The text "History Starts Here" is embedded in a location pin graphic with "Tuxes & Trains" across the top. In the background are screened back images of people holding campaign signs and a Link light rail train.

You’re Invited!

Join us at the Inspiring Museum of History & Industry for Tuxes & Trains 2026: History Starts Here

Every great transportation story begins with people who imagine something better—and then work together to make it real. This year’s gala celebrates the advocates, organizers, planners, public servants, elected leaders, workers, and community members who are writing the next chapter of transportation history in Washington.

Join us on Friday, October 9, as we celebrate recent victories and milestones, honor extraordinary leaders, and invest in the campaigns and partnerships that will shape what comes next.

Gather with transit agency leaders, elected officials, planners, engineers, labor partners, advocates, and community members from across Washington for an evening of great food, live music, meaningful connections, and joyful celebration—all while raising critical funds to build a more connected, sustainable, and equitable transportation future. 

It’s a party with a mission—and one of the best opportunities all year to connect with the people powering Washington’s transportation movement. 

WHEN: Friday, October 9, 2026, 7-10 PM PST

WHERE: Museum of History & Industry

ADDRESS: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

This year’s venue — the Museum of History & Industry

This year’s gala takes place at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)—beautifully situated on the south shore of Lake Union. 

As we celebrate History Starts Here, there’s no better place to gather than a museum dedicated to the stories, innovations, and communities that have shaped our region. Together, we’ll celebrate recent transportation victories, honor extraordinary leaders, and invest in the next chapter of transportation history in Washington.

As in past years, Tuxes & Trains is cocktail-style celebration featuring a short program, our Hall of Fame awards, and a spirited Raise the Paddle led by returning Emcee and Fundraising Auctioneer Sasha Summer Cousineau. 

Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the breadth of MOHAI’s galleries throughout the evening. 

Get your early bird tickets!

Transit Superstar

$250.00

This ticket includes extra support for others to attend.

Transit Advocate

$200.00

This is our standard ticket price and helps us cover the cost of the event.

Transit Supporter

$100.00

This discounted ticket tier for nonprofit staff, students, and others, is available to make the event more accessible.

Transit Solidarity

$0.00

Cost should never be a barrier — all are welcome! We have a limited number of no-cost tickets to this event.

Additional Ticket Information

Please note that all Tuxes & Trains ticket sales are final. If you are unable to attend the event, your purchase will be considered a donation to Transportation Choices Coalition.

Activities + Attractions

Get ready to show your love for transit at Tuxes & Trains 2025! This cocktail-party-style reception will feature a variety of fun activities throughout the evening. Here are a few examples of what we’ll offer this year.

DJ Toya

Live Jazz & Dancing: Enjoy the lively tunes and grooves of Dough Boy, a talented six-piece ensemble, throughout the evening. From cocktails and conversation to dancing later in the night, they’ll provide the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable celebration.

Auction

Online Auction + Night-Of Raffle: Bid all week on unique experiences, local favorites, and one-of-a kind prizes in our online auction. At the gala, don’t miss your chance to enter the night-of raffle for even more great prizes.

Rep. Jake Fey and Sen. Marko Liias at Tuxes & Trains 2022.

Networking: Reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and celebrate alongside agency leaders, elected officials, planners, engineers, labor partners, advocates, and supporters from across Washington.

Photo Booth: Strike a pose with friends, colleagues, and fellow transit enthusiasts at our festive photo booth—complete with fun props and plenty of sparkle.

Food and Drinks: Enjoy delicious Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine, comfort foods with a twist, seasonal favorites, and a hosted bar featuring wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and a signature cocktail.

Explore the Museum: Take in MOHAI’s collection, which includes 100,000 objects from the early 1800s to the present, and tells stories about the history of Seattle and the Puget Sound region. 

When

Friday, October 9

7-10 PM PST

Where

Museum of History & Industry

860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Get Your Tickets

Transit Superstar: $250
Transit Advocate: $200
Transit Supporter: $100
Transit Solidarity: $0

Dress Code

Tuxes & Trains is a festive evening, and we invite you to dress in whatever makes the occasion feel special to you. That might mean a tuxedo, cocktail attire, a favorite party outfit, transit-inspired flair—or simply something that makes you feel comfortable and ready to celebrate. There is no required dress code. Come as you are, or use the evening as an excuse to dress up!

Accessibility

MOHAI is fully ADA accessible. Wheelchairs and walkers are available to borrow from the museum’s Admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis. For full accessibility details about the venue, click here. Closed captioning will be provided during the evening’s program. Please contact Iz Berrang with accessibility questions or accommodation requests. We will do our best to ensure that all guests can participate fully in Tuxes & Trains.

Getting There

Tuxes & Trains will take place at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), located at 860 Terry Avenue N. in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood, next to Lake Union Park.

We encourage guests to arrive by transit. MOHAI is served by several nearby bus routes and the South Lake Union Streetcar. From Link light rail, transfer at Westlake Station to the streetcar or a connecting bus. You can plan your trip using the King County Metro or Sound Transit trip planners.

Check out our photos from last year’s Tuxes & Trains

Photos by Danny Ngan Photography.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Logos of all the sponsors for Tuxes & Trains.

Can’t make it to the party?

If you’re unable to attend the event but would still like to support Transportation Choices, please visit our donation page!

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