Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, May 5, 2026 – ArtsQuest invites you to enter a world of enchantment, intrigue and otherworldly elegance at its first-ever Fantasy Ball taking place on July 18, 2026, in the Musikfest Cafe inside the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. From 7-11 p.m., guests will be transported into The Enchanted Garden where glowing lights, lush scenery and a touch of mystery set the stage for an evening straight out of a storybook.
Inspired by the surging popularity of fantasy realms filled with powerful courts, sweeping romance and mystical intrigue, this immersive evening offers a chance to step beyond the ordinary and into a night where fantasy becomes reality.
“ArtsQuest is always looking for new ways to bring people together through creativity and shared experiences, and the Fantasy Ball will provide an opportunity for fans to step into the worlds they love and connect, dance and enjoy a magical night!” said Addyson Young, ArtsQuest Programming Manager.
Inside The Enchanted Garden, the Musikfest Cafe will provide a mystical setting filled with whimsy, and interactive moments designed to surprise and delight. Guests will be treated to an evening of dancing and live music with renowned dance caller Fiona Gillespie, along with a mesmerizing Cyr Wheel performance by Matthew Ossiander. Attendees can also explore curated vendors, see roaming performers, compete in a best-dressed contest, and enjoy specialty food and drink offerings inspired by the evening’s enchanted theme. Don your most magical fantasy attire and step into the Enchanted Garden realm!
VIP Access includes:
- Early entry into the ball
- Drink ticket
- Photo taken by a professional photographer
Bethlehem native Fiona Gillespie is a musician events creator, arts educator and country dance caller appearing everywhere from Lincoln Center and St. John’s Smith Square London, to local barns, backyards and bookstores. She is the founder of Celtic band The Chivalrous Crickets, Makaris, an ensemble that specializes in recording historic Scottish repertoire, and Hearthsong Folk Arts, a Bethlehem, PA-based nonprofit that produces shows, workshops and gatherings dedicated to engendering community wellbeing by bringing folk heritage arts and culture into modern lives.
Matthew Ossiander has been using his Cyr Wheel for nearly a decade, performing, busking and making friends from San Francisco to New York City. Even though the wheel is often the star of his show, both Matt and the wheel are loyal dance partners. He sees his craft as endlessly developing. As with any part of life, there is always more to learn, even if the lesson is how to use a simple wheel. Matt hopes that you will enjoy watching and learning as he spins his heart out for you.
Tickets are on sale now at artsquest.org. For exclusive ticket access and advance purchase opportunities, become an ArtsQuest Member today. This is an 18+ event.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, and generated a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.