A Closer Look at the Winter Olympics Event That’s All About Celebration, Not Competition

Olympics Figure Skating Gala: A Showcase of Artistry Amid Closing Competition

As the Milan Cortina Olympics draw closer to completion, an event designed for pure entertainment remains on the schedule — the Olympic Figure Skating Gala. This non-competitive showcase is set to take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. California time at the Forum di Milano, just two days after the figure skating competitions conclude.

Invitations for the gala are extended to medalists and select skaters based on their performances throughout the season and their ability to captivate audiences both locally and internationally.

Among the featured American skaters are Olympians Amber Glenn and Ilia Malinin, who contributed to the men’s team gold medal achievement. Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” entered the competition with expectations of winning gold but ultimately finished eighth in the men’s singles after a mishap during his free skate performance.

Additionally, UCLA Bruin Alysa Liu, who recently secured the U.S.’s first Olympic women’s figure skating gold in 24 years, confirmed her participation in the gala. She has expressed excitement about her upcoming performance.

Iconic ice dance duo Madison Chock from Redondo Beach and Evan Bates, both of whom clinched silver and gold medals in Milan, will also take part in the event. The gala offers these athletes a chance to perform freely, without the pressures of scores or medals, serving as a celebration of artistry on ice. Attendees can anticipate vibrant costumes and imaginative performances, allowing skaters to fully showcase their creativity.

One noteworthy moment from previous events includes Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov, who captured attention with a unique panda costume during the International Skating Union Grand Prix Final in December 2024.

This year’s gala will be opened by Olympic bronze medalist Carolina Kostner, who is set to present a "new, innovative performance."

The Milan Cortina Olympics will occur from February 6 to February 22, with the Winter Paralympics scheduled for March 6 to March 15 in Italy. Looking ahead, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will mark the city’s third time hosting the event, and for the first time, it will also welcome the Paralympic Games. The Opening Ceremony for the LA28 Olympics is set for July 14, 2028, with competitions running through July 30. The Paralympic Games will begin on August 15, 2028, and continue until August 27.