Frequently Asked Questions
McMenamins History Ball

Friday, August 15, 2025

Is there an age limit for this event?
Tacoma History Ball, our historical costume ball at the Spanish Ballroom is open to all guests 16 years of age and older. This is a formal event not suited for young children.  
 
Will there be food and drink?
Food and beverages are available for purchase from our full Spanish Ballroom menu. Guests under 21 will not be served alcohol. 
 
Do I need to bring a dance partner or date?
Not at all! You are welcome to bring just yourself. Mingling and dancing with brand new acquaintances is what a grand ball is all about!
 
What kind of dancing will there be?
The first part of the evening will include a chance to participate in English Country Dancing led by dance caller Laura Mé Smith. Depicted in costume dramas such as Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice, English Country Dancing is a style of historical social group dancing performed at grand balls during the early 19th century.?The evening will also include time for free dancing, partner dancing (with a waltz demonstration) and simply enjoying the music, ambiance, libations, and exquisite historical costumes. 
 
What is a dance card?
A dance card is a small booklet worn on the wrist for recording the name of your dance partner for a number of songs for the evening. First introduced in the 1700s, dance cards gained popularity in Vienna during the grand balls of the 1800s, and they remained an element of dance etiquette throughout Europe and America until the early 20th century. Anyone can use a dance card to ask a friend or a new acquaintance to dance. Just remember to write your names in each other’s cards so you both remember to find one another!

What Not to Wear:

Swords and Other Weapons 
Swords, even light dress swords were not worn or allowed at formal balls historically, and our ball is no exception. No weapons of any kind (whether they be real, fake, or replica) are allowed inside the Spanish Ballroom. You will just have to regale us with your tales of daring duels and swashbuckling instead!

Metal footwear
No spurs, hobnail boots, cleats, tap shoes or any type of footwear that could damage our dance floor built in 1916. Smooth soled shoes (such as leather or faux leather) work best for gliding across the floor. We also advise against rubber soled shoes, as they do not easily glide across our dance floor. 

Long dress trains
Extremely long dress trains or skirts can pose a tripping hazard while dancing or going up steps. Long, beautiful ballgowns are encouraged, but please make sure that you can easily walk in your historical garment.

Casual street clothes, jeans, T-shirts, spacesuits, etc.
As this is a formal ball celebrating the fashions and customs of the pre-1920s, we ask that you avoid wearing modern clothing such as jeans and T-shirts. We welcome you to step into the atmosphere of a formal grand ball and dress in the style of any era before 1920. However, if you have any contemporary formal ensemble that could blend into these historical fashions such as a tuxedo or long evening gown, you will fit right in!

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us at past@mcmenamins.com 
 
Get tickets and read event details here.