From Private Concerts And Exclusive Culinary Evenings, To Behind-The-Scenes Longhorns Access And Glamorous Old Hollywood Soirées, Toast Of The Town Transformed Austin Into A Month-Long Celebration Of Philanthropy Benefiting The St. David’s Foundation Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program

By Rob Giardinelli      Photography by Matthew Fuller

THE SCENE: Over the course of a month, more than 700 Austinites attended 22 curated, bespoke, and intimate parties held at top venues across Austin. Each was a part of one of Austin’s most beloved and successful fundraising events, Toast of the Town. Benefiting St. David’s Foundation, each gathering offered a unique theme that created great times for guests and delivered life-changing impact for dozens of aspiring medical professionals in Central Texas.

THE VIBE: The 20 parties featured an array of attire options, including garden-chic, cocktail, Austin-chic, and, yes, even black-tie events. Although each event may have had its own sartorial aesthetic, they all shared the mission of raising funds for the St. David’s Foundation’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program.

The beauty of Toast of the Town is that it is one of the few events that can truly claim to have something for everyone. This year boasted one of the most successful party series in its 42-year history.

The 2026 Toast of the Town party series featured an incredible range of concert choices that perfectly underscored what makes Austin’s music scene so special. Kicking off the 2026 Toast of the Town party series was “A Jazzy Evening,” where music lovers enjoyed a private performance from Keith Fiala and his jazz quartet at a private home in Austin, as well as a separate concert with Anton Nel at the legendary Music Box House overlooking Lake Austin.

Those looking for a more relaxed vibe had the opportunity to attend private concerts from acclaimed country artists. One being a concert of father-daughter duo Rick Trevino and Presley Grace at Lopez Hill, and the other being a backyard hang at a private Austin residence with Radney Foster.

Art and Literary lovers had the opportunity to engage with well-known authors’ celebrated works. This included a night with New York Times bestselling authors Bryan Burrough and Seth Harp to discuss The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces. While others looking for a slice of Austin had the opportunity to share Stories of Austin Then and Now with veteran Austin American-Statesman columnist Michael Barnes at the Four Seasons Residences. Additionally, guests had an opportunity to experience a VIP Private Tour of the Charles Butt: From Edward Hopper to Alma Thomas collection at the Blanton Museum of Art.

Anyone who has ever been fortunate enough to attend a Toast of the Town party over the years knows of their unique ability to draw top University of Texas leaders to their events for revealing and intimate conversations. This year was no different, including a Basketball and BBQ night with Longhorns Women’s Basketball Coach Vic Shaffer, as well as a night at the Headliners Club with University of Texas Volleyball Coach Jerritt Elliott. Perhaps the most coveted invitation of the entire party series was a Behind the Scenes of Texas Football, held in the recruitment lounge of Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, with University of Texas Head Football Coach Steve Sarkisian and University of Texas at Austin Athletic Director Chris Del Conte.

Seekers of glitz and glam had several opportunities to go out for a night on the town. The first was a Dinner Cabaret on Lake Austin with three Austin Award-winning musicians and actors. Another was “An Evening on Congress Avenue” with seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Chucho Valdés. Capping off the glamor experiences was “A Night in Old Hollywood,” complete with perfect, L.A.-style 70-degree weather at A Beverly Hills-inspired estate in Austin.

No Toast of the Town party series would be complete without experiencing one-of-a-kind meals and spirit tastings. Those looking to imbibe had A Night to Sip, and Savor Scotch, as well as a Tequila Fiesta held on Cinco de Mayo, both of which were held in private residences around Austin. Those seeking to dine at exclusive dining nights at three of Austin’s most coveted restaurants, The Kimberly, Aris, and Roya, as well as a French-inspired culinary experience with Top Chef France winner Kevin D’Andrea.

The 22 experiences of the 2026 Toast of the Town will leave an indelible impression on the guests fortunate enough to take part. The most indelible impression, however, will be the dozens of students whose lives have been forever changed, courtesy of the generosity of donors who came from these incredibly special, curated experiences.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 2026 St. David’s Toast of the Town, chaired by Felicia Hester and Araminta Sellers, raised a record-breaking $2.3 million for the St. David’s Foundation. Proceeds from the event will fund $7,500 annual scholarships for up to 8 years for Central Texas students pursuing careers in the medical field. The scholarships are awarded through the Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program, which has supported over 900 students since its inception in 2005. For more information on the annual St. David’s Foundation Toast of the Town party series, visit ToastAustin.org.

10 Unforgettable Experiences From St. David’s Toast Of The Town 2026…

A Behind-The-Scenes Texas Football Experience With Steve Sarkisian
Guests scored one of the hottest invitations in town with exclusive access to the Texas Football recruitment lounge alongside Steve Sarkisian and Chris Del Conte.

Private Jazz And Classical Concerts Elevated The Series
Sophisticated music lovers enjoyed intimate performances from Keith Fiala’s jazz quartet and acclaimed pianist Anton Nel at the legendary Music Box House.

Country Music Fans Got Front-Row Access To Texas Talent
Private performances by Rick Trevino and Presley Grace, plus a backyard concert with Radney Foster, delivered authentic Austin charm.

Exclusive Literary Conversations Drew Book Lovers
Guests mingled with bestselling authors Bryan Burrough and Seth Harp while discussing their acclaimed work on crime and the Special Forces.

Austin History Came Alive With Michael Barnes
The longtime Austin American-Statesman columnist hosted an intimate evening sharing stories of Austin past and present.

Art Enthusiasts Enjoyed A VIP Blanton Museum Tour
Patrons received a private look at the celebrated Charles Butt collection featuring works from Edward Hopper to Alma Thomas.

Luxury Dining Experiences Featured Austin’s Hottest Restaurants
Exclusive evenings at The Kimberly, Aris, and Roya gave foodies unforgettable culinary moments.

Tequila And Scotch Tastings Added Spirited Fun
Guests sipped and savored premium pours during private tequila and scotch-themed soirées hosted in elegant Austin homes.

Old Hollywood Glamour Came To Life In Austin
A Beverly Hills-inspired estate served as the backdrop for an unforgettable “Night in Old Hollywood” experience.

Every Party Helped Shape Future Medical Leaders
The month-long celebration raised $2.2 million to fund scholarships for Central Texas students pursuing careers in healthcare.