FAQ

The Anomaly Ball is a luxe space fantasy costume ball set aboard the starship Hyperion, fully realized with movie-set-level décor. Featuring immersive missions, live entertainment, a costume contest, professional photographers, cosmic cuisine and  themed cocktails, this interdimensional celebration promises an unforgettable night of adventure, elegance, and exploration among the stars!

Saturday April 26th 2025.

For Nebula Nomad and Cosmic Curator ticketholders: doors open at 7pm

For Astral Ambassador ticketholders: doors open for the Captain’s Reception at 6pm

The Anomaly Ball ends at midnight.

The Anomaly Ball will be taking place on the Hyperion, the in-world research vessel that has discovered the anomaly.

In your world, you can traverse the anomaly by navigating to Dottiewood Studios in Austin, TX.

It’s a fantasy ball…in spaaace! Formalwear, ball gowns and cosplays are all acceptable.

To ensure guests’ immersion, costume is required for entry.

Practical note: the event will be entirely indoors. The venue has level, concrete floors and air conditioning.

Allowed Props:

• Lightsabers, wands, and sonic screwdrivers
• Unstrung bow
• Arrows if they are non-removable from their quiver or have a foam or no tip
• Shields of all materials with no sharp edges
• Lightweight plastic bats
• Staffs and brooms
• Whips (must be zip tied or otherwise attached to your person)
• Swords constructed of light foam, plastic, or cardboard
• Other items made from cardboard, foam, rubber and likewise lightweight materials
• Sci-fi and fantasy guns are allowed (e.g. Portal Guns, Han Solo blaster, phasers). These MUST NOT resemble real world guns. They MUST be inoperable and cannot launch projectiles

Prohibited Items:

• Realistic and replica firearms of any kind
• Tasers
• Glass or stone props
• Projectile weapons or ones that can launch anything (e.g. slingshots)
• Brass knuckles
• Real, replica, or simulated explosives, ammunition, chemical weapons of any kind, including but not limited to: Simulated bomb vests, cartoon bombs, bullets, hand grenades, claymore mines, firecrackers, pepper spray, mace, powder caps
• Metal or wood swords and other sharp-edged weapons
• Excessively noisy props including but not limited to: airhorns, bullhorns, whistles

Yes.

Please note: bags may be searched by security. Refusal to comply will result in ejection from the venue with no refund or credit.

There is plenty of free street parking around the venue.

Dottiewood Studios is located in a quiet business park.

Yes.

This is a 21+ event. IDs will be checked at the entrance.

Relaxed and respectful.

Though this is officially a diplomatic event, Captain Varrow and the crew of the Hyperion want all in attendance to enjoy themselves!

Above all, we’re here to have a great time in a safe space with like-minded lovers of science fiction and fantasy.

Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. 

Yes.

Soft drinks and light bites, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, will be available to all guests free of charge.

Premium drinks – themed cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine – will be available for purchase.

The Cosmic Curator ticket tier includes two premium drink tokens. The Astral Ambassador ticket tier includes unlimited premium drinks.

Missions are optional. You’ll have a great time at The Anomaly Ball whether you embark on them or not.

You can also hop in and out as you like and go at your own pace.

Upon arrival, the crew of the Hyperion will instruct you on where and how to start. Missions will involve you exploring the ship, discovering lore about the Hyperion and the Stellar Union that it is part of. You’ll find hidden clues, scan them with your phone, talk to crew and other NPCs and share information with other guests.

The missions blends a little bit of technology with a little bit of live action roleplay. 

No.

Should you have special dietary needs, please let us know when purchasing your ticket. There is an ‘order notes’ section during checkout where you can add these details.

Yes.

There will be a photographer taking action shots throughout the event and another photographer will be taking posed portraits.

All photography is free of charge.

A link to the photos will be sent to all guests via email after the event.

Yes.

The crew of the Hyperion is committed to ensuring that all guests, regardless of ability, can fully enjoy The Anomaly Ball.

The venue is wheelchair accessible, with ramp access and spacious pathways throughout the venue. We have taken care to ensure that attendees who use mobility devices will have an easy and comfortable experience.

If you or someone in your party requires specific accommodations – such as reserved seating, assistance navigating the venue, or additional support – please reach out to us in advance at hello@anomalyball.com. We are happy to make arrangements to ensure your experience aboard the Hyperion is as smooth as possible.

Your ticket will be emailed to you once you have completed your purchase. The email ticket includes a QR code that will be scanned when you arrive.

If it is included in your tier, a physical, keepsake ticket will be sent to you via mail.

No.

Tickets need to be purchased prior to the event. Ticket sales end Friday March 7th 2025. For help purchasing tickets, please email hello@anomalyball.com

The Hyperion is more than capable of shrugging off a bit of rain!

The event is happening entirely inside the venue so, rain or shine, The Anomaly Ball is on!

In the (very) unlikely event of severe weather, we will keep you informed with as much notice as we reasonably can.

All ticket and/or add-on purchases are non-refundable. By purchasing a ticket, the attendee acknowledges and agrees to abide by this policy.

The Anomaly Ball is hosted by Astral Arts, a not-for-profit artists guild dedicated to creating immersive, themed experiences and sharing them with our community.

Net proceeds raised by The Anomaly Ball will fund more immersive events put on by visual and performance artists in Austin and beyond!

For more information, check out our about us page here.