Rose Burke
The Mountaineers Gala is more than just a fundraiser, it's a chance to showcase our Adventure with Purpose mission and celebrate the wide range of activities, programs, and people that our nonprofit positively impacts. This year, we have a full and exciting evening planned – with familiar elements and some new surprises and delights.
In 2026, The Mountaineers celebrates 120 years of getting people outside and protecting the natural world. Please join us at this year’s Gala and support our mission for years to come.
Adventure with Purpose Gala
Fremont Studios
155 N 35th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Saturday, April 25, 2026
6-9pm
5pm | VIP Reception
9pm | After Party and Toast to 120 Years
We’re thrilled to announce that we will be honoring Erik Weihenmayer with our 2026 Adventure with Purpose Award. In 2001, Erik stood on the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first blind person to reach the top of the world. Since then, he has adventured around the globe summiting the Seven Summits, kayaking the entirety of the Grand Canyon, and taking on astonishing challenges that rival blind or sighted adventurers in ice climbing, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and more. Beyond the mountains, Erik is the founder of No Barriers USA, a nonprofit that helps people with challenges tap into the human spirit, break barriers, and elevate their communities. Erik has been the subject of several award-winning documentaries about his accomplishments as a blind adventurer and is the author of several books.
Our Adventure with Purpose Award is The Mountaineers highest honor, recognizing individuals who embody our mission to LEAD, ENGAGE, and ADVOCATE. We are delighted to celebrate Erik for his exceptional leadership in the outdoors, and for inspiring people of all walks of life to get outside and live a life without barriers.
After the award presentation, Erik will deliver a keynote address, reflecting on his life and adventures with purpose. We look forward to honoring him at our Gala.
Get excited for the 2026 auction
This year’s online auction will open Wednesday, April 15 and close on Friday, April 24. Feel good bidding on our new slate of 40 packages that aim to get you outside. Everyone can sign up to participate in our online auction.
At the event, ticketholders can bid on a special slate of silent auction packages at the reception, as well as the live auction during the main program. All auction packages feature outdoor adventures led by our volunteer leaders, community partners, outdoor brands, and Mountaineers Books authors.
New this year!
We’re excited to announce new features to the 2026 Gala program. This year we will host our first ever MAC RAC, where guests can watch in amazement as two teams from our high school youth program, the Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC), participate in a climbing-focused Relay Adventure Challenge (RAC). There will be rope coiling, pad stacking, and a climbing ascent in a thrilling and fun race. Make a donation toward the team you think will win for a chance to win our grand raffle prize!
The main Gala program will conclude at 9pm and all guests are welcome to stay for our Gala After Party in Studio B of Fremont Studios to continue enjoying time with our amazing community. We will cap off the evening with a special toast to celebrate the 120th anniversary of The Mountaineers (founded in 1906).
Mark your calendars - tickets for the 2026 Gala go on sale January 20! The event sells out quickly, so we recommend you buy tickets early. Your ticket to the event includes a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, the speaking program, after party, and a variety of opportunities to support The Mountaineers. All funds donated at the event are tax deductible and directly support our nonprofit mission.
Want to secure your seat now? We’re seeking people interested in hosting or captaining a table of 10 seats for the event. Want to donate to our auction? We’re also searching for outdoor experiences, trips, vacation stays, art, or gear to be donated and packaged in our online, silent, and live auctions.
For tables, auction package donations, or general questions about the event, please contact Gala director Rose Steller Burke at roseb@mountaineers.org or 206-521-6020.
Lead image artwork by Joseph Lynch.
