La Jolla|Local Event
Athenaeum Annual Benefit Celebration | Talk of the Town: Diamonds, Jazz and Dreams | La Jolla
The Athenaeum Presents
The Talk of the Town: Diamonds, Jazz and Dreams
Annual Benefit Celebration
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Open bar and delicious delights
1950s cocktail attire suggested
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library will host its annual benefit celebration, The Talk of the Town, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in La Jolla. This year’s theme, Diamonds, Jazz and Dreams, promises a glamorous evening inspired by timeless elegance, live music, and community celebration.
Guests will enjoy an evening of live big band and jazz performances, dancing, signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a buffet dinner while exploring the Athenaeum’s historic spaces and distinguished art collection. Cocktails will be provided by Endless Pour, and the evening’s culinary offerings by Pronto Catering by Giuseppe. The night will also feature a silent auction with a curated selection of unique experiences and items.
A VIP Hour will kick off the evening with red carpet arrivals, champagne and caviar, exclusive cocktails, live music by Ashley Anne and the Carnations, valet parking, and early access to the silent auction.
The Talk of the Town is the Athenaeum’s signature fundraising event, supporting its year-round programming, including concerts, art exhibitions, lectures, fine arts classes, and the continued growth of its renowned library collections. Now in its 127th year, the Athenaeum serves more than 100,000 visitors annually and remains one of only 17 membership libraries in the nation.
More than 200 of the Athenaeum’s most dedicated supporters are expected to attend this sparkling event which plays a vital role in sustaining accessible and inspiring arts programming for the San Diego community.
The Athenaeum is a non-profit 501(3)C organization. Corporate sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available, offering sponsors visibility among Athenaeum members and the broader community.
Reservations for The Talk of the Town: Diamonds, Jazz and Dreams are required by April 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM. For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or donations, please contact us at (858) 454-5872 or info@ljathenaeum.org.
ATHENAEUM MUSIC & ARTS LIBRARY
1008 Wall Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS
Parking in downtown La Jolla is limited; please consider rideshare services or carpooling to the event.
VIP Hour: 5:30–6:30 PM
Main Event: 6:30–10 PM
VIP Tickets: $1,000
Includes:
- Early VIP entry at 5:30 p.m. in the Garden
- Champagne and caviar
- Live Music: Ashley Anne and the Carnations
- First look at silent auction offerings
- Complementary valet parking
- $750 is tax-deductible
General Tickets: $250
Includes:
- Entry to The Talk of the Town at 6:30 p.m.
- Open bar and chef stations included
- Live big band music and dancing
- $50 is tax-deductible
Online ticket sales are subject to ticketing fees.