An Inclusive Fae Ball
Friday, July 31st, 2026
Salem, CT
6pm-10pm
The Velvet Jest
Join us at the Velvet Jest Fae Ball, July 31st 2026, at the Salem Herbfarm Venue, from 6pm-10pm.
320 Hartford Rd, Salem, CT 06420
Dancing, Vendors, Photo Hour, Performances, Food, and More!
This event is 18+
Please carpool when you can!
PRESALE only until June 8th!
It’s Back for Round Two!
Join us at the Salem Herbfarm, a magnificent indoor-outdoor garden venue, for a night of fae revelry, and a hearty celebration of fantasy! The Velvet Jest exists to loudly celebrate fantasy that is not as as readily represented: fantasy that is Queer, disabled, Black, Brown, neurodivergent, Indigenous, trans, Asian, and with diverse ages, relationships, and body types. At the Velvet Jest, we are committed to hiring performers, artists, and creators that represent this.
6pm-10pm, 320 Hartford Rd, Salem, CT 06420
4 (or more!) Performances
Dancing (Modern + Fantasy)
Diverse Fantasy Vendor Market
Included Portraits!
What to Expect:
• A night to be exactly yourself (and a bit fae)
• Garden hour, to wander the Salem Herbfarm’s magnificent gardens, and enjoy snacks. Wheelchair accessible pathways.
• Have your portrait taken by professional photographers (included!)
•Drag King, Drag Queen, Live Songs, DJ, and a Queer ‘Why Choose?’ Throuple Drama Piece.
• The Presenting of The Swords (see below)
• Best Wings Competition
• Dancing + Fantasy Style DJ (Modern, Sea Shanty, Fantasy Classics)
•Snacks, Pasta Salad Bar, and Desserts Included (Gluten Free + Dairy Free Options for all food)
• Cash Bar, two bartenders
• Curated Diverse Fantasy Vendor Market
• AC Inside
• Tarot Readings
•Quiet Introvert Zone
The Velvet Jest is Ages 18+
Nominate a Friend to be Knighted at the Jest
Nominate your beloveds for recognition for accomplishing, working towards, or enduring something incredible. This does not have to be traditional.
Chosen Knights will be introduced, a snippet of their story will be shared (please make sure your nominee will be okay with this), and will be publicly presented with a sword during the Velvet Jest. The number of knights will be limited to how many swords we can budget, so if your person is not selected, please know that they are still valued!
Examples: A friend who came out, someone who went through a difficult birth, a meaningful business owner, a friend who got a dream job, someone who finally received a diagnosis for a chronic illness, a friend who left an abusive situation, an activist, a friend who accomplished a long project, or someone who was there for you when you needed them.
Nominate an attendee, vendor, or performer HERE.
Bigger + Better (And Wackier)
Join us at the Velvet Jest Fae Ball, July 31st 2026, at the Salem Herbfarm Venue, from 6pm-10pm.
320 Hartford Rd, Salem, CT 06420
Dancing, Vendors, Photo Hour, Performances, Food, and More!
This event is 18+
Please carpool when you can!
Thanks to a generous grant from Audeville Society, we have the ability for extra magic, absurdity, and wonder for the 2026 Velvet Jest! We are bringing in more performers, more accessibility, and more mischief.