Core Events

CORAL hosts or participates in the following core events each year:

The Ritz

The Ritz gala dinner is one of the largest events held annually for the central Illinois lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. In its tenth year, The Ritz is a casually elegant affair that features a three-course dinner, an evening of dancing, and a celebration of the progress made by the LGBT community during the past year. The theme for 2025’s event is 'Words To Live By' in recognition of the power words have in our lives and how we can take over that power with other words as well.

2025 Ritz - Words To Live By

Pridefest

2025 Pridefest

CORAL has participated as a sponsor of Springfield Pridefest several years. Pridefest is an event that honors the activists and celebrates the community of families who have worked for equality. While you are there, you'll find numerous vendors selling items of interest. Some of the participants have free gifts for those who visit their booth. Many use this as an opportunity to demonstrate what their LGBTQ friendly organizations can do for you or why you should be involved with them. There is much to see and do. Be there to enjoy the fun, make new friends, and reunite with old ones. There will be plenty of food and beverages to keep you energized. While you are there, stop by the CORAL booth and say 'Hello.'

Pride Picnic

Everyone is welcome at the annual LGBT Pride Picnic sponsored by CORAL. This event, which has been a tradition since 1982, continues the celebration of Pride and honors those who have made strides towards equality. CORAL provides fried chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, lemonade, and iced tea. You are encouraged to bring a side dish to share and any outdoor games to challenge the skills of those who play. The event is traditionally held in Lincoln Park during June.

2025 Pride Picnic

Barn Dance

2024 Barn Dance

Who doesn’t like a theme party but CORAL. The barn dance was created in homage to a traditional event originally started by SALO (Springfield Area Lesbian Organization) many years in the past. Back then, it was held at a member’s farm with dancing, eating, and much fun. With a few tweaks, CORAL modernized that long held ritual with the assistance of Pole Barn Chic, a DJ, and a cash bar. However, the dancing, bon-fires, and casual wear were kept. Held every year in October while the season still allows outside activity, for a minimal ticket price, you can enjoy a little hoe-down style gathering.

Thanksgiving Dinner

As the days get shorter and the calendar moves towards the holiday season, we think of dear friends and seek to share with them. We invite our families and friends to join us for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. CORAL provides the turkey and dressing, ham, mashed potatoes, and drinks for the dinner. Those attending are encouraged to bring a dish to share and/or a food item for a local food pantry. After food and fellowship, we encourage other groups to announce their upcoming events and activities. It's a wonderful way to express our thanks for the gifts we have shared. This event has been a tradition since 1982.

2024 Thanksgiving Dinner