The North Carolina Governor’s Inaugural Ball is a celebration of North Carolina that benefits communities across our state. Honoring the newly elected Governor and Council of State, the 2025 series of events occur at various cultural venues in Raleigh.

2025 Inaugural Ball Events

Celebrate North Carolina — Celebrate North Carolina, a special event for young professionals or those young at heart across North Carolina, kicked off the Inaugural Ball celebration at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the contemporary art museum CAM Raleigh. This event included food, beverages and live entertainment by The Sleeping Booty Band. A special thank you to our event sponsor, Trophy Brewing Co., and catering service, Mitchell Catering. 

First Lady’s Luncheon – The First Lady’s Luncheon, a signature event that celebrates the incoming First Lady, allows women from across the state to gather to show support for the First Lady. This business attire event was held on Friday, Jan. 10 at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Performances included Jackie Wolborsky and Eliza Meyer. 

First Lady Anna Stein and her family at the First Lady’s Luncheon. Photo by Cindy McEnery

Council of State reception – The Council of State event was held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This cocktail reception honors the 10 elected executive offices of the Council of State. 

Gala Presentation – The Gala Presentation, a grand and formal affair, is an hour-long celebration that formally presents the newly elected Governor and Council of State. This black-tie event was held in Venture Hall at the Marbles Kids Museum on Saturday, Apr. 5, immediately preceding the Inaugural Ball.

The Gala Presentation included performances by Rissi Palmer, Ben Folds and Charly Lowry.

Inaugural Ball—The Ball was held 9 p.m.-midnight on Saturday, Apr. 5, in Marbles Kids Museum.

The Inaugural Ball included performances by Envision, Tre. Charles, Robert Martin (Sax), and Cary Byrd (Pianist). 

A Taste of North Carolina offered attendees food and drink samples from top chefs, breweries and distilleries from across the state, including:

• Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint, the 2022 Best Chef: Southeast by the James Beard Foundation. 
• 2X National Grand Master Ice Cream Maker Andia Xouris of Andia’s Ice Cream
• Chefs and Co-owners of Elle et Moi Ives Sapu and Tété Mvula Sapu
• Chocolatier Mark Graves of KLG Candies
• Durham Distillery
• Edit Beer Co.
• Liberty and Plenty Distillery
• Mystic Farm and Distillery
• Outer Banks Distilling
• Southern Grace Distillery
• Weldon Mills Distilling

More heavy hors d’oeuvres from Empire Eats were also be available for Ball attendees. 

Gov. Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein dance at the 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Inaugural Ball

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