Opera performance

The Edwardian Ball is a two-day neo-vintage extravaganza in San Francisco. It combines elements of a circus, music festival, art exhibition, and masquerade party. The event pays tribute to writer and illustrator Edward Gorey (1925-2000), whose books are known for dark humor and Victorian or Edwardian stylings.

The event is held at the Regency Center, originally a Masonic lodge with Beaux-Arts styling that opened in 1909. The Regency Ballroom on the ground level serves as the main entertainment venue, while The Lodge on the top floor hosts the Museum of Wonders art exhibition and a secondary music stage. Vendors are situated in the basement-level Social Hall.

The Edwardian Ball is presented by Paradox Media and the Vau De Vire Society.

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Spotlight
Edwardian Ball ballroom floor
Scenes from The Edwardian Ball, which transformed the Regency Ballroom into a neo-vintage fantasy world
By Stephen Beale | Feb 4, 2025
The darkly whimsical world of Edward Gorey came to life once again as the Edwardian Ball returned to the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco.
Stories
Photo Gallery
By Stephen Beale | Feb 4, 2025
The Edwardian Ball, held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 in San Francisco, provided a cornucopia of eye-popping art and entertainment, but the attendees themselves were also part of the spectacle.
Preview
Staff Report | Jan 28, 2025
Once again, San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom will be transformed into a neo-vintage wonderland as The Edwardian Ball returns on Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1.
News
Staff Report | Jul 12, 2024
In Episode 10 of our video series, we speak with organizers of Steampunk Adventurers Weekend in South Florida and The Edwardian Ball in San Francisco. We also take you to Clockwork Alchemy, the SF Bay Area steampunk convention.
Photo Gallery
Whimsical costumes, music, art, dance, and more at the 2024 Edwardian Ball in San Francisco
By Stephen Beale | Jan 31, 2024
Once again, San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom was transformed into a neo-vintage wonderland as The Edwardian Ball took place Jan. 26-27. Words alone cannot do it justice.
Preview
Staff Report | Dec 21, 2023
The lineup includes numerous Edwardian Ball regulars plus some newcomers. Among them: Whiskerman, The Forgetmenauts, Kugelplex, and Sgt. Splendor. Kinetic Steam Works will be back with some of its steam-powered contraptions.
Photo Gallery
Whimsical art, fanciful cosplay, madcap inventions, and more at the SF event
Staff Report | Feb 7, 2023
The Edwardian Ball marked the end of an era this year as it featured the event’s last performances by Rosin Coven, the “pagan lounge ensemble” that launched the first Edwardian Ball in 1999. But the event also offered many other attractions.
Preview
Staff Report | Dec 10, 2022
The event will feature the the final Edwardian Ball performances of Rosin Coven, the dark cabaret music ensemble that launched the first Edwardian Ball in 2000. It’s scheduled for Feb. 3-4, 2023 at the Regency Center in San Francisco.
Photo Gallery
The event returned to San Francisco’s Regency Center after a year off due to Covid-19
Staff Report | Apr 6, 2022
Photos: Hundreds of costumed revelers turned out April 1 and 2 for music, art, circus acts, and more. The Ball serves as a tribute to writer and illustrator Edward Gorey, and each night culminated with a stage adaptation of Gorey’s The Wuggly Ump.
Preview
Staff Report | Mar 29, 2022
The event, combining elements of a neo-vintage music festival, art exhibition, and masquerade party, takes place on Friday and Saturday night. It’s a major happening on the Bay Area steampunk calendar.
Preview
Staff Report | Jan 25, 2022
The event was postponed from its original dates in February due to the Covid-19/Omicron outbreak. Previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new dates. Proof of vaccination, including booster shots, will be required for entry.