year to year, the more supportive it can be to our season!”
Lest anyone think this gala sounds like a stuffy occasion, know that it is not. There will be drinks, dinner, dancing, tunes performed by the symphony, singing, a party band, and a midnight champagne toast.
“The evening features an elegant cocktail hour, dinner, an hour-long concert with the Symphony, guest vocalists, and a featured ballroom dance couple, followed by a party band with dancing, and a champagne toast to ring in the new year at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort,” says Gullidge.
Tickets are $250 for the salmon or chicken dinner option, or there is a VIP option for $300, which includes a surf and turf meal (filet mignon and lobster) and VIP seating at the front section of tables, she adds.
The event is black-tie optional. So dress your best, be prepared to be wowed, and enjoy this special gala, all the while knowing you’re contributing to the arts!
New Year's Eve Gala
December 31, 7 p.m. - Midnight
10000 Beach Club Drive
Palisades Ballroom
(843) 448-8379 | longbaysymphony.org
