It's not just that it's the most boat-luxe event of the summer.
And it's not just that the food and drinks and music and vibes are spot-on.
It's the incredible way it raises funds for the most vulnerable kids at the Lake... that's why the Kelly's Port and 1932 Reserve Yacht Gala has become the summer's can't-miss event.
The Yacht Gala is set for July 24, from 5 – 9 p.m. Get tickets here. (Ticket proceeds benefit Kids’ Harbor)
Started in 2023 and hosted by 1932 Reserve, the Yacht Gala has grown to become a complete restaurant takeover. Last year brought 600 guests — more than ever — and the hosts expects an even bigger turnout this summer.
Here's how the weekend goes...
• Attendees arrive by land or by boat. Courtesy golf carts drive land arrivals down the hill from the parking area to the 1932 Reserve patio. You'll hear the live music floating through the air as you approach. The vibe has been set.
• Once at the Gala, you can grab a drink and a plate to sample from 12 different dishes prepared by local and national chefs. Food and specialty drinks are covered by your ticket.
• Use your complimentary token and/or purchase additional tokens to cast your vote in the Gala Chef Competition, headlined by 1932 Reserve Chef Scott Romano and featuring Celebrity Chef Bryan Voltaggio, from Bravo's Top Chef.
• Stroll through the silent auction area out on the shaded lakefront lawn, and place your bid by 7 p.m.
• Then continue to the docks where a curated collection of premier boats await. Including the impressive Tiara Yachts 39 LS. Kelly’s Port specialists will be available to answer questions. You are equally welcome to simply browse, explore and take in the craftsmanship.Â
• The live auction begins at 7:30 p.m., and you won't want to miss it.
• Dig deep and help support the cause. You can bid on items or simply make a donation while at the event. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law, including 1% of boat purchases are backed by Kelly's Port Service.
• Stick around for the fireworks, to cap off an unforgettable evening.
YACHT GALA ENCORE (free event) – Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kelly’s Port will also hold a Yacht Gala Encore event for the whole family the day after the Yacht Gala. Join us for Marys & Mimosas, demo the boat of your dreams, take the kids on a scavenger hunt, indulge in complimentary food and refreshments, outdoor games, and enjoy the Kelly’s Port team and marina vibe with all of your family and friends. Event will take place at 5250 Dude Ranch Road, Osage Beach by land or the 19 ½ mile marker by water.
The Yacht Gala Helps Kids
The tagline for the Yacht Gala is "A celebration of the good life, for a great cause." The good life is... well, anything that involves a boat. The great cause? That would be Kids' Harbor.
The Lake of the Ozarks region's safe haven for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or violence, Kids' Harbor is a lifeline for kids and families dealing with some of the most awful circumstances imaginable. From conducting forensic investigations in cases of abuse to providing mental health counseling and assistance in navigating the legal system, Kids' Harbor is one of those organizations you wish wasn't needed... but it desperately is, and kids are uplifted by the organization's work when they need it most.
And that's why Kelly's Port picked Kids' Harbor as the Yacht Gala's beneficiary for 2026.
To date, the event has raised over $300,000 for Kids' Harbor, and the number is growing every year. Here's how:
• One percent of all boat sales from the weekend is donated to Kids' Harbor.
• Kelly's Port has designated a 2026 Bennington 26 MFB as the "Kids' Harbor boat." When that boat sells (even if it's at a later date), they donate 100% of the profits to Kids' Harbor.
• This year, the chef competition will raise more money for Kids' Harbor. Gala attendees can buy additional tokens to "vote" for their favorite chef. Drop a token (or three) in that chef's jar, and the winning chef will be announced at the end of the night. All proceeds from the tokens will go straight to Kids' Harbor.
• And then there are the auction items. Lake of the Ozarks charity-benefit auctions are famous for bringing highly desirable items and experiences (key-in on that word "experiences.") The Kelly's Port team says they've got some new, exciting things planned for this year's auction. Big reveals coming soon.
Make plans to attend the Kelly's Port Yacht Gala on Friday, July 24, 5 – 9 p.m and Yacht Gala Encore, July 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It'll be a weekend well-spent. Get tickets here. (Ticket proceeds benefit Kids’ Harbor)
