Broadway's charity season never really stops. From fall auctions to spring bucket appeals to summer street fairs, there's a fundraiser almost every month, and most of them are open to fans. Here's a month-by-month guide to the major Broadway charity events for the 2026–27 season. Dates for future events are based on each event's usual timing, so check the organizer's website before you make plans.
The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, is a day-long fair where fans can buy memorabilia, meet performers and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The 40th edition is set for Sunday, September 27, 2026. Tables are run by Broadway shows, theatre organizations and fan favorites.
After many performances in the fall, cast members make a curtain speech and collect donations in red buckets as audiences leave. The money raised across Broadway, Off-Broadway and national tours goes to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The fall fundraising season ends with the Red Bucket Follies, a performance that celebrates the shows that raised money during the appeals. It was called Gypsy of the Year until 2018. This year's Follies are planned for December 7 and 8, 2026.
Giving Tuesday falls on December 1, 2026. Many Broadway charities run matching campaigns that day. See our guide to Broadway charities and nonprofits to find one that fits your interests.
Red buckets return to theatres in the spring. In 2026, the spring appeals began in mid-March. The spring season used to end with the Easter Bonnet Competition. Since 2024, spring fundraising has been celebrated at the December Follies instead.
Broadway Bares is the theatre community's annual burlesque benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This year's edition, "License to Strip," on June 21, 2026, raised a record $2,534,428.
June is also when the Jimmy Awards, the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, bring top student performers from across the country to a Broadway stage. Read more in our guide to Broadway education nonprofits.
Broadway Barks is a free adoption event in Shubert Alley where Broadway performers help New York-area animal shelters find homes for dogs and cats. It was founded in 1998 by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore and is produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The 2026 edition was held July 11.
Many Broadway nonprofits hold an annual gala or benefit concert, including the Entertainment Community Fund, the American Theatre Wing, Black Theatre United and the nonprofit theatre companies. These are usually ticketed at donor levels, but many also offer livestreams or lower-priced seats. The charities behind many of these events have a long history. Our post on the women who built Broadway's charities tells some of that story.
You don't have to wait for an event to give. Broadway for Democracy works year-round to help the theatre community register, get informed and vote, and we never tell anyone how to vote. Support our work here.
The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction is held each fall. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Sunday, September 27.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS renamed it the Red Bucket Follies in 2018. It still celebrates the fall fundraising season each December.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS stopped holding the Easter Bonnet Competition in 2024. Spring red-bucket fundraising is now celebrated at the December Red Bucket Follies.
Broadway Bares is held each June. The 2026 edition took place on June 21.
