Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

A night of mystery and fantasy, where the real world disappears. The team behind the LOJ Ball really know what they are doing and turned the Park Plaza Hotel into a whole different world. The music was amazing the atmosphere was amazing, everything was perfect. I will be back next year.

While I think it may have been better in prior years, it's still the grandest costume ball around, and definitely in the best venue I've ever had the privilege to attend.  The Park Hotel is a STUNNING venue -- the rooms are vast, with high, beautifully decorated cielings, and old-fashioned ballroom glamour, just perfect for this kind of event.  There's a dance theater performance in many acts over the course of the evening that ends in a big finale; there are multiple bars that operate smoothly; a food court in the back with a Pizza Dragon; a second ballroom serving high tea (reservations needed); and security is properly present and cordial, with everything flowing smoothly.  And various kinds of music and dancing and listening acts.

But this is not for ordinary joes, please; the revellers are stunningly great costumers, with the bent being toward true outrageous fantasy; not sloppy Halloween nonsense.  DO NOT be one of those lame types with a creased synthetic cape you bought at the Halloween Store, please.  Won't fly.   These are full out electrical steampunk royals, cosplay wizards in full regalia; and fashionable fairylore beauties that all seem like they're extras from Lord Elrond's court.  And the rest look like Jareth's Venetian Ball scene in the movie.

Downsides:  You will need a good costume (that can be pricey or you must be creative - so go for broke!  start a month in advance!); the admission itself seems high (until you've been there and you realize how LARGE it is and how many musicians, acrobats, dancers, vendors of goods and arrangements in general have been maintained for your amusement); and no matter how air conditioned, it can be a bit hot.  However, drink and food prices are reasonable for this kind of event, I think, and it's a unique experience, well organized and cared for by Lord Sypher, its creator (Shawn Strider).  So really, no downsides, much. Stay at the recommended hotel and you can shuttle in and shuttle back to the hotel, as well.

it is open on one Friday and Saturday at end of June or beginning of July each year.  Choose your night: Friday is less crowded and League of Steam does presentations; Saturday is more populous but seems to have more acts in general.  

The only reason I hesitate to make this a full five stars is that I know all these good reviews are going to make the place more crowded; but Oh well  : )

This event is amazing- here are my thoughts:

This was my first year going and had no idea what it was. I expected there to be an actual labyrinth there and there was not. Another random person I met said the same thing, so there are probably others who thought there would be an actual labyrinth too. There is not- just so you are mentally prepared.

Also, I went in a formal gown and a mask and felt under-dressed. I would suggest going all out as I think there were only a handful of people who didn't. If you look at the photos- EVERYONE dresses up like that, which makes for a fun party.

For my adjusted expectations for next year, and yours- it's an event full of amazing costumes, and performers. It's like a giant party with different areas. It's super fun, the vendors are so niche specific to this audience- very appropriate. Do not come wearing close to normal looking outfits,  you will look out of place. My friend and I did and we will not make that mistake next year.

In case anyone from Sypher sees this- it would be cool to have an actual labyrinth or maze with performers every few turns. A few magicians doing tricks or someone dressed as Jareth blowing bubbles would be cool also. I'm excited to attend next year! It will be amazing, also.

Found this event under Events on Yelp, btw.