Excellence Black Tie Weekend 26'

Excellence Black Tie Weekend returns to COSI from Thursday, October 29 to Sunday, November 1, 2026. This is the sixth edition of the three-day celebration of fashion, art, music, culture, comedy, nightlife and culinary excellence, which usually draws more than 3,500 professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs and tastemakers to Columbus. The whole weekend serves as the annual fundraiser for the NOW Foundation, which provides entrepreneurs, small-business owners and creatives with free workforce-development resources, professional development and pathways to sustainable growth.

Saturday's gala is the centerpiece of the weekend. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra performs an R&B/Hip Hop Symphony conducted by Elias Miller, with vocalists Quan Howell, Brianna Mosley and Najoura. For the second consecutive year, the orchestra includes a tribute to Michael Jackson. The night doesn't stop there: the Excellence Black Tie Fashion Show runs alongside live bands, comedians, poets, visual artists and culinary experiences from local chefs and vendors. The after-party is hosted by DJ Kid Capri.

Beyond the Saturday gala, the weekend spans four experiences across three days, with the gala acting as the main event. The full run goes from Thursday, October 29 through Sunday, November 1, with the Saturday night program pulling together the music, fashion, and food that the weekend is built around. Tickets are $34.