Morgan McMichaels, FANTASY, Piranha, Gipsy and more headline AFAN’s milestone fundraiser at Palms Casino Resort
by Debbie Hall
Las Vegas is getting ready to turn up the glamour—and turn up the good—as Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) celebrates the 40th anniversary of its iconic Black & White Party on Saturday, Sept. 19, at KAOS Nightclub and the SOAK Pool at Palms Casino Resort.
Now one of Southern Nevada’s signature fundraising events, the Black & White Party brings together entertainment, nightlife, fashion and community while raising funds to support people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The 2026 celebration will feature live performances, DJs, food and beverage samplings, photo opportunities and plenty of over-the-top Las Vegas flair.
Freddy Godinez and Alexander Stabler of Fredric Alexander will host the milestone event, with a lineup showcasing some of Las Vegas’ favorite performers and nightlife personalities.
The evening’s entertainment includes the casts of Piranha Nightclub, Gipsy Nightclub, The Phoenix and Taste the Show!, along with Dale Blackheart Productions and the cast of Monday Mania. Also scheduled to appear are DJ Lexto, FANTASY, Jennifer Romas and Sexxy the Show, Melody Sweets, Morgan McMichaels of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Nicky Saturn and Vegas! The Show.
Adding another memorable element to the anniversary celebration, Larry Edwards, “Hot Chocolate,” will appear dressed as a living ruby, a nod to the 40th anniversary theme.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the party’s signature dress code by wearing as much black and white as they want—or as little as they can get away with. This year, ruby-colored jewelry and accessories are encouraged to add a splash of anniversary color to the traditional black-and-white look.
Between performances, enjoy complimentary samples, photo opportunities, and surprises that make the night memorable and fun.
A Party With a Purpose
While the Black & White Party is known for its spectacular entertainment and fashionable flair, it also directly supports AFAN’s mission of providing vital services like HIV testing, prevention education, and care navigation to the Southern Nevada community. Attending this event helps sustain these programs and strengthens our collective effort to combat HIV/AIDS locally.
Founded in 1984, Aid for AIDS of Nevada provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. Its services include HIV testing, prevention education, care navigation, housing assistance and medical case management.
Celebrating 40 years of community resilience and progress, AFAN’s anniversary reminds attendees of how far everyone has come together.
The Black & White Party grew out of a small grassroots effort during the AIDS crisis. A group of friends gathered for a birthday party and asked guests to bring canned food instead of gifts to help support AFAN’s food pantry. Approximately 25 people attended, and the donated food filled the back seats of several cars.
That simple act of generosity eventually evolved into the Black & White Party, now one of AFAN’s largest annual fundraisers.
“Forty years ago, this party started with a simple ask—bring a canned good or item,” said Antioco Carrillo, AFAN executive director. “Now, the Black & White Party fills a nightclub with hundreds of people who show up for one another, and that same spirit of chosen family is exactly what will carry AFAN into its next 40 years.”
Celebrating Community Leaders
The anniversary party will also recognize community members and advocates through AFAN’s “Right to Wear Red” honor.
While guests are encouraged to dress in black and white, honorees receive the symbolic right to wear red, creating a visual tribute to their contributions to AFAN and the broader community.
This year’s honorees include:
- Brett Pruneau – Entertainer
- Christopher Melton – Las Vegas Sands
- Collin Martin – Piranha & Gipsy Nightclubs
- Heather Smith – Gilead
- Jennifer Romas – Sexxy the Show
- Jessica Beesley – Breakthru Beverage Group
- Maria Montes-Mendoza – Las Vegas TGA Planning Council
- Randee Stewart – Las Vegas Men’s Chorus
- Sean VanGorder – Advocate
- Tina Yan – Former AFAN Board President
The event is presented in collaboration with Clark County’s Love! Live! U=U campaign, highlighting the importance of HIV education, awareness and access to resources. The U=U message emphasizes that people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV.
For AFAN, this anniversary is more than a celebration-it’s a chance to honor supporters, remember those lost, and motivate continued advocacy.
Naturally, Las Vegas will celebrate in style.
The VIP Welcome Reception begins at 7 p.m. for VIP+ ticket holders, VIP table groups, sponsors and invited guests. The main event follows at 8 p.m. for general admission guests and GA table groups, with the celebration taking place at KAOS Nightclub and SOAK Pool at Palms Casino Resort.
The event is for guests 21 and older, with valid physical government-issued photo identification required for entry.
After 40 years, AFAN’s Black & White Party continues to prove that a night of fabulous entertainment can also make a meaningful difference. This September, Las Vegas will dress in black and white, add a little ruby red, and come together once again for a cause that has shaped the community for four decades.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 19, when AFAN’s 40th Annual Black & White Party takes over KAOS Nightclub and SOAK Pool at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The evening begins with a VIP Reception at 7 p.m., followed by General Admission at 8 p.m. Guests must be 21 or older and are encouraged to embrace the signature black-and-white dress code, with ruby-red accessories adding a special touch for the milestone anniversary. Tickets and additional information are available through AFAN.
