Taking its name from two famous Edwards–author and artist Edward Gorey and King Edward VII–San Francisco’s annual Edwardian Ball presents two days of fine art, music, circus, theatre, fashion, literature, ballroom dancing, DJs and all manner of oddities this April.
After canceling 2021’s ball and postponing 2022’s event–originally scheduled for February–due to the pandemic, the 21st annual Edwardian Ball takes place at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2. This year’s theme is Spring Revival, appropriately celebrating the opportunity to once again come together in-person for the delightful weekend soiree.
From its humble beginnings as an underground nightclub party to its current incarnation as a fully immersive, participant-driven festival of the arts, the Edwardian Ball invites attendees from all over the world to step out of their normal lives, show up in costume and character–whether that be an elaborate, hand-made gown or corset or a playful hat or twirly mustache–and help co-create a beautifully imagined “neo-Edwardian” world of creativity and whimsy.
Each year, Edwardian Ball co-hosts Rosin Coven and Vau de Vire Society choose a featured Edward Gorey tale and bring it to life on stage with original scoring, choreography, and multi-media performance. This year’s featured story is The Wuggly Ump, a short, humorous tale of children at play and their eventual demise at hands of a devious, mythical creature.
Taking place on all three levels of the elegantly historic Regency Ballroom, the event presents a grand ballroom of dancing and performances, Museum of Wonders featuring fine art, immersive performance, and cabinets of curiosity, and the elaborate Vendor Bazaar with over 50 carefully curated artisan vendors featuring one-of-a-kind fashion, art, and wares.
With health and safety concerns still at the forefront of the event’s planning, this year’s Ball will include two nights of fun set at 50-percent attendance capacity each night, allowing for distancing as needed. In addition, all Covid-19 protocols and regulations will be implemented, including requiring proof of vaccination for entry to the event.
All tickets previously purchased for the Feb. 2022 dates will be honored at the new dates. Friday, Feb. 4, tickets are valid for Friday, April 1; Saturday, Feb. 5, tickets are good for Saturday, April 2. For tickets and more information, visit edwardianball.com.
