TICKET SALES ARE NOW OPEN

Pittsburgh’s Favorite Summer Party is Back
The Best Night in the City returns July 11.

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, we will open Grand Prix Race Week inside the brand new Science of Speed building at the Kamin Science Center.

The building has been undergoing a major transformation as part of the Carnegie Science Center’s historic renovation, made possible by the extraordinary $65 million gift from Daniel and Carole Kamin. Because of this ongoing work, the space will not officially open to the public until after our Gala.

That is what makes this night so special.

The PVGP has been personally invited to host Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala as a private unveiling and exclusive first look at this incredible new building. Our guests will experience it before anyone else, at a one night only celebration not available anywhere else.

Surrounded by cutting edge technology, two story electric kart racing, skyline views, and signature rooftop moments, more than 300 distinguished guests will gather for an unforgettable evening.

This is more than a fundraiser. It is a private party inside a landmark space before its public debut. Read more about this exciting new exhibit here: https://kaminsciencecenter.org/exhibits/science-of-speed/

THIS IS ALREADY OUR FASTEST START EVER.

Update, March 1, 2026: Wow. Our limited $299 Preview Ticket rate went quickly, and we are so grateful to everyone who jumped in early. You truly set the pace.

We have never seen tickets go like this fast. If this early momentum tells us anything, it is that 2026 is on track to be the fastest selling Gala we have ever had.

We are not sold out yet. But we will be.

Every year we reach full capacity, and once we do, there is simply nothing we can do to add more seats. When the room is full, it is full.

Spring Sale pricing is now live through March 31:
$349 per guest
$3,250 for a table of 10

On April 1, tickets move to regular pricing:
$399 per guest
$3,750 for a table of 10

If you have been thinking about joining us, this is your moment. Secure your seats now before we reach capacity. Questions about tickets? Contact Evelyn Kelly Searle at searle@pvgp.org.

PVGP BLACKTIE & TAILPIPES GALA

📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026, 6:00 PM📍Kamin Science Center | North Shore | Pittsburgh, PA

If there’s one event that everyone in Pittsburgh talks about every summer—it’s the Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala.

Shiny cars. Blacktie style. Bourbon on the patio under the stars. Unexpected moments around every corner. This isn’t your average gala. This is a party. And not just any party—this one sells out every single year.

And this year? It’s going to be bigger than ever.

GALA SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

For Sponsorship Info, please contact Ev Kelly Searle, 412-614-1058, searle@pvgp.org or Dan DelBianco, 412-559-3500, DelBianco@pvgp.org

New Venue. New Energy. Same Good Time.

“The moment Dan shared that we had the opportunity to unveil the new Science of Speed building before it opens to the public, I was all in. This is a rare first look at something Pittsburgh has never seen before. To celebrate PVGP in this space, before anyone else steps inside, is truly extraordinary.”
— Ev Kelly Searle, Gala Chair

“Hosting the Gala as the private unveiling of the Science of Speed building is an incredible honor. This space represents bold vision and innovation for Pittsburgh, and our guests will experience it first. It will be an unforgettable night inside a landmark building before its public debut.”
— Dan DelBianco, PVGP Executive Director

It’s the kind of party where you’ll see everyone—from car lovers to local Pittsburgh celebrities to social media stars—all having a blast under one roof (and on one rooftop patio).

We have many surprises for you, but here are just an example of some special guest from last year. Many will be returning this year, along with a few new surprises:

• Bob Pompeani – Legendary KDKA-TV Sports Director and fan favorite

• Johnny Pittsburgh – Local celebrity and full-on yinzer energy

• 2024 Miss Pennsylvania, Page Weinstein – Page’s initiative, “Promoting the Ability in Disability,” supports inclusion for people with disabilities.

• Andrew Stockey – WTAE anchor and longtime PVGP supporter

• Kait Schoeb – Acclaimed Pittsburgh artist known for her iconic athlete portraits

• DJ Joseph Costa – Pittsburgh’s go-to DJ, bringing the energy all night

• Fashion media presence – so bring your best look for the cameras

• Local content creators and influencers - capturing every moment

• More SURPRISE star-studded Pittsburgh celebrity guests!

🌟 Star-Studded Auction to Match
You’ll also get access to exclusive auction packages you will only find through PVGP.

• Including a special auction item donated by our dear friend Mark Cuban—yes, that Mark Cuban. Pittsburgh native. Shark Tank star. And PVGP fan.

What to Expect
This is the kind of event where the fun never stops. From the second you walk through the door, there’s something happening:

• Open Bar Cocktail Hour in the brand new Science of Speed building
• Dinner and Dancing upstairs on the Third Floor in the PointView Hall Terrace overlooking the spectacular views of the Pittsburgh skyline
• Silent & Live Auctions with exclusive one-night-only items
• Surprises throughout the night (and maybe even when you arrive…)

Come hungry—this year’s Gala menu is spectacular. And don’t miss our playful twist on the iconic Pittsburgh cookie table/

“There are surprises from the moment you walk through the door,” Ev says. “We want people to walk in and feel like they’re part of something exciting—but also relaxed. It’s a party, not a production. It’s for everyone—whether you’re a PVGP regular, a first-timer, or just someone who wants a night out that’s actually fun.”

“It’s not just a fundraiser—it’s a party. It just happens to do a lot of good.” — Ev Kelly Searle

Why You Should Be There:
• You’ll make new friends—or just be around old ones
• Surprise moments all night (trust us)
• An open bar, luxury dinner, and dancing
• A reason to dress up and celebrate summer
• You’ll support people in our community who truly need it

You’re not just supporting an event—you’re aligning with a cause that has raised over $7 million for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Auction Previews:
Luxury travel packages, exclusive experiences, and a few “you-had-to-be-there” surprises.

Schedule of Events
6:00 – 7:30 PM – Open Bar Cocktail Reception in the new Science of Speed building
7:30 PM – Guests move to PointView Hall and Terrace (3rd Floor)
7:30 – 9:30 PM – Silent Auction
8:00 PM – Opening Remarks
8:15 PM – Dinner Served
9:00 – 9:30 PM – Live Auction

Let’s Say It One More Time: This Gala Sells Out.
If you’ve been meaning to come, this is your year. Grab your tickets now!

Meet the 2026 Gala Committee

We’re proud to introduce the dedicated team behind this year’s celebration.

2026 Committee Members

Ev Kelly Searle (Chair)
Amy Hahn Beck
Deborah Davis
Michelle DelBianco
Kathy Hennessy
Bella Searle
Mia Tepke

Welcome new members: Giovanni Morgano, Heather Kulbacki, and Charissa Lauren!

Interested in donating an auction item or sponsoring the fun?
Contact Ev: searle@pvgp.org or 412-614-1058

Event Info
Host: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association
Contact: Evelyn Kelly | (412) 614-1058
Location: Kamin Science Center
1 Allegheny Ave | Pittsburgh, PA 15212

THANK YOU TO OUR PREVIOUS GENEROUS SPONSORS

About the Kamin Science Center

Kamin Science Center, formerly the Carnegie Science Center, is Pittsburgh's top-visited, interactive science museum located on the North Shore. It features four floors of exhibits—including the Buhl Planetarium, USS Requin submarine, and Miniature Railroad & Village®—plus Sports360 and the Rangos Giant Cinema. The center focuses on STEM education, offering camps, classes, and outreach programs for all ages.

Opening in summer 2026, the Kamin Science Center’s Science of Speed is a 3,500-square-foot immersive exhibit in the former SportsWorks building dedicated to racing physics and engineering. It features a two-story, 750-foot electric go-kart track, high-performance car displays, a themed restaurant/lounge, and exhibits on aerodynamics and technology, with extended evening hours.

Key Features of Science of Speed:

Electric Kart Track: A multi-level, 750-foot track featuring electric karts capable of reaching speeds up to 35 mph.
Immersive Exhibits: Learn about aerodynamics, engine technology, material science, safety, and the role of a race driver.
Displays: Showcasing modern and vintage high-performance vehicles, along with racing gear.
Dining & Social: Includes a racing-inspired lounge and restaurant, designed to act as an evening destination for adults.
Transformation: Located in the former SportsWorks building, this is a major part of the newly renamed Kamin Science Center's expansion, which is part of nine new experiences being added to the museum.

The exhibit is designed to be a high-octane, educational experience for all ages, with special evening hours for adults.

A Race Where Everybody Wins

Our mission is to produce a world-class vintage automotive event to raise funds to help provide residential care, treatment and support for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities in the western PA region. Because of the generous support and contributions from our sponsors and attendees, and the dedication of our volunteers, we have been fortunate enough to donate over $7 Million to our charity partners.

For More Information about PVGP, please visit:

https://pvgp.org/events/blacktie-tailpipes-gala/

Let the Good Times Roll

Laughter, dancing, surprise moments, and unforgettable outfits - we've had a blast over the years! Take a look back at the fun...and get ready to make new memories this year!

2026 Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala | Saturday, July 11

Pittsburgh’s favorite summer night returns—dancing, cars, and star-powered surprises, all for a good cause.