3:00–10:00 p.m.: Golden Mill Happy Hour | The Golden Mill

• Our friends at The Golden Mill will be donating a portion of the evening's drink proceeds to the AAC in support of our Annual Gala this year. Catch up with friends, explore some of the dozens of drinks on tap, and support the AAC all in one!

6:00–7:30 p.m.: VIP Welcome Event | American Mountaineering Center

• A special kick off to the weekend at the American Mountaineering Center and AAC HQ, featuring tours of the AAC Library and special exhibits of climbing history. 

• Included with purchase of Tables and Patron tickets, or by invitation only

7:30–8:30 p.m.: Old Man Lightning screening, feat. John “Verm” Sherman | Foss Auditorium, American Mountaineering Center

• Open to the public

• Cranky, yet witty bouldering legend John “Verm” Sherman has lost his mojo and is jonesing to regain it. What better way than to climb the world’s most famous boulder problem, Yosemite’s iconic Midnight Lightning? He climbed it 25 years ago, but since then the climb has gotten harder and Verm’s gotten softer due to beerlust and a third-degree burning passion for bird photography. Standing in his way is his age (57), weight (200 lbs), dozens of injuries, and myriad health issues. Nevertheless, he’s stubborn and determined. Verm needs to save condors from extinction, and if leveraging his climbing celebrity will help, he’ll stop at nothing. Verm enlists the assistance of Ryan “Meatball” Whited, a cheerfully sadistic personal trainer and musculoskeletal guru. A 6-month mission to whip Verm back into shape ensues, leading to a final confrontation with bouldering’s “Problem of Problems”.

9:00–10:30 a.m.: Membership Meeting | American Mountaineering Center

• Join AAC Executive Director Ben Gabriel as we reflect on the past year of programs and operations for the Club as well as look ahead to our future and 125th anniversary celebration in 2027.

4:00–5:00 p.m.: VIP Reception | The Rose Event Center

• Included with your purchase of a table or Patron Ticket, or by invitation only.

5:00–7:00 p.m.: General Reception | The Rose Event Center

• The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception at The Rose Event Center. All Gala ticket holders are welcome to join us for passed appetizers, fun games, a photo booth, and a chance to mix and mingle. The highlight will certainly be our silent auction with everything from gear to art to trips of a lifetime!

7:00–9:00 p.m.: Dinner and Awards | The Rose Event Center

• After the reception guests are invited to find their tables and enjoy a delicious meal. The program includes celebrating the 2026 award winners, while also sharing in our collective success stories from the past year.

9:00–10:00 p.m.: Mix and Mingle & Check Out | The Rose Event Center

• New this year we are keeping the main program short and sweet so you have time to visit with old friends and make some new ones! A cash bar will remain open as we mix and mingle.

• As the main portion of the night concludes, you’ll be able to check out with our helpful staff to secure any items you won in the auction. You can take them home with you or have your items shipped to you, though we do ask you to cover shipping costs, ensuring more dollars can go to delivering on the AAC’s mission.

10:00 p.m.: Event Concludes

Once a year, climbing legends and newcomers alike come together to celebrate the climbing community and raise funds vital to the Club’s work. The event is full of discussion, celebration, and festivity, all the while connecting old friends and climbing partners and helping new ones form.

Go to americanalpineclub.org/gala, and click on the button “Tickets” to register.

After you purchase your ticket, you will receive an emailed receipt. That receipt is your ticket. Simply show our check-in volunteers at the event and we will take care of the rest!

Donations can be made for the American Alpine Club's Annual Gala here. Donations on this webpage can be made through Paypal, Venmo, Debit or Credit Card, and Bank Transfer.

If you wish to submit a donation alternatively (DAF, Pledge, etc.) you can email our Individual Giving Officer, AJ Pflanzer, at [email protected]

The American Alpine Club’s 2026 Annual Gala will take place the evening of October 24, 2026 in the Rose Event Center. VIP Reception begins at 4:00 p.m., General Reception begins at 5:00 p.m., and Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m.

The Rose Event Center is located at 1119 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401.

There are several fantastic lodging options within walking distance of this year’s venue, including The Golden Hotel, Table Mountain Inn, and The Eddy.

In the spirit of the historic Buffalo Rose, we’ll don our favorite Western attire this year. Dress up as your favorite cowpoke and prepare to get rowdy in Buffalo Bill’s old stomping grounds!

Please view this link from “Visit Golden” for Parking & Transportation options for downtown Golden, CO.

Yes, the main floor to the Rose Event Center and restaurant are wheelchair accessible.

If you need additional accommodations, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] or calling (303) 384-0110

View our ticket levels here.

We are able to offer full refunds for ticket purchases until Thursday, October 1. After October 1, we will not be able to offer any refunds.

Food: The wonderful folks from the Rose will be catering the receptions with a variety of stationed and passed hors d'oeuvres. Each guest will also have a variety of breads and a salad at their table until they are asked to choose beef or chicken from our buffet dinner. Vegetarians will be served their entrees directly to their seats. Finish the night right with an open dessert bar!

Beverages: Water and coffee will be served—all you need to survive a night like this.

Adult beverages: Yes please! There will be an open bar during the Gala.

We can’t answer this question without first saying that our team LOVES dogs. That said, because of the nature of this event, dogs are sadly not allowed unless they are service animals. Please respect those who do need to bring their service animals with them by leaving your (adorable but non-service) fur friends at home.

The silent auction opens October 13 at 12:00 p.m. MST

The silent auction closes October 24 at 7:00 p.m. MST

You can view the auction by clicking here.

Click “Sign Up/Login”

Once registered/logged in, click on the “Auction” on the top right corner.

We encourage you to set “Max Bids”

Credit card information is required to place a bid.

We will be using mobile bidding. You will be able to use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to keep up with the status of your bids and continue bidding until the auction closes. You can be the winning bidder from wherever you are in the world!

Browse the silent auction and start bidding on your favorite items! Place your bid on selected items, set a maximum bid if desired, and Bolder Bid will continue to keep you in the running until you reach your maximum bid.

You will be notified via text if you have been outbid. Keep an eye on your favorite items! If you are NOT receiving the text messages make sure you have the correct mobile phone number under your profile. The texts will continue to notify you when you have been outbid or reached your maximum bid. When the silent auction closes you will also receive a text message if you have won any items.

Visit Golden has a comprehensive list of activities to enjoy before and after our dinner and awards celebration. With Clear Creek Canyon, the Coors Factory, and the best Golden Retriever concentration this side of the Mississippi has to offer, there's no shortage of things to do while you’re in town.

Email [email protected] or call (303) 384-0110.