Yes. But …

In the full spirit of the ball, some form of costume is required. The general vibes here are “historical and fantastical ball attire.” Some people might choose to go all out and wear a full, hand-beaded ball gown or tuxedo with top hat and gloves. Others might go more simple and wear a suit and fancy bowler hat or a nice dress with a flower crown. We tend to say “At the very least, pretend you’re going to a nice wedding.” Each guest will be asked to put some effort into stepping out of their ordinary world for one evening. Everyone has more fun when everyone participates!

Racism & Appropriation: Anyone donning a costume depicting a reductive or stereotypical image of a race or culture will be asked to leave the event. If you are unsure whether your costume will fall under this heading, please feel free to reach out to us at info@TheRevelryBall.com and we will be happy to discuss it with you.

Nudity & Sex: Standard “in public” guidelines exist at this ball (no exposed nipples (on anyone), genitalia, rear-ends, etc.), however, we recognize that historically ‘saucy’ outfits can be fun. Our ball is inspired by many of the outlandish burlesque and cabaret balls of the past - but they were often based on the idea of titillations and tease and not on overt sex. So consider this when planning your look.

Inanimate Objects & Inflatables: This isn’t a “Halloween”-style costume ball. So coming dressed as a bottle of ketchup will likely not be “on brand.” That said, if you become inspired by “Beauty & the Beast’s Enchanted Ballroom” and want to come dressed as an anthropomorphic clock … have at it! As long as it's whimsical. As for inflatable costumes (for example, the giant T-rexes), similar to the ketchup bottles, these costumes are not appropriate for the event we are creating. They are also large and unwieldy and can impede other guests’ ability to move freely around the space. Therefore, please refrain from attending in any of these types of costumes.

Giant Costumes: This is where discretion must be used. A large hoop skirt and petticoats are very historical and on-brand with a ball of this style. As would be a costume featuring fairy wings. Just bear in mind that you will be in a space with other guests who would like to move around freely and dance. If you think your costume will impede movement (yours or others’), be a hazard (sharp, pointed wings poking people in the eye, for example), or just generally be a nuisance, think about ways you can pare down the look to still achieve the same vibe while keeping the other guests safe and happy.

Casual Attire: As should be clear by now - jeans, shorts, tee shirts, etc. will not be allowed at the ball. The ‘bare minimum’ for this event is to dress as if you’re going to a nice wedding. A simple dress with a fun flower crown or slacks, dress shirt, and suspenders is enough for entry.

Not quite. A typical drag ball will invite its guests to dress in the “other” gender (men dressed as women and vice versa). We at The Revelry Ball see costumes as an expression of who a person is or wants to be - outside of gender. That said, we are a very open and queer-friendly space (most of our production staff is queer) and drag will never be discouraged. A cisgender man can absolutely come dressed as a flamboyant and eccentric “female” character, but just as easily, a cisgender woman could. Similarly, a transgender man could attend dressed in an androgynous manner - neither male nor female. You get the idea. Gender play is encouraged but not policed.

Not quite. Cosplay itself is dressing as a specific person. This ball is about dressing in a specific style. Now, that being said … if you wanted to cosplay something appropriate, by all means. You can come as Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton. You can come as Satine from Moulin Rouge. You can come as Lord Oberon from Midsummer Night’s Dream. We are not here to police your costume - as long as it is within the ‘vibes.’ Coming dressed as Superman or Deadpool … not in theme. Coming in an Edwardian can-can dress inspired by the color scheme of Darkwing Duck? Yes, please.

This is another “yes and no” answer. Some years might have more explicit theming (which will be obvious through our marketing and on the costuming pages), but the main idea is that you are attending a “ball.” So do some searching and figure out what that means to you. Or check out this page for inspiration. Historical balls like in the Rococo or Edwardian eras are always a great choice. More modern and “punk” interpretations like steampunk and cabaret are great, too!! This is basically a “creative anachronism” ball.

The theme for 2026’s ball is “Emerald City.” Think green, think fun and funky, think Oz. But this is not a requirement. No one will be denied entry for not being “on theme” enough.

YES! Photos of people in costume and of performers not on our performers poster are all from our 2025 ball and were taken by Hannah Rose Photography of Boston.

Photos of Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys and photos of on our performers poster are courtesy of those performers (specific name noted when given).