The Grand Debut Gala
Indiana Roof Ballroom
Benefiting: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Black Tie Society
A Society for the Elegantly Minded
Bringing the grandeur, ceremony, and cultural patronage of the Gilded Age into twenty-first century Indianapolis.
Our Purpose
Where elegance is restored
The Black Tie Society is a private membership organization dedicated to reviving the refined social traditions of the Gilded Age — monthly evenings of culture, ceremony, and fellowship among the distinguished citizens of Indianapolis.
Headquartered at the historic Columbia Club on Monument Circle, the Society hosts curated black-tie events across the city’s most magnificent venues, from grand ballrooms and Victorian mansions to museum galleries and skyline aeries.
Every gathering supports the arts and cultural institutions that define our city — the Symphony, the Ballet, the Opera, and the great stages of Indianapolis.
12+
Curated Events Annually
8+
Charitable Partners
Membership
Member Perks
All members are admitted by application and committee approval. Membership renews annually and includes priority access to all Society events.
- Early access to limited event tickets
- 10% discount on tickets
- Member Card and Pin allowing access to VIP Area
- Ability to purchase guest passes
The Calendar
An extraordinary year of evenings
A Valentine's Soirée
Columbia Club
Benefiting: Indianapolis Ballet
Evening Among the Masters
Newfields — Indiana Museum of Art
Benefiting: Newfields Foundation
Spring in the Mansion
The Indianapolis Propylaeum
Benefiting: Indiana Repertory Theatre
Garden Derby Party
The Dining Room at RH Indianapolis
Benefiting: ALS Association
Indianapolis 500 Victory Celebration
Indiana Convention Center
Benefiting: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation
Zoobilation
Indianapolis Zoo
Benefiting: Indianapolis Zoological Society
Sky High Summer Ball
Skyline Club — 36th Floor
Benefiting: ISAC — Indiana Student Athlete Collective
The Western Frontier Dinner
Eiteljorg Museum
Benefiting: Eiteljorg Museum
ISO Opening Night Gala
Indiana Roof Ballroom
Benefiting: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Swing at Victory Field
Victory Field
Benefiting: Indianapolis Indians Foundation
Indiana Living Legends Gala
Indiana Historical Society
Benefiting: Indiana Historical Society
The Grand Masquerade
Grand Hall at Union Station
Benefiting: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Purple Tie Ball
Scottish Rite Cathedral
Benefiting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Casino Royale
Columbia Club
Benefiting: Columbia Club Foundation
"Midnight" at Newfields
Newfields — Indiana Museum of Art
Benefiting: Newfields Foundation
Our Venues
Indianapolis’ most magnificent rooms
-
01
Columbia Club
Permanent headquarters · Monument Circle
-
02
Indiana Roof Ballroom
The grandest ballroom in Indianapolis
-
03
Grand Hall at Union Station
Victorian railway grandeur & stained glass
-
04
Newfields
After-hours among world-class art collections
-
05
The Indianapolis Propylaeum
1890 Baroque mansion on Delaware Street
-
06
The Dining Room at RH Indianapolis
Refined elegance in the heart of the city
-
07
Indiana Convention Center
Grand-scale celebration in the heart of downtown
-
08
Indianapolis Zoo
Home of Zoobilation, one of Indy's premier galas
-
09
Skyline Club
36th floor panoramic views of Monument Circle
-
10
Eiteljorg Museum
Striking architecture, intimate gallery evenings
-
11
Victory Field
Indianapolis's beloved downtown ballpark
-
12
Indiana Historical Society
Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
-
13
Scottish Rite Cathedral
One of Indianapolis's most magnificent historic buildings
-
14
The Indianapolis Artsgarden
Iconic glass skybridge above Washington & Illinois
Philanthropy
Culture elevated, community served
Every Black Tie Society event features a voluntary charitable giving opportunity at checkout. One hundred percent of charitable contributions — collected separately from operational funds — are disbursed quarterly to our partner organizations.
Our partners are selected to reflect the Society’s values: the arts, culture, heritage, and the civic life of Indianapolis. The VP of Philanthropy maintains relationships with each organization and rotates the featured charity monthly.
- Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Music
- Indianapolis Ballet Dance
- Indiana Repertory Theatre Theatre
- ALS Association Health
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation Heritage
- Indianapolis Zoological Society Conservation
- ISAC — Indiana Student Athlete Collective Education
- Indianapolis Indians Foundation Community
- Indiana Historical Society History
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Health
- Columbia Club Foundation Civic Life
- Newfields Foundation Visual Arts
Membership Application
Request your invitation
Applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee within fourteen days. Two references are required. Membership is by approval only.