First Light’s Annual Illume Gala 2026

Join us in just one month for an unforgettable evening under the stars at Illume: A Brighter Way to Gala, a night where elegance meets purpose.

Step into a rooftop experience filled with music, connection, and celebration, all in support of First Light and the women and families experiencing homelessness.

With stunning views, vibrant energy, and a shared mission of hope and compassion, Illume is more than an event, it is a movement.

✨ Elevate Your Evening with VIP Access
For those seeking an enhanced experience, our limited VIP tickets offer exclusive early access beginning at 5:30 PM with a private rooftop cocktail hour. During this intimate gathering, guests will enjoy:

• A beautifully curated charcuterie presentation by Son of a Butcher
• A guided wine tasting led by Birmingham wine expert Andrew Brim, whose nearly two decades in the local wine scene, and recognition by Food and Wine Magazine as articulate and lively, make every pour engaging and approachable
• An electrifying performance by dynamic electronic violinist Candice “Pretty Strings” Smith
• Live fashion illustrations by Birmingham artist Julie Tucker, capturing the elegance and spirit of the evening in real time
• Try your luck at our authentic craps and blackjack tables, where the thrill of the casino meets a good cause

Following the VIP Hour, guests will enjoy early entry into the main event and settle into an unforgettable night of celebration.

⭐ The Main Event at 6:30 PM
Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring:

• Heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Olexa’s Cafe, and specialty Tito’s Vodka cocktails served by local celebrity bartenders
• Complimentary beer, wine, and cocktails
• Music by DJ Sweet T, spinning all of your favorite hits
• Authentic craps and blackjack in the main ballroom, where every roll and every hand help support First Light’s life-changing work

✨ Dress Code
Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite modern cocktail attire and embrace the elegance of the evening.

🎟️ Tickets are now available
Secure your spot today and be part of a night that inspires connection, compassion, and change by clicking the button below.

We cannot wait to celebrate with you at Illume 2026.