The largest fantasy ball for book readers in the Southern Hemisphere is coming back to Melbourne. After delighting Melburnians in 2024, Celestial Events is bringing their enchanting Starfall Ball to Melbourne Town Hall. Inspired by the worlds of some of our favourite authors, including Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, you’ll dress up in your best fantasy-inspired attire and meet new bookish friends. Look forward to an evening of live music, dancing, canapes and more! The ball will take place on Saturday October 24, from 7pm to 10pm.
Celestial Events Starfall Ball in Melbourne
This massive event first began when Founder Carly Vidal-Wallace started reading A Court of Thorns and Roses on holiday. It was her first time reading the fantasy genre, and after seeing fantasy balls in the UK and US, she made a post in a Facebook fan group to see if there would be any interest here in Australia. Within 12 hours, she had over 2000 people respond, and the very first ball in Brisbane sold out within seconds. It grew from there, with events happening in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and even Auckland and New York.
What can you expect at the ball?
Put on a tiara, adorn yourself with fairy wings, and feel transported from Melbourne to the Dawn Court. Meet other guests, dressed in their best fantasy outfits, and listen to live music, played on a 96-year-old grand organ.
It’s not a ball without a bit of dancing, and there will be a professional choreographer on-site, to guide you through a group court dance lesson. Enjoy a professional dance performance, and let loose with tunes from a DJ.
Feel amazed by a sword skill demonstration, and dive into the action with a quest on the night. Prizes will be up for grabs. See roving performers on the night, enjoy photo moments with cosplayers, and pop into the photobooth for your own memories to take home.
If you’re feeling hungry, there will be roving canapes, as well as a three-hour drinks package featuring beer, wine and soft drinks.
Solo attendees
Flying solo? There’s no need to worry! If you’d like to make new friends, there are group chats available, so you can get to know other people before the ball. There’s also solo glowing bracelets for you to wear on the night, so you can find new friends. Of course, there’s no pressure for you to perform or socialise, so you can take things at your own pace.
Have plenty to do, thanks to a quest on the night, and if you need a moment alone, the ball also has quiet spaces for you to take a breather. If you’re feeling really anxious, there’s also an optional daytime pre-check-in, so you can scope the scene.
All staff present at the ball are trained in mental health awareness, and hidden disability lanyards and items like fidget spinners are available to borrow.
“We have such an inclusive community that has been growing for years,” said Vidal-Wallace. “Anyone can come and feel like the hero or heroine in their own fantasy.”
More fantastic events
On top of the Starfall Ball, there are other events happening around Melbourne, so that you can get hyped up and meet new friends.
Take part in a group dance class, check out a sword skill workshop, indulge in a Bridgerton-style high tea and more!
Not ready for the magic to end? Take part in the Afterparty, and dance into the early hours of the morning.
Key information:
đź“…October 24, 2026
đź•’7pm to 10pm. The Afterparty is ticket-dependent, and will run from 10pm to 4am.
🎫$380
đź“Ť90/130 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
This event is 18+.
Start planning your trip to the Starfall Ball, and find out more about other upcoming events, here.