The 2026 Stargazer Gala A Night at the Circus

Brought to You by the MMA and Venardos Circus!

Stargazer Gala Photo Gallery

The Circus is Coming Back in 2027! Mark your Calendar for our 2027 Stargazer Circus Dates!


Thursday, July 22 - The Stargazer Gala

Friday - Sunday, July 23 - 25, The Stargazer Circus

Image by Bill Hoenk

2026 Stargazer Gala Sponsorship Opportunities

Center Stage $25,000 SOLD OUT

  • 8 Stargazer Gala tickets (table seating)
  • Pre-show meet-and-greet with Circus performers and photo op
  • Premium wine service throughout the performance
  • Special take-home gift
  • Name/logo on all marketing materials & event slideshow, and recognition in the souvenir program


Spotlight $10,000 SOLD OUT

  • 6 Stargazer Gala tickets (table seating)
  • Pre-show meet-and-greet with Circus performers and photo op
  • Premium wine service during the performance
  • Name/logo on all marketing materials & event slideshow, and recognition in the souvenir program


Ringmaster $5,000 SOLD OUT

  • 4 Stargazer Gala tickets (premium seating)
  • Name/logo on all marketing materials & event slideshow, and recognition in the souvenir program


Patron $2,500 SOLD OUT

  • 2 Stargazer Gala tickets (grandstand seating)
  • Name/logo on all marketing materials & event slideshow, and recognition in the souvenir program

The 2026 Stargazer Gala | A Night at the Circus

Thursday, July 23 • 6 - 10pm • Tom Nevers Field, 130 Tom Nevers Road

Step Into a Night of Magic and Wonder!

Inspired by the fearless spirit of curiosity and discovery that defined Maria Mitchell—America’s first professional female astronomer—this extraordinary evening brings the joy of exploration to life through breathtaking performances, lively celebration, and unforgettable enchantment.

This year, the MMA welcomes Venardos Circus, a dazzling Broadway-style production under an intimate big-top tent. Be amazed by world-class acrobats, breathtaking aerialists, and dazzling jugglers as moments of humor, heart, and spectacle come together in a show-stopping performance.


The Stargazer Gala begins with elevated “Big Top” bites and curated concessions by Island Kitchen, alongside “Celestial Cocktails” crafted just for the occasion. A roaming magician, fortune tellers, and a whimsical wishing tree add a touch of mystique, setting the stage for a night like no other.


The night then unfolds into a show-stopping circus performance, followed by live and silent auctions. After the performance, the celebration continues with lively entertainmnet as guests take to the dance floor beneath the stars, immersed in the thrill and wonder of Opening Night.


All proceeds from the Stargazer Gala support the MMA’s Internship Program, advancing its mission to inspire a lifelong passion for science through education, research, and hands-on exploration of Nantucket’s sky, land, and sea. Each year, the MMA serves more than 20,000 learners, helping to cultivate the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards.

2026 Stargazer Gala Sponsors

Constellation $50,000

Bluemercury | Styling & Beauty Partner

Ocean Honda | Auto Partner

Robb Report | Media Partner



Center Stage $25,000

Archibald Family Charitable Foundation

Tanya and Tom Forman, Karen Ketterer, Gay and Girard Ruddick

John S Weatherley Charitable Foundation



Spotlight $10,000

Brooke and Bill Buppert

Curt Burwell and Christine Ryan

Tim and Dorothy Fallon

Marc and Michele Flaster

Chris and Missy Griffiths

Brian and Nancy Gruber

Philip and Maureen Heasley

Tom and Maggie Hemmer

Richard K Lubin Family Foundation

Sarah Powers

Joe and Gayle Santucci

Rich and Kathleen Sotell

Peter and Katherine Sutters

Jill and Tim Vieth

Kathryn Wagner

Ringmaster $5,000

Brian and Leslie Cooleen

Commonwealth Pioneers

Lew and Kathleen Crampton

J. Pepper Frazier Company

Gryphon Architects

Dennis and Kimberly Kozlowski

Toni and Martin McKerrow

Abigail and Sundip Murthy

Judy Seinfeld

Waterscapes by Jesse Dutra Landscape



Patron $2,500

Tommy and Leslie Bresette

Margot Bush

Chip Carver and Anne Delaney

Emeritus Ltd.

Robert Dahdah and Arina Kochneva

The Dobbert Companies

Eat Fire Pizza

Margaret and John Falk

Deb Feldman

Charles and Ann Forman

Joshua and Giana Hebert

Denice Kronau and Michael Reitermann

Nantucket Estate Jewelry by Lora Lee

John and Christine Maraganore

Elizabeth Milias

Joan and Michael Nelson

Nat and Melissa Philbrick

Brett and Jennifer Robertson

Shells Angels Raw Bar

Chip Webster and Sara Boyce

Helene and Tim Weld

Thank You to Our 2026 Vendor Partners

2026 Stargazer Gala Committees


The Super Stellars:

Tanya Forman, Co-chair | Elizabeth Markel, Co-chair

Rebecca Becker | Jenny Benzie | Brooke Buppert | Kelly Burke | Tessa Cressman | Laura Freedman | Missy Griffiths | Keely Irwin | Linda Holliday

Debi Lilly and Mike Springer | Cara Marquis | Heather and Rob Merrill | Katie Norton | Sarah Powers | Gay Ruddick | Peter Sutters | Janel Trivelas 


The Rising Stars Young Professionals:

Ashley Hess | Kat Hess | Rob Alper | Liam Burbage | David Feldman | Ella Griffiths | Sophie Langlois | Ava McDonald

Ella Mannix | Sage Morgan | Ryan Murray | Claudia Pagnozzi-Schwam | Samantha Pillsbury | Max Quidley | Cullen Weise 

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • I'd like to pay by check, where should it be addressed to?

    Checks can be addressed to the following: 


    Maria Mitchell Association 

    4 Vestal Street

    Nantucket, MA 02554


    *Please include a note that indicates the number of tickets or sponsorship level you wish to purchase. Additionally, please include your contact email and guests names. 

  • Who should I contact if I have questions?

    Please contact MMA Development Director, Amy Young, for any questions regarding the Stargazer Gala at 

    ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-228-9198 ext. 116.

  • Where is the event?

    The 2026 Stargazer Gala is hosted at Tom Nevers Field on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 6 - 10pm.


    Leading up to the event guests will receive communication via email that details additional important event information. 


    Please check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event. 


    If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your registered guest's name and contact email.

  • I've registered, now what?

    After registering for the Stargazer Gala, you'll be placed on our Stargazing Gala email list. 


    Leading up to the event, we'll be sending out details including the event address, arrival times, auction items, and even a fun mood board. 


    Please periodically check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event. 


    If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your guest contact email.

  • Is there a theme for the 2026 Stargazer Gala?

    Yes! This year's Stargazer Gala is Circus Chic!

    We're excited to celebrate the legacy of Maria Mitchell, continue the mission of the MMA.




  • How do I register for the auction?

    We will host both in-person and online auctions. 


    Online Auction 

    We welcome all supporters of the MMA to participate in our online auction.


    In-Person Auction 

    Guest will recieve a paddle number upon arrival which will be used during our event programming. 


    Items presented during the event programming are exclusively available to ticketed guests of the 2026 Stargazer Gala

  • Parking

    Field parking is provided for the convenience of our guests. Upon arrival, you'll be directed by our parking team on where best to park.


    We ask that guests carpool, uber, and taxi when possible.


    For accessibility questions, please contact Amy Young at ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-288-9198 ext. 116.

  • Is my ticket tax deductible?

    Yes, a single $750 ticket purchased for the 2026 Stargazer Gala is tax deductible up to $550. 

      

    A formal acknowledgment letter, which will include the tax-deductible portion of your donation, will be sent to the address provided during the registration process.


    In accordance with IRS regulations, the tax-deductible portion of your contribution to the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (Tax ID# 04-2129139) is limited to the excess of the contribution over the value of the goods and services we provided to you. 


    Acknowledgment letters should be retained in your records to substantiate any charitable income tax deduction claimed in connection with this gift.  


     

  • Are tickets and sponsorships refundable?

    Tickets and sponsorships are non-refundable. 


    If you cannot make it to the event, please contact Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchell.org