The Foundation at Hearst Castle will host its annual Twilight on the Terrace gala on Saturday, May 30, 2026, bringing together community leaders, donors, business partners, and supporters for an evening in support of preservation, education, and access at one of California’s most iconic historic sites. This year’s event will feature special guest José Hernández, former NASA astronaut, engineer, author, and advocate for educational opportunity. Hernández, who grew up as the child of migrant farm workers before becoming an astronaut, will help highlight the power of access, perseverance, science, and imagination in shaping the lives of young people.
Funds raised through Twilight on the Terrace support the Foundation at Hearst Castle’s work to preserve the Castle’s extraordinary art, architecture, historic collections, and landscapes while expanding hands-on STEAM learning opportunities for students, including fully funded field trips for Title I schools.
“Twilight on the Terrace is more than a beautiful evening at Hearst Castle,” said Doug Jenzen, CEO of the Foundation at Hearst Castle. “It is an opportunity to preserve California’s extraordinary past, inspire future generations, and support the cultural tourism economy that benefits our region today. We are especially honored to welcome José Hernández, whose story so powerfully reflects the importance of access, education, and possibility.”
The evening will begin with a VIP reception at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center at 4:00pm followed by transportation to the hilltop for music by world renowned Alex Mendham and his Orchestra, food and wine, student speakers, special remarks, a live auction, and sunset views from the Castle’s terraces overlooking the Central Coast at 5:00pm. Josh King, “edu-influencer” will emcee the evening.
Twilight on the Terrace will also include recognition from public officials and community partners, including representatives from local, state and federal offices. The event highlights the importance of Hearst Castle not only as a National Historic Landmark and beloved cultural destination, but also as an educational resource and economic driver for the Central Coast.
The Foundation’s STEAM education programs connect students to history, art, architecture, engineering, environmental science, and the natural world through immersive experiences at Hearst Castle and Hearst San Simeon State Park. For many students, these field trips offer rare access to cultural and coastal resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
“Every gift made through Twilight helps us open doors,” Jenzen said. “When students stand at Hearst Castle and see what imagination, creativity, engineering, and persistence can create, they begin to imagine new possibilities for themselves.”
For more information about the Foundation at Hearst Castle, Twilight on the Terrace, or ways to support preservation and education, visit foundationathearstcastle.com.