Past events

Past Astraea events in Northwest Arkansas.

Astraea Fantasy Events brings bookish communities together through fantasy balls and themed weekends. Past events have included live performances, classes, character appearances, dinner, and dancing.

July 24–25, 2026 · Bentonville, Arkansas

Phantoms of the Deep: A Pirate Ball

Guests entered Hemlock Harbour, chose factions, followed clues, bargained with characters, and gathered for a pirate ball in Bentonville.

See more photos and details from the weekend, along with five official Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette photographs on NWAOnline.

See Phantoms of the Deep
From left, Ashley, Sarah Cline, and Jay Velasquez addressing guests at Phantoms of the Deep
Two guests in fairy costumes posing in an open doorway at Phantoms of the Deep Two guests posing on the red carpet at Phantoms of the Deep - Photo by @dreamsforetold Two costumed guests walking arm in arm along a red carpet at Phantoms of the Deep Steven Walker holding a sword at Phantoms of the Deep Costumed guests dancing at the Saturday night ball A crowd of costumed guests cheering at the Saturday night ball

Photography by @capturedbyshelbyphoto unless otherwise noted. Red-carpet photo by @dreamsforetold. Please credit the photographer when sharing these images, and do not alter them.

February 20–21, 2026

Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala

Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala was a two-day high-fantasy gathering centered on a formal gala and dragon-inspired styling.

Guests came in themed attire, took photos, danced, and spent the weekend with other fantasy readers.

Candlelit entrance at Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala
HighLadyJo, left, with another costumed guest at Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala A guest taking part in Walking the Parapet by candlelight at Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala HighLadyJo opening a scroll in a hooded costume at Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala Formalwear group at Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala Guest selfie at Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala Guests on the dance floor at Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala From left, PB Squamer, a guest, and Steven Walker posing at the red rose wall during Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala Character-inspired guests laughing at Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala Costumed Dragon Riders Weekend and Gala guests posing together

Photography by @capturedbyshelbyphoto. Please credit the photographer when sharing these images, and do not alter them.

A Night in Velaris

The Night Court Ball

The Night Court Ball brought bookish fantasy fans together at 21c Museum Hotel for dinner, dancing, and live entertainment.

Guests arrived in gowns, crowns, wings, formalwear, and character-inspired looks, helping transform the night into a world of magic, romance, and starlight.

Brock Entertainment provided the music, Ozark Cirque performed aerial artistry, and The Hive served dinner. The evening also included raffles, giveaways, desserts, and photos with the Archeron Sisters.

Venue atmosphere from The Night Court Ball
The Night Court Ball guest photo moment Decor and atmosphere at The Night Court Ball Costumed group at The Night Court Ball Aerial performer at The Night Court Ball Dance floor atmosphere at The Night Court Ball The Night Court Ball photo moment Performer and audience at The Night Court Ball Glow-stick crowd at The Night Court Ball Guests dancing at The Night Court Ball Playful dance group at The Night Court Ball Group dancing at The Night Court Ball Spotlight dance moment at The Night Court Ball Closing dance floor at The Night Court Ball

Photography by @capturedbyshelbyphoto. Please credit the photographer when sharing these images, and do not alter them.

Current event

Under the Mountain: Nightmares are Waiting

Join Astraea's 21+ Nightmare Court at Hilton Garden Inn Fayetteville on Friday, October 30, from 7–10 PM CDT.

Planning something of your own? Explore Services or contact Astraea.

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