Dark Matter/Inner Brilliance - BWB Chicago's 10th Annual Winter Ball

The Burners Without Borders Chicago Chapter cordially invites you!

Join us for BWB Chicago’s 10th Annual Winter Ball, our signature community development fundraiser, happening:

📅 Saturday, February 8th
🕖 7 PM to 1 AM
🏢 Salvage One, 1840 W Hubbard St, Chicago

✨ This year’s theme: Dark Matter / Inner Brilliance ✨
Celebrate in style—dressed in your snazziest all-black attire—and join us for an unforgettable night of art, music, performance, and Community magic. Together, we’ll lift up one another’s spirits, kick up our heels, and fund bold, transformative work in Chicago.

This warm welcome and red carpet we are rolling out are absolutely extendable to your favorite people; please invite them if you believe they would enjoy it and be a good fit.

Why We Gather

The proceeds from this event will support our Civic Ignition Grant Workshop, which empowers start-ups, non-profits, and citizen-led initiatives to create positive change in our city. Coming together fosters a sense of warmth that helps us overcome the cold and dark solitude of winter.

Can’t attend? Your presence is still welcomed—this event is about inviting everyone, both strangers and friends, to join in co-creating a brighter future. Together, we envision a community where we celebrate one another, create art, and dance in solidarity.

Ticketing, Accessibility and Community

Because we WELCOME your energy and vibes, we have allocated a limited number of tickets just for you!  Do you want to be part of the Community?  Gather in solidarity and engage with others on how to make the next four years more reflective of us!  Be a part of the discussion!  Be a part of the solution!  Our collaboration is key to not just surviving but thriving in the upcoming four years!  

On the first floor, you’ll find charming antique living room sets and pews—perfect for gathering, collaborating, and fostering new relationships. If the ticket price is a concern, we offer gifted tickets through our Eclipse Tier 🌘for those who need them, because we believe that no one should miss this transformative night due to financial barriers. If you want to be there, we want you to be there! Alternatively, you can donate the cost of your ticket to another organization at the Ball doing meaningful work alongside us.

For groups, we’re offering the Penumbra Tier 🌒—a special 5-ticket bundle for $225. Bring your crew and celebrate together, amplifying the sense of connection and impact we aim to create.

This event is about building connections, fostering creativity, and co-creating a brighter future—together. Let’s make funding barriers disappear for one night and focus on what truly matters: the Community we create when we come together.

We’re committed to making this event accessible and welcoming to everyone! 

Economic Assistance Tickets: ECLIPSE Tier 🌘

If financial barriers are an issue, we’ve got you covered with gifted tickets. These are available for anyone who needs them, because we believe that if you want to be part of this community, we want you to be here.  Choose the Eclipse tier if you need financial assistance—we want everyone to shine and be part of this experience!

5-Ticket Bundle: PENUMBRA Tier 🌒

Bring your crew and celebrate together with a discounted bundle—5 tickets for $225. Perfect for groups looking to connect and share the magic of the night.

Whether you join us through a gifted ticket or as part of a group, this event is about building connections, fostering creativity, and co-creating a brighter future together.

🎟Reserve your ticket now! Availability is limited, and no tickets will be sold at the door. The Winter Ball has reached maximum comfortable and safe capacity for the past two years, so secure your spot soon.

🔗 Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/bwbchicago-winter-ball-2025

💜 Accessibility: The venue features many wood floors, ample seating, and an elevator designated for accessibility. 

💛 New Economic Assistance Ticketing Tiers: ECLIPSE & PENUMBRA 🌘🌒
If funding is a barrier, we’ve got you! Select a gift ticket during checkout under the Eclipse Tier—designed to ensure everyone can participate in this transformative event through mindful inclusion.  For groups 👯‍♂️, the Penumbra Tier offers a discounted 5-ticket bundle for $225, so you can gather your crew and celebrate together.

🚨 Availability Update (as of January 26): Only 30% of tickets are still openly available! Out of a total of 750 tickets, there are only 100 tickets left. 

What Awaits You?

Immerse yourself in a night of creativity, connection, and inspiration, featuring:

• Pop Your Fit Walk Costume Contest: 👗Strut your stuff and show off your boldest, most brilliant black attire in this lively, runway-style fashion walk hosted by the dynamic duo Sunshine and Miki. Celebrate creativity, confidence, and style as participants dazzle the crowd with their unique flair.
• Interactive Art and Photo Booth: 📸 Capture and create unforgettable memories, expertly curated by boudoir photography artist Nora David to add a touch of elegance and charm to your memories.
• Sonic Wave Lounge Experience: 🌀 Innovative Shiftwave chairs use sound, vibration, and motion to provide guests with a deeply soothing experience—perfect for recharging during the festivities.
• Immersive Decor: 🪩 A world of bold contrasts, where dark elegance meets electrifying brilliance, transforming the space into a cosmic dreamscape.
• Art Auction:  🖼️ Participate as a donor, bidder, or a captivated admirer of the extraordinary collection, and help support meaningful projects
  * BWB WB 25 Art Auction Policies
  * Art Auction sign-up form: https://forms.gle/w27k9GV5YzE76xYr5
  
  
• PLUS Community Knowledge Share featuring
  * Tabled displays by civic engagement organizations
  * Opportunities to get involved in Chicago’s Do-ocracy
  
  
• Live Performances:
  * Dazzling belly dancing by the enchanting Tatiana Fonseca
  * Hilarious, nerdy, & heartfelt storytelling burlesque by the captivating Cyn Cat & charming Daddy Adam
  * Spectacular flow and hoop by the legendary Emily Perkulator
  * Lyra aerial performance by the gorgeous Anna Connors
  * Global Beauty Dance kindly gifted from the enigmatic Sirène De Paradis
  * Mind Bending liquid flow by the mesmerizing Tommy von Flowington
  
  
• Ambient Performances by:
  * Cheshire Reväl
  * Ivy
  * Alter J
  * Lucid Dream
  
  
• Exclusive Musical Performances from:
  - Striz
  - Fortune
  - Carla Starla
  - Dudebacca & Marilen Vega
  - YosoyAhmed and Friends
  
  

Important Details

• Dress Code: Fancy black attire—radiate your boldest and most intriguing self
• Code of Conduct: Review and affirm during ticketing. Share feedback on how to make the space safer and more well-curated at safety@bwbchicago.org.
• 11 Principles: These guide our decision-making process, and participants can expect to hold each other accountable to them: BWB Chicago 11 Burning Man Principles
• Production Team Participation Opportunities:  Some spots still available with Build/Deco, Gate/Coat Check, LNT, Concessions, and Rangers. Please apply here: WB 25 Production Team Participant application form
• Where + What + When will be sent to ticket-holders the week of the Ball, along with the password for access to our Official After Party, “Aquarius Rising”.  Remember you must RSVP as a “Burner” + the password to gain access to the official after party!
• Coat Check: Yes, there is one!  Arrive in style and stay carefree—we’ll securely store your coat so you can focus on enjoying the night to the fullest!
• Mobility Assistance: Accessible entry and elevator to the 2nd floor available. 

No Borders though we got some Boundaries!

✨ ASK FIRST – Ask once, ask without leverage, and ask only sober individuals for consent regarding touch, photos, and sensitive topics.

✨ RESPECT COMMUNITY – Honor boundaries and understand our practices for ensuring everyone's safety: 11 Burning Man Principles

✨ INFORMED CONSENT IS A MUST – clearly communicate and ensure all interactions are mutually agreed upon.  Let’s create a space where everyone feels safe and empowered to share their brilliance.

✨ LEAVE NO TRACE – Respect Our Community. Respect the space.  Leave no trace by taking responsibility for your waste and leaving the venue as beautiful as you found it.

✨DON’T ASSUME PEOPLE’S GENDERS – Let’s avoid guessing or making assumptions about anyone’s gender—respect and inclusivity are key.

✨ BE KIND, HAVE FUN, BUILD MAGIC TOGETHER!

✨AND HAVE A BALL!!!

The countdown is on—secure your ticket now and join us as we light up the dark and co-create the dream life we want to see. Let’s make this a night to remember!

📨 For updates on year-round Community initiatives, sign up here: https://www.bwbchicago.org/

We can’t wait to see you at the Winter Ball!

With gratitude in our hearts,
The Burners Without Borders Chicago Winter Ball Team