If you are looking for something to do this weekend that will nourish your soul with creativity, look no further than the Edwardian World's Faire and the Edwardian Ball. The Faire is held on Friday and the Ball is held on Saturday in San Francisco in the Regency Ballroom. Both events are fun-filled adventures back into the Edwardian time, and you are encouraged to wear appropriate attire. The costumes, some of which are quite elaborate, are as much a part of the event as the displays and performances, in my opinion. I have attended several years and have never been disappointed. The only question is which day to attend. Details of both nights are provided below to help you decide, along with directions to the event. You can check online at http://www.edwardianball.com for complete information, tickets, pictures of the event and costumes. I highly encourage you to get a costume together so you will feel a part of the event, as nearly everyone will be dressed to impress! Have fun!
Friday Jan 18, 2013 – The Edwardian World’s Faire
The first night of back-to-back Regency Ballroom events, The Edwardian World’s Faire presents a Gorey-inspired night of music, theatrics, circus, fashion, gaming, and Edwardian-tinged rock n’ roll. A little more rambunctious than the Saturday night Ball, The Faire presents an interactive night of Barbary-themed Midway Games, bicycle-powered carnival rides by Cyclecide, an exposition of steam-powered machinery by Kinetic Steam Works, circus sideshows, burlesque, and this year, a complete circus extravaganza by Wanderlust Circus from Portland! Also featuring longtime Edwardian disc jockey Delachaux, Vau de Vire Society, DJ Fact.50, and our now-famous Vendor Bazaar & Piano Saloon featuring the John Brothers Piano Company. Our widely acclamied “Museum of Wonders” returns to the opulent Regency Lodge, an entire additional floor of the Regency dedicated to fine art, living statues, fortune telling, sideshows, and haunted mysteries to be discovered through self-guided tours from 8-11pm.
Saturday Jan 19, 2013 – The 13th Annual Edwardian Ball
This is the night of the world-renowned Edwardian Ball, a whimsical, elegant festival of art, music, dance, theatre, fashion, circus, and the art and stories of beloved author Edward Gorey. Step into a uniquely immersive world, where the turn of the century meets the world-to-be in a fantastic blend of performance and audience, of sights, sounds, and magic. Each year, in the depths of the night, Edwardian Ball founders Rosin Coven & co-hosts Vau de Vire Society bring a featured Gorey story to life onstage with original music, choreography, narration, circus acts, this year presenting one of his more mischievous, playful masterpieces, “The Doubtful Guest.”
Friday’s rides and games are cleared away, making way for the Ballroom Dancing that begins promptly at 8pm, followed by performances by Dark Garden Corsetry, “Belle of the Ball” Jill Tracy, DJs Miz Margo and Delachaux, and more. Visit our famous Vendor Bazaar & Piano Saloon with the John Brothers Piano Company, capture a moment of history in our Portrait Booth, sip an absinthe cocktail, and dance the night away. And don’t forget to visit the Museum of Wonders located in the opulent Regency Lodge, our “Edwardian Odditorium” full of curiosities, natural wonders, sideshow performances, fortune telling, tarot reading, and who knows what surprises…
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Directions:
2012 San Francisco events will be at The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco CA 94109 (Google Map & Directions)
Recommended parking is at The Holiday Inn Garage (24 hr access, no ins-and-outs), located at 1500 Van Ness (2 blocks north of venue, same side of street). Regency can validate your parking ticket upon exit for a reduced $14 flat rate. Limited street parking is also available. All other garages in the vicinity close early, please check times carefully!
Closest BART station is Civic Center, last train departs approx 12:30am, please check www.bart.gov for current schedule.
