GALVESTON — The 61st annual Lunar Rendezvous Festival came to a close Saturday evening with its Coronation Ball at the Galveston Island Convention Center, celebrating months of community service and recognizing dozens of student leaders from across the Bay Area.

The Coronation Ball serves as the festival’s signature closing event, where members of the Lunar Rendezvous Court are formally presented before family, friends and community supporters. The evening concludes with the crowning of the festival’s queen, queen alternate and captain, who will represent the organization throughout the coming year.

According to Lunar Rendezvous Festival Advisory Board Chairman Wendy Chandler, the event recognizes the dedication court members have shown throughout the festival.

“They’ve put so much time and energy into this festival with their community work,” Chandler said. “This is their night to shine.”

This year’s festival included 68 senior court members and nine members of the little court. Throughout the festival, participants took part in volunteer projects, fundraising efforts and community events benefiting organizations across the Bay Area.

General Chair Kari Cook said the festival emphasizes service and leadership among high school students.

“With Lunar Rendezvous specifically, we focus on service and giving back, fundraising and participating in service events throughout the festival,” Cook said.

Court members are selected through an application process that considers academics, volunteer experience, extracurricular involvement and community participation.

Former Lunar Rendezvous King Bill McArthur served as master of ceremonies during Saturday’s event, introducing each member of the court before the coronation.

“It’s very inspiring knowing that this is the generation that’s soon going to come in,” McArthur said. “They do a lot of volunteer work outside of school.”

The festival’s 2026 King, Brian Friedman, said the evening highlights the accomplishments of young people who have dedicated their time to helping others.

“To hear all of the incredible stuff they’ve accomplished during their year being involved with Lunar Rendezvous Festival—and the funds they’ve raised for charities and nonprofits throughout the region—it really is an incredible group,” Friedman said.

The Coronation Ball marked the conclusion of this year’s Lunar Rendezvous Festival, continuing a tradition that has recognized community leadership and service in the Bay Area for more than six decades.