CeleSoirée 2026
May 13, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 PM
Ocean Gateway, Portland
After seven years, CeleSoirée returns!
For more than fifteen years, ILAP’s CeleSoirée brought together community members, volunteers, advocates, and business leaders to celebrate Maine’s immigrant communities and strengthen ILAP’s mission. In 2026, we are bringing it back for its 16th year with renewed energy and deep gratitude for the community that makes this work possible.
ILAP’s 16th CeleSoirée will be an evening centered on gathering across sectors and communities — sharing food, music, conversation, and a shared commitment to justice.
A portion of the event proceeds will be distributed in alignment with community input, supporting organizations serving immigrant communities. Throughout the evening, guests will have opportunities to connect with partner organizations and learn how to help and stay engaged.
CeleSoirée 2026 is sold out! We're so grateful for the overwhelming support and can't wait to celebrate with you! Please email us at contact@ilapmaine.org if you have any questions.
Celebrating Community, Together
CeleSoirée isn't just a celebration. It’s a chance to support ILAP’s critical legal services to help immigrants in Maine gain legal status and work authorization, be released from detention, and remain with their families. But ILAP’s work would not be possible without the many immigrant-led organizations whose important non-legal work supports our clients as they navigate their immigration cases.
As part of this year's event, 30% of the net proceeds will be shared equally among a cohort of immigrant-led and immigrant-serving organizations across Maine. Attendees at this year’s CeleSoirée will have the chance to connect with members of these organizations and learn about their work to support Maine’s immigrant communities.
This approach is rooted in the values of community-centric fundraising, a practice that recognizes that no single organization can meet the full needs of our communities alone. Supporting immigrant communities in Maine takes a strong, connected network of organizations working alongside one another. By sharing proceeds, we hope to honor that truth and strengthen the ecosystem that makes our work possible. Thank you for being part of this.
MEET OUR PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS:
Community Tickets
ILAP is committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier for community members who want to attend, which is why ticket prices are on a sliding scale, with free Community Tickets available upon request.
You can sponsor a Community Ticket by making a donation.
What to Expect
Doors will open at 5:00 PM. When you arrive, you’ll have time to connect with fellow ILAP supporters, volunteers, and partners over delicious food and drinks.
You can look forward to:
Live music by Kouchera, blending Haitian-kompa, soul, and R&B — with time to dance
Delicious food from local immigrant-owned businesses, including Maiz, Yardie Ting, and Taj
Cash bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options
Brief reflections on ILAP’s work and the year ahead
Community organizations working alongside immigrant families
Interpretation and accommodations are available upon request. Please contact us at contact@ilapmaine.org or (207) 770-4499.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We are grateful to the businesses and organizations that have already committed to sponsoring CeleSoirée 2026 and demonstrating visible leadership in support of immigrant justice. Sponsorship helps expand event access, strengthen community participation, and sustain ILAP’s statewide legal and advocacy work.
You can also help support this year’s CeleSoirée on an individual level by sponsoring a Community Ticket, to help ensure broad and inclusive participation.
Event FAQ
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Doors will open at 5:00 PM. When you arrive, you’ll have time to connect with fellow ILAP supporters, volunteers, and partners over delicious food and drinks. There may be brief remarks during the evening, but this event is focused on building connections rather than a formal program. Feel free to mingle, enjoy bites from immigrant-owned restaurants, and share in meaningful conversations.
We expect the evening to wrap up around 7:30 PM.
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Yes please! We are asking everyone to RSVP by Monday, May 11.
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ILAP strives to host inclusive events that are accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible. We can arrange services, such as language and ASL interpretation or wheelchair assistance, based on needs and requests. If you have a preferred service provider, we will do our best to work with you to reach out and coordinate.
Contact us at contact@ilapmaine.org or (207) 770-4499 to request interpretation and other accommodations.
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There will be a variety of light appetizers, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
The cash bar will include beer, wine, mixed drinks, and a selection of non-alcoholic options.
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Downtown street parking is possible with a paid meter or the Passport Parking App, parking is free after 6pm. There are also nearby garages available.
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ILAP is committed to keeping our community healthy and safe. We ask that you please stay home if you’re feeling unwell, and guests are welcome to mask during the event if they wish.
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Contact us at contact@ilapmaine.org or (207) 770-4499 at any time!
