The 26th Annual Portland Erotic Ball
The Portland Erotic Ball, one of the city's most iconic and enduring Halloween traditions, returns for its 26th anniversary this fall with a bold new vision while continuing its legacy as Portland's largest adult Halloween event.
More than 1,500 guests are expected to fill all three levels of the historic Crystal elaborate costumes, music, performance art and self-expression. The event has become the longest-running recurring event in the Crystal Ballroom's 112-year history and remains one of the last large-scale celebrations keeping Portland's famously creative and unconventional spirit alive in downtown Portland.
"Twenty-six years after its founding, the Portland Erotic Ball continues to evolve while staying true to the values that made it a cultural phenomenon," said event organizers. "The Ball has always celebrated creativity, individuality, inclusion and the freedom to express yourself - and since our event is on Halloween Night, Saturday,
October 31, 2026, we're turning it up a notch at the Crystal Ballroom!
This year's event will feature:
The Headliner band is Dance Hall Days, who combines astonishing musicianship with a repertoire that is wildly diverse & authentic. The band has performed globally, with appearances in San Francisco, Nassau-Bahamas, United Kingdom, Maui and The Sun Valley Resort. Dancehall Days brings their powerhouse group of entertainers to deliver a compelling show at The Erotic Ball!
Opening act is The Stupid Girls, Portland's femme-centric power pop rock 'n' roll wrecking crew-five musicians paying loud tribute to the women who shaped alternative music. Their setlist rips through the decades, from Nancy Sinatra's sultry cool to Garbage's industrial snarl, Elastica's Britpop bite, and the modernart-punk energy of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs-all reimagined with grit, groove, and unfiltered attitude. Fronted by Elizabeth Mollo, Portland event producer and VJ, the lineup features Jimi Biron (fLOUNDER), Justin and Jenny Smith, a husband-and-wife duo who cut their teeth in the LA scene, and Nora Murphy Hughes (Hollow Sidewalks, TV Viking). Together, they deliver a show that's edgy, fun, and unapologetically raw.
Emmy-nominated entertainer Sasha Scarlett, celebrating her 21st year as host and producer of the Ball began her career at the legendary Darcelle XV Showplace and remains one of the Ball's most beloved personalities. Scarlett is a former 3-time Miss Gay Las Vegas Pride, Miss San Diego Gay Pride, Miss Portland Gay Pride and 1st Runner Up Miss Gay Universe and has also been nominated for an Emmy Award and worked with such luminaries as Wayne Newton, Chaka Khan, Jefferson Starship, Pat Benatar and many more.
A $10,000 Cash and Prize Costume Contest and this year offers a brand new array of categories including Sexiest Couple (this audience favorite is the only returning category), Most Hilarious Costume Category and Anything But Clothes which allows guest creative to run free!
DJ OG One, official DJ of the Portland Trail Blazers, spinning dance and video mixes following the live entertainment and costume contest.
In addition to the Main Stage, the Erotic Ball showcases a Fetish Demonstration Stage and live Kink Live! Stage for professional-level kink performances, continuing the event's tradition of playful, provocative entertainment.
Live burlesque performers, aerialists, dancers, circus acts and outrageous specialty acts are also showcased throughout the evening.Since its inception in 2000, the Portland Erotic Ball has welcomed attendees from all backgrounds and identities. Organizers say the event's commitment to inclusivity has helped establish it as one of Portland's most progressive and diverse annual celebrations."The Ball is a place where everyone is welcome," organizers said. "Regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, body type or gender expression, attendees are encouraged to celebrate who they are in a fun, safe and accepting environment."
- Website:
- https://www.portlanderoticball.com/