The McCord Stewart Museum’s SUGAR BALL returned on Friday, November 14, for its highly anticipated 13th edition, and this year’s celebration felt richer, brighter, and more flavourful than ever. The historic St-James Theatre in Old Montreal provided a majestic setting for an evening that blended heritage, gastronomy, and joyful revelry in the most irresistible way. 700 guests embraced the festive spirit from the moment they stepped inside the venue, where gilded architecture and soft lighting created an atmosphere of refined anticipation.
For the first time, the Sugar Ball took place in the fall, creating a new seasonal identity that paired beautifully with the event’s theme, Off Menu. Designed in collaboration with Agence Oxygène, and inspired by the museum’s exhibition titled On the Menu – Montreal: A Restaurant Story, the evening invited guests to immerse themselves in the creative universe of Montreal’s culinary past.
The theme encouraged bold fashion choices and guests responded with vibrant colors, intricate textures, and silhouettes that sparkled with confidence and individuality. Cocktail dresses shimmered and tailored suits popped with unexpected touches as the crowd embraced an effortless blend of elegance and creativity.
The festivities began at 6:30 p.m. with the VIP Networking Cocktail presented by BNP Paribas. This intimate gathering offered a sophisticated start to the night, with conversations flowing as smoothly as the champagne. Industry leaders, philanthropists, and young professionals mingled under the grand arches of the theatre, creating a sense of connection that set the tone for the hours to come.
Gourmet bites reflected the spirit of the exhibition, placing Montreal’s culinary heritage front and center in beautifully crafted flavours at food stations by Montreal’s most renowned restaurants: Estiatorio Milos, Ferreira, Le Pois Penché, Le Richmond, and Les Enfants Terribles.
At 9:00 p.m., the energy shifted as the main dance party opened its floors. From that moment until 3:00 a.m., the ballroom pulsed with music from a lineup of talented DJs – featuring Andrew Polopos, Evangelos Pavlis, and Kosta Tzikas – who kept the crowd moving without pause.
The open bar with Distillerie Noroi liquor, Santos Forero tequila, Vagabond beer and Café Olimpico coffee fueled the celebration, while a generous sweet table delighted guests with confections – from Bernie Beigne, Café Chez Téta, Ferreira Café, Le Richmond, Les Enfants Terribles, Mahrouse and Regal – that paid homage to the event’s name. Midnight snacks by Becs & Miettes, Bevo Pizzeria, and Pangea surprised everyone with an indulgent, comforting treats that brought a wave of renewed excitement.
This year’s Sugar Ball also delivered remarkable impact. More than $265,000 was raised for the McCord Stewart Museum’s educational programs, which introduce over 10,000 students each year to Montreal’s social history. The charity auction contributed an $55,000 to that total, with exclusive prizes that included luxury getaways and rare pieces from the Museum’s own collection. The generosity of the attendees confirmed the enduring strength of the museum’s young philanthropic community.
The Sugar Ball is the flagship initiative of the Young McCord Philanthropist committee, a dynamic group dedicated to supporting the museum’s mission. Under the leadership of copresidents Jiad Ghoussoub of CIBC and Nahla Abdelhamid of Engel & Völkers Benoit Sansoucy, the committee once again delivered an event that combined community spirit with an unforgettable celebration of culture and style. Their commitment, along with the work of nearly twenty dedicated members, played an essential role in shaping the atmosphere, programming, and philanthropic success of the evening.
As the final guests stepped out into the crisp November night, it was clear that this edition of the Sugar Ball had achieved something special. The evening honoured Montreal’s past, celebrated its present, and invested in its future. The blend of history, music, fashion, and generosity created a signature experience that will continue to resonate long after the last song faded.
The 13th edition of the Sugar Ball at St-James Theatre did more than uphold tradition. It elevated it, giving Montreal a night filled with joy, purpose, and dazzling charm.
Sugar Ball
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Website: musee-mccord-stewart.ca/en/give-and-join/events/sugar-ball