TICKETS ON SALE NOW

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

BLACKTIE & TAILPIPES GALA

📅 Friday, July 11, 2025, 6:30 PM📍Heinz History Center | Strip District | 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. Cigars and 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.

EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE RIGHT NOW

The first 100 guests to grab individual tickets get our special discounted rate through May 15, —after that, pricing increases to $350, so don’t wait!

There is also an Early Bird Table Sponsor (10 guests) at a rate of just $3,000, which is $300 per guest!

Early Bird pricing is only available until May 15, or while supplies last. After that, individual tickets increase to $350, so this is the best value for individuals or groups who want to celebrate together in style.

*Must buy a ticket or sponsorship to attend. (No sales at the door)

For Sponsorship Info, please contact Dan DelBianco at 412-559-3500 or DelBianco@pvgp.org

New Venue. New Energy. Same Good Time.
For the first time ever, the gala will be held inside the Senator John Heinz History Center, one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic museums. But this isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the experience.

“When we had the opportunity to host the gala at the Heinz History Center, it just felt right. This year’s all about having fun and showing off what makes Pittsburgh so special. Whether you’ve never been to a PVGP event before, or you’re not even into cars—that’s totally fine. This is a night to get dressed up, have a great time, make new friends, and support something that matters.” — Ev Kelly Searle, Gala Chair

“When Ev told me about the idea of hosting the gala at the Heinz History Center, I knew we had to run with it. The setting is perfect—and I love how we’re leaning into our roots this year. We’re proud to have a PVGP exhibit in the museum and excited to celebrate all of it in one unforgettable night. I can’t wait to see familiar faces—and a lot of new ones too.” — Dan DelBianco, PVGP Executive Director

This Year’s Theme? A Star-Studded Pittsburgh Night Out

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).

This year’s special guests include:
• Johnny Pittsburgh – Local celebrity and full-on yinzer energy
• Miss Pennsylvania, Page Weinstein – Page’s initiative, “Promoting the Ability in Disability,” supports inclusion for people with disabilities.
• Bob Pompeani – Legendary KDKA-TV Sports Director and fan favorite
• Andrew Stockey – WTAE anchor and longtime PVGP supporter

• 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 Great Hall
• Dinner and Dancing upstairs in the Mueller Center
• Silent & Live Auctions with exclusive one-night-only items
• Cigar Lounge and Bourbon Sipping Patio
• Surprises throughout the night (and maybe even when you arrive…)

“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

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

Schedule of Events
6:30 – 7:30 PM – Open Bar Cocktail Reception in the Great Hall
7:30 PM – Guests move to Mueller Center (5th 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 2025 Gala Committee

Endless thanks to Brenda Tenison and Maggie Schmotzer for their years of incredible leadership and love for this event. This year, the torch is being carried forward by Ev Kelly Searle, who’s honored to build on their legacy while bringing her own energy and ideas to the 2025 celebration.

2025 Committee Members:
Ev Kelly Searle (Chair)
Amy Hahn Beck
Deborah Davis
Michelle DelBianco
Beatriz Harrison
Kathy Hennessy
Bella Searle
Brenda Tenison
Mia Tepke

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: Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15222

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

About the Museum

The Senator John Heinz History Center is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum and a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. As Pittsburgh’s “people museum,” the History Center preserves and interprets the history of Western Pennsylvanians through six floors of interactive exhibitions that feature iconic artifacts like the TV set from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and the world’s oldest jeep. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum on the second and third floors celebrates the unsurpassed sports legacy of the City of Champions, from football to baseball and hockey to auto racing.

The PVGP will have access to the entire facility and new chair Ev Kelly Searle is planning to feature some very special cars along with the PVGP display on the second floor.

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 Autism Pittsburgh and Merakey Allegheny Valley School.

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!

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES: Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala | Friday, July 11, 2025

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