Welcome to a night you'll never forget....

You arrive at the Market building, adorned in your finest attire. Your hosts for the night, twin spirits Merry and Mourn, greet you as you enter this enchanted space. In the background, the melodies of pop-classical music flow out from the ballroom and into the entryway where you stand.
Your party is shown to your table (which side did you choose? It may be more telling than you know...), and as you enter the grand ballroom, the aromas hit you first - warm umami undertones, something crisped, the tang of sweetness mixed in, and your mouth begins to water - there is a feast ahead! The music grows louder, other members of the Court mill about chatting, and you find yourself smiling.... the night has only just begun.

Join us, September 12th, 2026 for an evening of revelry, dancing, games, delicious food, and so much more...

Your ticket includes:
- A full buffet of appetizers, main meal, and dessert
- Cash bar serving a variety of wine, hard seltzer, and beer
- Dancing (so much dancing!)
- Interactive games
- Prizes & more

Location: Roanoke's own ethereal, historic, and oh-so-fabulous Charter Hall. Located in the Market Building in the center of the city, it's surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops, giving you plenty of additional options for extending your revelry long after the evening's planned festivities have ended. And best of all: It's accessible for all mobilities!

32 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011

Meet your hosts for the night:
Two Twin Spirits, as old as time itself - two sides of the same coin of life:
Merry- radiant with wonder, joy, and light.
Mourn- drawn to the shadows, the macabre, and the morose.
Bound together for eternity, they wage an endless battle to see who can claim the most favors from the souls they tempt to their side.

The Choice Lies with You

First, pick the ticket that best fits your needs:
Individual - $80
Couples - $150
Private group table (up to 8 people) - $480
Premium private group table (up to 6 people) - $480

Then: Choose your side - GOOD or EVIL
There are limited tickets available for each side, so choose quickly and wisely to secure the side of your choice. The side you choose determines your place for the night, and which team you provide favors for...

Please note: The premium 6-seat group tables are the only tables available with seats in both the GOOD & EVIL (3 Good, 3 Evil) sections, but these tables are EXTREMELY limited.

"Good" vs "Evil" - Depending on which side you choose when purchasing your tickets, you’ll spend the evening aiding your chosen host through a series of Trials designed to help settle the eternal score between Merry and Mourn.

The Trials of Merry & Mourn
An ancient wager lies at the heart of the Court, and every guest who enters becomes part of the game. Throughout the evening, you'll have opportunities to earn favors for your chosen side by participating in a variety of Trials. Some will test your wit, some your charm, some your creativity... and some may simply require a willingness to be delightfully ridiculous in public.

Will your side claim victory in the Dance Off? Will your attire earn the favor of the Court? Will your team uncover opportunities hidden throughout the evening that others overlook? The outcome of the night rests entirely in the hands of those who attend. Every favor earned brings Merry or Mourn one step closer to victory, and by the end of the evening, one side will stand triumphant while the other is left to brood until the Court gathers again.

Libations, feasts, and treasures galore...

A most excellent menu - A full buffet will be offered for the night, beginning with an appetizer spread ready to eat when you arrive. Dinner will be served while you rest from your Trials, followed by a dessert bar available for the rest of the evening while you dance the night away. We will be providing a selection that aims to accommodate a majority of dietary needs, including options that are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and more. All food served will be free of nuts, fish, and shellfish!

A cash bar fit for the Court - A curated selection of wine, beer, and hard seltzers will be available throughout the evening for purchase for guests over 21. Both cash and credit cards will be accepted.

Treasures of the Court - Throughout the evening, guests will also have the chance to browse and bid on a Silent Auction featuring artwork, handmade goods, curiosities, and creations from talented local artists and makers. Every bid helps support the ongoing growth of Ferrum Park and the community spaces being built there.

Find your people - Not only will you meet folks who share your love for all things ✨fabulous, fantastic, and magical✨ but you can stay connected via our private Facebook group! You'll receive an email as soon as you purchase tickets that will include a link to the group that will allow you to connect with the rest of the Court before your night of shared revelry! Be sure to join so that you can share ideas and get feedback on planned attire, be the first to see the menu, program, and Trials for the evening, and stay connected afterwards!

FAQ's

Who may enter the Court? - While this event is designed with adults in mind, mature teens accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome to attend. Please keep in mind that this is an evening masquerade event featuring music, dancing, themed cocktails, and immersive interactive elements throughout the night.

What does it mean, "Everyone is welcome"? - It's simple: This space is where folks show up to be authentically themselves. No judgment, no shame, no fear. We want to be clear: if you have an issue with that, then this is NOT the event for you. 💃

Must masks be worn? - Whether you arrive behind an elaborate masquerade mask, a simple half-mask, or no mask at all is entirely up to you. Masks are encouraged and certainly add to the atmosphere of the evening, but they are not required. The Court values creativity above all else!

What should I wear? - The Court welcomes everything from elegant gowns and formal suits to fantasy-inspired attire, gothic finery, whimsical fae fashions, and creative interpretations of GOOD and EVIL. There is no single dress code beyond dressing for an evening at Court. Some guests may arrive in elaborate costumes worthy of legend, while others may choose classic formalwear. Both are equally welcome. If you've been waiting for an excuse to wear something extraordinary, you've just found a fabulous opportunity.

Must I participate in the Trials? - Not at all! While the Trials and challenges are a major part of the evening, participation is always optional. Whether you spend the night competing for favors, dancing with friends, browsing the Silent Auction, admiring everyone's attire, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there is a place for you at Court. Some guests may spend the evening passionately aiding Merry or Mourn in their quest for victory. Others may prefer to observe the chaos from the sidelines with a drink in hand. Both approaches are perfectly acceptable and encouraged!

Will I know anyone there? - Many guests arrive at Court knowing only the people they came with... and many arrive knowing no one at all! The Trials, shared tables, dancing, games, and conversations throughout the evening are designed to bring everyone together. Whether you're attending with a large group of friends, a partner, or entirely on your own, you'll find plenty of opportunities to meet fellow members of the Court.

Who knows? By the end of the evening, the strangers seated beside you may become your closest allies... or your fiercest rivals!

A night of revelry with a purpose - “A Court of Merriment & Mourning” is a fundraiser supporting the Friends of Ferrum Park nonprofit project. Ferrum Park is a grassroots, community-driven, fully community-funded nature park in Ferrum, Virginia focused on creating accessible outdoor spaces and community events. Every ticket purchased helps support the preservation and continued development of the park for the community to enjoy for generations to come.

A Court of Merriment and Mourning Masquerade Ball