festive; festal; showy

Her birthday parties were always gala occasions.

a festive occasion; celebration; special entertainment

a gala featuring opera stars in their most famous scenes.

festal pomp or dress.

adjective

bright , colorful , convivial , festal , festive , gay , happy , jovial , joyful , merry , glad , gladsome , joyous

noun

affair , ball , bash , blast * , blowout * , carnival , celebration , clambake , dance , do , festivity , fete , fiesta , function , get-together , hop , jamboree , moveable feast , pageant , party , prom , roast , shindig * , stag , to-do * , wingding , occasion , soiree , colorful , feast , festal , festival , merry