Central Park Conservancy Annual Gala at Studio 72: November 18, 2026

What the charity supports

The Conservancy’s benefits support the care of Central Park as a shared public landscape. Maintaining the park requires daily work as well as long-term stewardship, so a festive evening or luncheon is connected to something New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy throughout the year. Explore the organization’s work.

Where support goes

Support helps sustain the Conservancy’s care of the park, including landscapes, facilities and the expertise needed to maintain them. The Women’s Committee and Playground Partners create different ways to participate. Their event invitations and membership arrangements are separate; a ticket to one benefit does not include every other gathering.

The people behind the work

Betsy Smith serves as the Conservancy’s president and CEO. Its leadership includes specialists in park maintenance, infrastructure, finance and visitor-facing work. The Women’s Committee and Playground Partners add volunteer leadership and fundraising; Tracey Huff is president of the Women’s Committee. Meet the organization.

See the work

Explore the organization’s own films, presentations or recorded programs. Some resources include earlier events and continuing work; they are an introduction to the cause, rather than footage of this upcoming edition. Watch official films and videos.

Supporting the park

This annual benefit supports the Central Park Conservancy and its care of Central Park. Readers can buy individual tickets or tables through the official organizer, or follow its separate donation option.

Hosts and inquiries

Event co-chairs are Abigail and Joseph Baratta, Eliza and Michael Fisch, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, and Elaine and Donald Textor. For event questions, contact the organizer’s Special Events department at 212.446.2242 or specialevents@centralparknyc.org.

What is announced

Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 7 p.m. Eastern, at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. The organizer announces an evening of dinner and dancing. Attendees must be at least 21.

Admission and the advertised program

Individual tickets from $2,500; tables from $20,000, listed October 10. Official reservation required. Purchase at Sponsor level or above by October 28 for a listing in the printed program. Tickets are non-refundable; names are held at the door. Check the current organizer terms before booking.

Explore the circuit

• Read our feature: Central Park Conservancy Gala 2026: Disco Returns to the Park at Studio 72

Plan your visit

Official schedule / tickets →