Vampire Masquerade Ball
Sat, May 26
|Melody Ballroom
A night that focuses on elegance, finery, and dark decadence in one of Portland’s oldest and largest ballrooms highlighting the best in Gothic/Industrial music, live performances and regional vendors!
Time & Location
May 26, 2018, 9:00 PM
Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
About the event
The Annual Vampire’s Masquerade Ball is a night of gothic elegance and decadence highly anticipated each year in the city of roses and hosted exclusively by Lady Raven Productions. It’s an evening where over 800 guests from the various gothic/industrial/alternative lifestyle communities from around the nation and the world gather in the Melody Ballroom amongst crystal chandeliers and Edwardian cornices to socialize and dance the night away. The VMB strives to offer its guests the experience of a formal gala at an attainable price; shared with like-minded company from the gothic/industrial communities who appreciate creative and individual expression, and the event is of course LGBTQ friendly. The name “Vampire’s Masquerade Ball” is meant to evoke dark romanticism and a gothic interpretation of beauty.
Dancing is only one of the many entertainments the VMB offers. The venue is divided between two floors with captivating live performances and local DJ’s spinning gothic/industrial in the grand ballroom; while in the lower ballroom regional vendors will be selling their wares. Additionally a lavish, professionally catered buffet of savory cheeses, meats, and baked goods awaits, as well as a delectable dessert selection and fountains of chocolate. Fully stocked bars including an absinthe fountain and specialty cocktails will be available on both floors and do accept credit cards.
Consider the Vampire’s Masquerade Ball an opportunity to dress in your finest evening or historic dress! Over the years the observed guest attire has included every genre from the gothic scene including old-school goth, steampunk, Edwardian, Victorian, Cyberpunk, all the way to black tie and regal ballgowns. To further clarify, the VMB being a formal event should not be confused with a “costume party” or re-enactment, and street clothes are not permitted. Guests are encouraged, but not required, to arrive masked. If you have any questions about dress code please email Lady Raven.
The Melody Ballroom, site of the VMB since 2007, was established in 1925. Its historic ambiance is enhanced by thirty-foot ceilings, scarlet walls, marble staircases, and as the staff say, hauntings! The venue now features an elevator.
The 16th VMB is scheduled for Saturday, May 26th, 2018 at the historic Melody Ballroom. The Grand Ballroom is the center of the evening, while the Lower Ballroom is the Vendor Area featuring 20+ regional vendors, professional catering and a photobooth.
ANNOUNCEMENT: We are currently accepting vendor applications. To apply, please send an email to Lady Raven and you will get a response within 1-2 business days.
The Waltz at Midnight
In 2008, the violinist Paul Mercer initiated what was to become a tradition every year at the VMB, the waltz at midnight. While the evening is filled with gothic/industrial music, at midnight is when the attention is given over to classical instruments. This is when all guests are invited to waltz with their partners on the main floor. In recent years, the Waltz at Midnight has been performed by an exquisite Octet featuring members of the Oregon Symphony, the Oregon Ballet Symphony, and the Vancouver Orchestra. It is truly one of the crown jewels of the evening.
Dress Code
The VMB is a formal event and not to be confused for a ‘costume party’. Appropriate attire includes tuxedos, ball gowns, corsets, period wear (Victorian, Edwardian, Renaissance, etc.), neo-Victorian, evening gothic club wear. Suits and cocktail dresses are also appropriate attire.
For tickets and more information: Vampire Ball Website