The 2026 Steve Irwin Gala took place in Las Vegas over the weekend, and while the Irwin family take centre stage at the annual event, it’s always a pleasant surprise to see which celebrities make an appearance.
It’s an important date in the Irwin calendar as the event celebrates Steve Irwin’s legacy and helps raise funds for wildlife conservation.
Aussie comedian Rove McManus took on the prestigious role of hosting this year, with other big names such as Boy Meets World actress Danielle Fishel and Robert Irwin’s Dancing with the Stars partner, Witney Carson, in attendance.
Bindi Irwin was noticeably absent for the second year in a row. However, speaking exclusively with E! News, Terri and Robert revealed that the eldest child of the late Steve Irwin was doing “much better” after years of dealing with chronic pain due to her endometriosis.
“This year she’s just staying a little close to home,” Terri shared, confirming that her daughter would be there in person at the 2027 gala.
What is the Steve Irwin Gala?
According to the Irwins, the event “celebrates everything the original Wildlife Warrior was most passionate about: family, conservation and fun.” Steve Irwin was, of course, the original Wildlife Warrior.
Guests receive a three-course dinner as well as a fun night of dancing, animals, guest speakers, entertainment and a live auction.
Where does the Steve Irwin Gala happen?
Now an annual fixture in Las Vegas, the Steve Irwin Gala has been running in the city since the 2010s, building on earlier Wildlife Warrior events in the United States. The 2026 event took place on the 2 May at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.
However, the Brisbane gala dates back to the early 2000s. It began soon after Wildlife Warriors was founded in 2002 and became a flagship event. The Brisbane event is set to take place on 7 November, 2026. This year’s event takes place at The Star in Brisbane.
The dress code is black tie, with “a touch of khaki”.
Who is hosting the Steve Irwin Gala?
The Las Vegas event won’t be hosted by Robert Irwin, although he has a few hosting gigs to his name. Instead, it will be hosted by Australian comedian and media personality, Rove McManus.
Whereas the Brisbane event’s hosts haven’t been announced yet. However, previous hosts were Jessica Rowe AM and her husband Peter Overton AM. We wouldn’t be surprised if they take up the responsibility again.
How to get tickets to the gala?
You can register your interest on the Steve Irwin Gala website for both the Brisbane and the Las Vegas event. The Las Vegas tickets cost $795 USD.
