An Evening on Broadway: Celebrating 150 Years of Pittsburg
Submitted by Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce
The Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to its 2026 Annual Banquet & Fundraiser May 7, the Chamber’s largest event of the year. This annual event brings together local businesses, community leaders and residents to celebrate the past year and recognize the people and organizations making a difference in Pittsburg, Kansas.
This year’s theme, “An Evening on Broadway,” comes at a meaningful time as Pittsburg celebrates 150 years. The evening will highlight the progress made over the past year while also recognizing the history and momentum that continue to shape the community.
A Night to Celebrate Pittsburg
The Annual Banquet & Fundraiser is an opportunity to bring the community together in one place. It’s a chance to connect, recognize accomplishments and spend the evening celebrating what’s happening across Pittsburg.
The event begins at 6 p.m. with doors opening and the silent auction, followed by dinner and the program at 7 p.m. Guests will have time to visit, browse auction items, play games and get settled before the program begins. During the silent auction, guests will enjoy a cocktail hour with music, giving them time to network while exploring auction items and games. Each ticket also includes dinner and two drink tickets for use at the bar.
Honoring Excellence
A key part of the evening is the presentation of annual awards. These awards recognize individuals and businesses who have made a strong impact on the Pittsburg community.
Awards presented include:
• Small Business of the Year
• Employer of the Year
• Educator of the Year
• Young Professional of the Year
• The Spirit of Pittsburg Award
Each of these awards reflects the work being done across the community, from supporting local business to investing in education and leadership.
More Than a Celebration
The banquet is also the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the event support programs and initiatives that serve local businesses and help strengthen the community.
The evening includes a large silent auction, along with additional games and opportunities to participate. Whether guests are bidding on items or taking part in other activities, there are several ways to be involved throughout the night. This year, the silent auction will also be available online, allowing out-of-town guests and those unable to attend to still participate and bid on a variety of donated items. The online auction will go live one week prior to the event, giving participants the opportunity to begin bidding early. To stay updated on auction items and details, follow the Pittsburg Area Chamber’s Facebook page. In addition to the online auction, exclusive in-person raffle and prize opportunities will be available for guests attending the event.
The Chamber is currently accepting silent auction donations through April 20. Donations play an important role in the success of the event, and businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate. Updates on auction items and event details will be shared on the Pittsburg Area Chamber’s Facebook page leading up to the banquet.
A Themed Experience
This year’s “An Evening on Broadway” theme is inspired by Downtown Pittsburg and historic Broadway Street. As Pittsburg celebrates 150 years, the theme highlights the businesses and organizations that continue to shape the community.
To reflect that, table sponsors are encouraged to decorate their tables to represent their business or organization. This may include brand colors, elements of what they do or details that reflect who they are and what makes them unique in Pittsburg. Each table will offer a different look and feel, creating a space that showcases the variety and personality of the local business community.
Our businesses will bring the color to this black and white event, just as they bring energy and character to Pittsburg every day.
Guests are also encouraged to wear black and white attire. The event is black tie optional, so attendees can dress up or keep it simple while still enjoying the evening.
Why It Matters
The Annual Banquet & Fundraiser is a time to recognize progress, support local efforts and bring the community together.
As Pittsburg celebrates 150 years, this event reflects both where the community has been and where it is going.
Join the Celebration
Tickets for the 2026 Annual Chamber Banquet & Fundraiser are $100 and are available at pittsburgareachamber.com under the Events section. Tickets are non-refundable.
Those interested in donating a silent auction item or sponsoring a table are encouraged to get involved.
The Annual Banquet continues to be an important event for the Chamber and the community, bringing people together to recognize success and support what comes next.
To get involved, please contact the Chamber at 620-231-1000.
