Gala or Cookout?

I graduate from medical school this Saturday; following the ceremony there will be a "gala" for me at my in-laws house. Apparently this is a cook out that has either gotten expensive or has become a large pain in the ass. I think my mother-in-law would favor the latter in this case. The actually definition is a "festive occasion or more specifically a lavish festive occasion." If you haven't had a gala yet, then do.