The Opelika Villains Ball is back for its second year in a row. The event takes place at the Railyard at John Emerald Distilling Company on Oct. 27 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The event is for ages 19 and older. An afterparty will be hosted at Rock 'N Roll Pinball.
The event is produced and sponsored by Heritage House. Member Dani Nelson is in charge of designing and producing the Villains Ball.
“The Villains Ball is a Halloween celebration full of spectacles and dancing,” Nelson said. “The idea is to create a party that is outside of the usual events that we have. We want it to be a little more strange and unusual.”
According to Nelson, the event is a combination of art and performances. It will feature fire performers and a vampire ballet, as well as lots of decor and art murals made specifically for the event.
“It's really exciting to seek out and find artists in the Opelika and Auburn areas that are looking for places where they get to do performance art. It’s also exciting to get to display and design an event that is really unique,” Nelson said.
The Villains Ball is a costume party, but not just for villains. All costumes are welcome, and there will be a $100 cash prize for the best costume.
“Everyone being in costume is a part of what makes the event strange and fun and unusual – something worth attending,” Nelson said.
The event will have a bar, food by Big Vic BBQ, kettle corn by Big Top Concessions and non-alcoholic drinks made by Grandma Val's Lemonade. The main attraction, however, is the club-style dance party hosted by DJ SammyD.
“The dance party is the main thing that draws people in. We have a DJ from Skybar and it’s going to be a lot of fun. People can really let loose and have fun,” Nelson said.
While this is only the second year for the Villains Ball, Nelson hopes to make it an annual event. Around 130 people attended last year’s event, and their goal this year is 150.
“If people show up and they’re enjoying it and everyone is having a good time, I would love to keep doing it. For as long as I’m here and Opelika wants to stay weird, I’ll keep doing it,” Nelson said.
Nelson wants to provide a space where people can enjoy the Halloween season and let loose. She feels that most Halloween events are directed towards children and she wanted to design an event where adults can enjoy the season too.
“This is an event where adults, too, can really keep that childish Halloween spirit alive. Halloween is my favorite holiday. Creating something for everyone to enjoy just makes me feel great,” Nelson said.
Tickets for the Villains Ball are $25 until Oct. 20 and $35 the week of the event. Tickets can be purchased online by going to the Universe event website.
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Sam Vise, junior in journalism, is the community reporter for The Auburn Plainsman.
