Mad Hatter Ball 2026: Secrets of the Sunken Kingdom
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Start:
October 16, 2026 5:00 pm End:
October 16, 2026 9:00 pm Location:
Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs |
Mad Hatter Ball 2026: Secrets of the Sunken Kingdom is ESSA’s annual fundraiser, held at the Historic 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Guests are invited to embrace this year’s underwater theme with creative hats, costumes, or their own imaginative interpretation, from pirates and sea captains to mermaids, mythical ocean beings, and underwater royalty. The evening features an Art Auction, the Mad Hatter Ball’s signature Hat Contest, music by DJ Testube, dancing, and a celebration in support of arts education through the Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA).
On Friday, October 16th, 2026, the historic 1886 Crescent Hotel will sink beneath the waves as the Eureka Springs School of the Arts presents the 24th Annual Mad Hatter Ball: Secrets of the Sunken Kingdom.
Long forgotten and hidden from the world, a legendary kingdom lost to time calls curious travelers to uncover its secrets. Chart your own course as a pirate, mermaid, sea serpent, captain, mythical ocean being, or a character entirely of your own imagination as you journey into the Sunken Kingdom.
One of ESSA’s most anticipated annual fundraisers, the Mad Hatter Ball brings together artists, collectors, makers, and supporters for an unforgettable evening featuring an art auction, Hat Contest, dancing, and music by DJ Testube. More than a costume party, the event celebrates the transformative power of art while raising vital support for ESSA scholarships, educational programming, artist residencies, and creative opportunities for artists of all ages.
Event Details
The 24th Annual Mad Hatter Ball:
Secrets of the Sunken Kingdom
Friday, October 16th, 2026
5 – 9 PM
Historic 1886 Crescent Hotel
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Mad Hatter Ball 2026 Poster
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship is a wonderful way to support the arts while connecting your business or organization with one of ESSA’s signature annual events. Every sponsorship directly supports our mission and helps ensure that artists of all ages continue to have access to inspiring workshops, scholarships, artist residencies, and creative experiences.
Choose the sponsorship level that’s right for you. Each includes event tickets along with recognition and benefits as our way of saying thank you for supporting ESSA.
Sponsorships become available on July 20th, 2026, at 12 PM (CST).
Sponsor Deadline: August 10th, 2026
Sponsorship Levels
The Starfish
$250
- 2 Event Tickets
- Full Online Auction Access
- Logo on Website
- Social Media Recognition
The Dolphin
$500
- 4 Event Tickets
- Full Online Auction Access
- Logo on Website
- Social Media Recognition
- Sponsor Gift
The Shark
$1000
- 6 Event Tickets
- Full Online Auction Access
- Logo on Website
- Social Media Recognition
- Sponsor Gift
- Logo in Newspaper
The Whale
$2500
- 8 Event Tickets
- Full Online Auction Access
- Logo on Website
- Social Media Recognition
- Sponsor Gift
- Logo in Newspaper
- Special Sponsor Gift
Sponsorship Benefits
Every sponsorship includes recognition on the event website, social media, and during the Mad Hatter Ball. As sponsorship levels increase, so do the benefits, including additional event tickets, sponsor gifts, and expanded promotional opportunities.
If you have questions about sponsorships or would like to discuss a custom sponsorship opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.
Questions Before You Dive In?
Need more information before becoming a sponsor? Reach out to ESSA Event Coordinator Emily Hartley with any questions about sponsorship opportunities or the Mad Hatter Ball.
Contact ESSA Event Coordinator Emily Hartley at emily@essa-art.org, or call the ESSA office at 479-253-5384.
Tickets
Tickets go on sale August 12th, 2026, at 12 PM (CST).
Gather your treasures, craft your most extraordinary hat, and get ready for an unforgettable evening.
The kingdom awaits.
Schedule of Events
4:30 PM – Event Check-In Begins
Check in at the Crescent Hotel lobby, pick up your event materials, and begin your voyage into the Sunken Kingdom.
5:00 – 6:00 PM – Cocktail Party
Gather in the Crescent Hotel Conservatory for cocktails, conversation, and a leisurely stroll through the evening’s Art Auction.
6:00 PM – Seating Begins
Guests are welcomed into the Crescent Hotel Crystal Dining Room for dinner and the evening’s festivities.
7:15 PM – Hat Contest Parade
Contestants take the floor to showcase their creative hats in one of the Mad Hatter Ball’s most anticipated traditions.
8:00 PM – Silent Auction & Hat Contest Voting Close
Cast your vote before People’s Choice voting officially closes.
8:30 PM – Auction Pickup Begins
Winning bidders may collect their artwork and auction items.
9:00 PM – Event Concludes
The event concludes following auction pickup and the evening’s festivities.
Why Attend the Mad Hatter Ball?
Mad Hatter Ball is one of the premier arts fundraising events in Northwest Arkansas, bringing together artists, collectors, makers, community leaders, and supporters for an immersive themed experience unlike any other. Guests enjoy creative costumes, local art, live entertainment, and opportunities to support arts education in the Ozarks.
Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and auction bid placed helps ESSA provide scholarships, classes, workshops, artist residencies, and creative experiences that strengthen the arts community in Eureka Springs and throughout the region.
Can't Attend the Ball?
Not everyone can join us beneath the waves, but you can still make a meaningful impact.
A gift of any size helps support ESSA scholarships, artist residencies, educational programming, and the continued care of our studios, ensuring creative opportunities remain accessible for artists of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mad Hatter Ball is ESSA’s annual fundraiser supporting arts education, scholarships, artist residencies, and creative programming at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts.
Mad Hatter Ball 2026 will be held on Friday, October 16th, 2026 from 5 to 9 PM.
The event takes place at the Historic 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
The 2026 theme is Secrets of the Sunken Kingdom, drawing inspiration from Atlantis, pirates, mermaids, sea serpents, leviathans, forgotten kingdoms, and the mysteries of the ocean.
Tickets go on sale August 12th, 2026, at 12 PM (CST).
Sponsorship opportunities become available on July 20th, 2026, at 12 PM (CST).
The sponsorship deadline is August 10, 2026.
Yes. Your ticket includes dinner and all scheduled event activities. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase at the bar. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
A great hat is always in style at the Mad Hatter Ball. Guests are encouraged to wear creative hats and, if they choose, costumes inspired by this year’s Secrets of the Sunken Kingdom. Whether you arrive as a pirate, sea captain, mermaid, mythical creature, or in elegant evening wear with a memorable hat, creativity is always welcome.
The Hat Contest is one of the Mad Hatter Ball’s most anticipated traditions. Guests are encouraged to create hats inspired by this year’s Secrets of the Sunken Kingdom theme and may enter as individuals, couples, or groups for judging in several categories, including Best Hat, Best Themed Hat, and the People’s Choice Award.
The Mad Hatter Ball Art Auction is open to everyone. Anyone, anywhere can participate online, whether you’re attending the event or bidding from home.
The auction opens for online preview on Wednesday, October 7th at 12:00 PM, with bidding beginning on Wednesday, October 14th at 12:00 PM. Bidding closes at 8:00 PM on Friday, October 16th during the Mad Hatter Ball.
Guests attending the event may view auction items in person throughout the evening in the Crescent Hotel Conservatory. Every item also includes a Buy It Now option, so artwork may sell before the event begins.
Winning bidders attending the Mad Hatter Ball may pick up their purchases beginning at 8:30 PM. Local winners who are not attending the event may pick up their items at ESSA beginning Monday, October 19th. Select items are available for shipping, while pickup-only items will be clearly noted in the online auction listing.
Questions about the auction? Contact ESSA Event Coordinator Emily Hartley at emily@essa-art.org or 479-253-5384.
Leave your expectations at the door. Artists, art lovers, longtime supporters, first-time guests, and anyone looking for a fun night out all come together at the Mad Hatter Ball. It’s equal parts fundraiser and party, and everyone is invited.
Proceeds from Mad Hatter Ball support ESSA scholarships, educational programs, artist residencies, community outreach initiatives, and arts experiences for students and artists of all ages.
Want to see what the Mad Hatter Ball is all about? Explore past event recaps featuring photos, memorable hats, and highlights from celebrations through the years.
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