About this Event
The Velvet Jest | A Fae and Fantasy Evening Ball
Join us for a night of fae and fantasy at The Salem Herbfarm, an indoor and outdoor venue of immaculate landscaped gardens, mossy gazeboes, floral archways and fabulous dance floors. We invite you to put together a fantasy outfit (elaborate or tame), or don a formal or semi-formal getup you already have, and come join us for a night of magic. We have three enchanting dancefloor performances lined up, the opportunity to meet local fantasy authors, and a vendor row of wonderful fantasy and bookish goods. Come join us and dance the night away! Full details below.
We are expecting this event to sell out, so we encourage you to 1) Please, please, pretty please carpool and 2) Buy your tickets early!
ADDRESS
The Salem Herbfarm Wedding Venue, 320 Hartford Road, Salem, CT 06420
6pm - 10pm
THE NIGHT'S ENTERTAINMENT
Circus + Dancefloor Drums by the Providence Drum Troupe
A Surprise Enemies-to-Lovers dance floor performance by two New England fantasy creators
Mushroom Costumed Drag by Artist and Performer @Ezra_Moth
DJ by Gabner of @kounty_entertainment
Plus...
VENDER ROW:
The Enchanted Violet (Queer, CT Fantasy Bookstore)
New England Fantasy Community (Bookish + Writerly T-Shirts and Merch)
Signings and Books with The Fantasy Author Legion (New England Fantasy Authors)
More to be listed soon!
FOOD + DRINK:
Cash Bar for Beer, Wine, and our Signature Cocktail from Author M. C. Beeler’s Literary Cocktail Book, Tropetails
Water + Lemonade Stations
Snacks + Hors d'oeuvres (We recommend having dinner itself before the ball!)
Desserts by Whisktopia
SELF GUIDED:
Booktok Stations to film and make new friends
Photo-Op areas all throughout the incredible landscaped gardens
Dancing the Night Away on the Dance Floor
Tarot Readings by Juliette Robinson
A SPECIAL TREAT FOR ENGAGED COUPLES:
Our Ball Venue, Salem Herbfarm, is one of New Engalnd's most memorable wedding venues, and they'd love to embrace couples in the fantasy community. Engaged Couples will receive $1000 off a 2026 venue package booked by October 4th. Email [email protected] and mention the Fantasy Ball Promo.
SCHEDULE:
6pm Doors Open.
6-7pm Garden Hour. Enjoy photo-ops, booktok stations, browse the vendors, enjoy the cash bar, snacks, and sign up for a tarot reading slot.
6:51pm The Sun Goes Down
7pm The Providence Drum Troupe arrives on the scene in full fae + LED splendor. Folks head to the dance floor!
7:30pm Enemies to Lovers Performances on the Dance Floor + Mushroom Costumed Drag Performance
8:45pm Last Call for Cash Bar
8-10pm Dancing, enjoying the illuminated pathways, desserts by Whisktopia and our fantasy + bookish vendor row
**One final IMPORTANT reminder to please carpool if you can! We have a very large lot, but it will be close to full.**
Venue Pics by Wild Tea Photography and MargitAnne Photography
FAQs:
Will there be dinner? We recommend having dinner before the ball, but we’ll have plenty of snacks and incredible desserts by Whisktopia.
Is there parking onsite? Yes, please, please carpool if you can!
Can I be a vender/performer? Quite possibly! If there’s still space, and you’re bookish or fantasy themed, email [email protected]
What if it rains? Vender Row is in a covered greenhouse, Tarot is under the (small) bigtop tent, and the dance floor and performances are inside. We’re hoping for a beautiful day though, so we can make use of the gardens for fantasy photo-ops. If it’s pouring, bring that umbrella to get from the greenhouse to the dance floor barn!
Is the venue wheelchair accessible? Yes! Accessible parking and ADA bathrooms, ramp to the dance floor, no steps to the greenhouse, and pavers lining the way from the dance floor building, to the greenhouse, to the tent, and to the gardens. Some garden pathways are lined with pavers, and some are grass. The Dance Barn has heat and AC and we'll have seating set up throughout.
Is there anything I have to buy separately? Everything is included except alcohol, but there is a cash bar. If you would like to tip our tarot reader Juliette, we encourage it!
What’s the attire? Formal, or formal fantasy, or fae, or pirate, or bookish villain, super autumal, or over-the-top-magical. You will also be welcomed in a 'regular' formal or semi-formal outfit too. Enjoy the magic however you come.
Can I bring costume swords? No weapons, neither real nor fake please! Only our arranged performers are allowed pre-approved swords.
Are kids welcome? This event is geared towards adults!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
320 Hartford Rd, 320 Hartford Road, Salem, United States
USD 89.99
