Boundary Waters Gala
Join Save the Boundary Waters for our annual Boundary Waters Gala on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Featuring special guest: Baratunde Thurston
Baratunde Thurston is an Emmy-nominated storyteller, producer, and thought leader weaving stories of interdependence across our relationships with nature, humans, and technology. As the host of PBS's America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston and the creator of the acclaimed How To Citizen podcast, Baratunde has redefined citizenship as a practice of active participation, responsibility, and community building.
The evening will also include remarks from Save the Boundary Waters leaders, dinner & drinks, a silent auction, live music, and more as we raise critical funds to help fight for permanent protection of the Boundary Waters.
Details:
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Nicollet Island Pavilion
Minneapolis, MN
5:30 p.m. Reception
7:15 p.m. Dinner & program
Tickets: $200 individual | $2,000 table of 10
Dress code: Northwoods Festive (cocktail attire)
Parking: Complimentary valet parking included
Purchase tickets by April 30 or before they sell out.
Become a Sponsor
We're welcoming sponsors for the 2026 Boundary Waters Gala! Join us as an event sponsor and demonstrate your business's support for our critical work protecting the Boundary Waters.
Interested in supporting our silent auction? Donations of outdoor gear, art, one-of-a-kind experiences, and other special items help create a thoughtfully curated auction. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share what you offer with Wilderness supporters and show your commitment to protecting the Boundary Waters for generations to come.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors
LEGACY
CHAMPION
DEFENDER
ADVOCATE
Frequently Asked Questions
Complimentary valet parking is included with your ticket at Nicollet Island Pavilion.
Northwoods Festive, which we define as cocktail attire with a nod to the natural beauty of the Boundary Waters.
Yes! You'll select your dinner choice when you purchase tickets. If you have additional dietary restrictions or allergies beyond the options listed, please contact us at kelsey@savetheboundarywaters.org and we'll work with our caterer to accommodate you.
If you purchase a table of 10, you'll be able to provide the names of your guests up until the RSVP deadline of April 30. Individual ticket holders will be seated with other supporters. We do our best to accommodate seating requests—just let us know when you register or contact us directly.
Our silent auction features unique items and experiences that celebrate the outdoors, Minnesota, and wilderness adventure. Bidding is open to attendees and non-attendees, opens in the days leading up to the gala, and closes during dinner. All proceeds support our work protecting the Boundary Waters.
Yes, Nicollet Island Pavilion is ADA accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs or requests to make your evening more enjoyable, please contact Kelsey Polcher at kelsey@savetheboundarywaters.org.
Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable. If you cannot attend, please contact us and we'll help you transfer your ticket to another guest.
Absolutely! If you're unable to join us but would like to support our mission, you can make a donation online here. Every contribution helps protect the Boundary Waters.
