OPENING NIGHT GALA

MARCH 20, 2027 - BUSHNELL CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Beach scene with tall palm trees, sandy shoreline, cloudy sky, and a person walking along the beach.

A collection of Hawaiian hula girl figurines displayed on wooden shelves, dressed in colorful grass skirts, leis, and accessories, representing traditional Hawaiian hula dancers.

Dress to Impress! Black tie is encouraged but not mandatory. Think sharp suits, elegant dresses, and a touch of tropical flair. Add a bold print or an sland-inspired accessory. Dress confident and ready for a night of adventure!

TICKETS GO ON SALE OCTOBER 26TH, 2026

EATS + LIBATIONS

Top-down view of a white seaplane docked at a wooden pier on clear, shallow water with visible rocks.

DRESSCODE

Enjoy a selection of creative appetizers and canapés upon arrival, followed by a delicious three-course seated meal. A cash bar will be available. Seating will be assigned this year, please complete your barn affiliation when selecting you meal.

ENTERTAINMENT

This year’s entertainment features interactive fun, lively dancing on the Bushnell’s stage, immersive experiences, and unexpected surprises waiting to be discovered. Explore, get involved, and see where the evening takes you! You wont want to miss this!

ABOUT OPENING NIGHT

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Connecticut Morgan Horse Association’s Opening Night Gala: Destination Unknown! Returning to the iconic Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, this year’s event will officially kick off the 2027 equestrian season with an evening of adventure and celebration.

Last year, you uncovered the secret of the “Society”. This year, you’ve been invited inside, and your journey begins on, a mysterious island that appears once a year before disappearing without a trace.

Explore, discover, and follow the adventure as you uncover the secrets of the Society. With interactive surprises, unexpected adventures, fabulous dinner, dancing, and the annual High-Point Awards, Destination Unknown promises a night where you never quite know what’s around the corner.

Your destination? Unknown. Your invitation? Confirmed.

TICKETS ON SALE OCTOBER 26TH

The Opening Night Gala celebration marks the official start of the equestrian season. Alongside festive hospitality and refined ambiance, the evening features the presentation of high-point and special awards, recognizing the achievements and contributions of our members.
This year’s theme is Destination Unknown, an evening inspired by a mysterious island, tropical adventure, and the spirit of exploration. Expect immersive experiences, unexpected discoveries, and plenty of surprises along the way. Just remember: the destination may be unknown, but the adventure is guaranteed!
Black tie is encouraged, but not mandatory. Think sharp suits, elegant dresses, and a touch of explorer flair. Add a tropical print, bold accessory, or unexpected detail and make it your own. Dress confident, stylish, and ready to let your inner adventurer out.
Yes. This year’s gala will begin with a pre-awards cocktail reception featuring creative canapés and island-inspired appetizers, followed by a three-course seated dinner worthy of an evening in paradise. Vegetarian and children’s menu options will be available to ensure every guest is thoughtfully accommodated.
Please note: If you do not select your meal by the deadline, management will select an option for you.
While we won’t reveal all the secrets of the island just yet, we can promise an evening filled with adventure, entertainment, and unexpected discoveries. Guests can expect dancing on the stage, immersive experiences, and surprises around every corner.
Younger explorers will have activities of their own to keep them entertained throughout the evening, ensuring the adventure is fun for all ages.
And to celebrate our Morgan community, our High-Point winners will be proudly featured on the exterior marquees of the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, lighting up the courtyard for all to admire.
Absolutely! Children are welcome. We want every explorer to enjoy the adventure, with fun touches and activities throughout the evening to keep our younger guests engaged while parents relax, celebrate, and enjoy the festivities.
Absolutely! We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals looking to support the CMHA and help make Opening Night a success. From event sponsorships to opportunities for recognition throughout the evening, there are several ways to get involved.
Interested in sponsoring? Contact us to learn more about available opportunities.
We are delighted to return to the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, Connecticut. This year, the adventure will unfold throughout the historic venue, with unexpected discoveries and memorable experiences waiting around every corner. Come ready to explore, you never know what you might find!
166 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
Yes. The Bushnell offers free parking in the State of Connecticut parking lot along Capitol Avenue and at Buckingham Garage on the corner of Buckingham Street and Washington Street. Accessible parking is available in these lots. Free spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If the free parking lot is full, parking is available at one of the paid lots. Please note the paid lots are not operated by The Bushnell. Parking costs $20+tax and can only be paid using a credit card at a ProPark kiosk. You'll need your license plate number when paying at the kiosk. Be aware of parking scams - Propark parking attendants do not ask for or accept cash.