FAERIE MASQUERADE BALL (18+)
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 7-10 PM (doors open at 6 PM)  

Step into the realm of the fae and lose yourself in an evening of music, magic, and mystique. Wander illuminated garden paths, dance under a canopy of stars, and revel in a court of botanical wonder as the veil thins and the gardens come alive. 

Guests are invited to don their finest fae fashion paired with an elegant mask for a whisper of intrigue. Throughout the night, enjoy spellbinding melodies, guided dance lessons, captivating drag performances, handcrafted cocktails and refreshments, immersive photo opportunities, and delightful surprises tucked among the gardens as the whimsical fairy houses of Fairy Hollow are illuminated and brought to life.

Whether you come to dance, mingle with fellow dreamers, or simply soak in the magical atmosphere, this masquerade ball promises a night of enchantment you’ll never forget.  

Ticket price includes one free beverage. A selection of cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and light bites will be available for purchase during the event. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden. View the menu here.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Ticketed entrance times are at 6 and 6:30 p.m.

TICKETING 

Tickets must be reserved in advance. General admission discounts and passes do not apply to this special event. All ticket sales are final.

Ticket price includes one free beverage: choice of non-alcoholic drink, beer, wine, or the signature drink.

Member: $50; Non-member: $70

FAQs

The Faerie Masquerade Ball is a special ticketed event that invites you to experience our Fairy Hollow exhibition in a whole new light. It is a formal dance party that takes place mostly outdoors in The Ramble and features the fairy houses illuminated at night in addition to colorful, whimsical lighting in the surrounding trees and plants. Our conservatories (the Limonaia and the Orangerie) and Winter Garden will remain open, but please note that our other outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during this event. 

Throughout the evening, enjoy live harp music, guided waltz and group dance lessons, a DJ, immersive character interactions and drag performances, drink specials and light bites available for purchase, photo opportunities, and more. Each attendee will receive a drink ticket for one complimentary beverage. Costumes and masks are highly encouraged!

There are many ways to enjoy the Fairy Hollow exhibition. The exhibit is included with general admission. You can visit any time during our general admission hours to see the fairy houses displayed in The Ramble. (The Garden is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission of 4:30 p.m.).  

Fairies Aglow offers an experience geared toward families, featuring face painting, drop-in crafts and activities, live harp music, drinks and light bites available for purchase, and a chance to interact with costumed characters. 

The Faerie Masquerade Ball offers an 18+ experience in the form of a formal dance party, featuring a DJ, guided dance lessons, drink specials and light bites available for purchase, and drag performances.  

Weekend of Wonder is a weekend-long event that spans the entire Garden and allows you to see the fairy houses during the daytime, while also enjoying additional entertainment, artisan vendors, and workshops that differ from the activities offered during the evening events. Weekend of Wonder is included with general admission, but some activities may have an additional fee. 

Doors open at 6 p.m., with ticketed entry times at 6 and 6:30 p.m. Please arrive as close to the entry time listed on your ticket as possible. Ticketed entrance times help stagger visitor arrival times in increments to make for a better visitor experience.

We recommend that you arrive by 7 p.m. so that you don’t miss any scheduled performances, but you are welcome to arrive up until 9:30 p.m. Once checked in, visitors are welcome to stay until the event ends at 10 p.m.

New England Botanic Garden will be closed from 5 to 6 p.m. If you arrive early, please wait in your vehicle until the entry time listed on your ticket. The Visitors Center and gardens will not be open.

If you are visiting during general admission hours but have tickets to the Faerie Masquerade Ball that evening, we ask that you please exit the property and return at the time listed on your event ticket.

The Faerie Masquerade Ball primarily takes place in The Ramble. Our conservatories and Winter Garden will remain open, but our other outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during this event.

Each ticket includes one free beverage (choice of non-alcoholic, beer, wine, or the signature drink). Additional drinks and light bites will be available for purchase during the event. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden. View the menu here.

Yes! The Garden Shop will be open selling magical mementos and gifts.

Guests are encouraged to come dressed for the occasion in attire inspired by your favorite fantasy being or bookish world. The majority of this event takes place outdoors, so we do recommend dressing for the weather, including coats, boots, hats, gloves, and umbrellas as necessary.

While we love our furry, four-legged friends, pets are not permitted during special after-hours events like the Faerie Masquerade Ball. Leashed dogs are allowed to visit the Garden year-round during our general admission hours. Service animals are welcome throughout the property during all open hours.

The Faerie Masquerade Ball will take place rain or shine. In the case of non-hazardous inclement weather, outdoor activities will be moved indoors. In the case of hazardous weather, New England Botanic Garden may decide to cancel the event. If so, you will be notified about the cancellation by email as soon as possible on the day of your visit and you will receive a full refund for your reservation.

Tickets for the Faerie Masquerade Ball are non-refundable and are only valid for the date and time selected. All sales are final.

After parking your vehicle, proceed up the path into the Visitors Center. Please have your ticket/confirmation email printed or available to show on your phone for our front desk staff to check you in.

We have a large, well-lit parking lot on site. There is no charge for parking. 

Accessible parking is located closest to the building in the first parking lot on the right. You can learn more about accessibility at the Garden here. 

If you choose to use Uber, Lyft, or another taxi service, please note that our entry gate on French Drive will close automatically for arriving vehicles at the end of the event. Please plan to be picked up before the property closes at 10:15 p.m. We recommend scheduling rideshares in advance.

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