Your First NYFW After Party
Everything you need to know before stepping into The Surrealist Ball. A complete guide for those entering Fashion Week's most anticipated evening for the first time.
Tickets from $140 · AfterPay available
Your Evening at The Surrealist Ball
A walkthrough of what to expect from the moment you arrive until the final performance fades into memory.
Arrival & Check-In
Present your confirmation at the entrance. VIP and Surrealist Circle guests have dedicated entry lines. The grandeur of Gotham Hall's Beaux-Arts architecture sets the stage for what's to come.
The Opening Hour
Early Access guests experience the space as it transforms. Ambient music, initial cocktails, and the first wave of surrealist-clad attendees arrive. The energy builds gradually, deliberately.
Peak Experience
The main event unfolds. DJ performances fill the hall, art installations captivate, and the dance floor reaches full energy. This is when the magic happens—connections form, boundaries blur.
The Final Act
The evening reaches its crescendo with a closing performance. Connections made, memories captured. The surrealist dream slowly fades as the night concludes.
The Guest List
The Surrealist Ball draws a diverse mix of fashion industry insiders and enthusiasts. Here's who shares the evening with you.
Fashion Designers
Emerging and established designers celebrating after their shows. A rare opportunity for authentic conversations beyond the runway.
Models & Talent
The faces of Fashion Week, unwinding after days of runway shows and fittings. Here, they're guests like everyone else.
Industry Executives
Editors, buyers, and brand executives. The people who shape fashion's direction, more accessible in this setting than anywhere else.
Fashion Enthusiasts
People like you—passionate about fashion and seeking their first Fashion Week experience. You belong here.
First-Timers Welcome
Many attendees are experiencing their first NYFW event. The surrealist theme creates a shared experience that transcends industry credentials. Your enthusiasm and interpretation of the dress code matter more than your resume.
Visual Inspiration
What First-Timers Say
"I was nervous about attending alone, but within 20 minutes I'd met three designers and a Vogue editor. The surrealist theme gave everyone an excuse to talk to strangers."
"Best decision I made during Fashion Week. The venue is stunning, the crowd is genuinely interesting, and nobody cares if you're 'in the industry' or not."
"I stressed about the dress code for weeks. Turned out a simple black dress with a vintage mask I found on Etsy was perfect. Everyone was supportive."
Inside Gotham Hall
A Beaux-Arts masterpiece becomes the canvas for surrealist transformation.
Gotham Hall
Originally built as a bank in 1924, Gotham Hall features 70-foot ceilings, towering Corinthian columns, and gilded architectural details. For one evening, this Beaux-Arts cathedral transforms into an immersive surrealist dreamscape—where the grandeur of old New York meets the avant-garde energy of Fashion Week.
NYC (36th & Broadway)
B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W
for formal attire
Which Ticket is Right for You?
Four tiers designed for different preferences. Each provides access to the surrealist experience—the difference is in timing, space, and service.
Less than a dinner for two in Manhattan—for a once-a-year Fashion Week experience you'll remember forever.
Surrealist Circle
- Access to Room 16 overlooking Gotham Hall
- Dedicated hosts and concierge
- Open bar all evening
- Lounge seating (limited)
- Priority arrival window
VIP Experience
- Expedited entry (no long wait)
- Access to VIP-designated areas
- 3 premium drink tickets included
- Full surrealist environment
- Better positioning for performances
Early Entry
- Entry during the opening window
- Witness the space transform
- Access to main areas
- Standard bar access
- First to experience installations
GA Experience
- Entry following peak arrival
- Access to general areas
- Standard bar access
- Full access to performances
- Authentic after-hours energy
Plans Change. We Get It.
Every ticket purchase is protected with flexibility built in.
Pay in 4 with AfterPay
Split any ticket into 4 interest-free payments. VIP Access is just $87.50/payment.
Ticket Protection
Add refund protection at checkout. Life happens—we've got you covered.
Fully Transferrable
Can't make it? Transfer your ticket to a friend at no extra cost.
Last year's event sold out 3 weeks early. Secure your spot now with confidence.
Coming with Friends?
Groups of 4+ get dedicated coordination support. Contact us for group bookings
Decoding the Dress Code
Surrealist Black Tie sounds intimidating. It isn't. Here's how to interpret it.
Think elevated eveningwear with a creative twist—not costume. You can wear traditional black tie with one surrealist element (a mask, sculptural jewelry, or dramatic accessory) or take a more avant-garde approach. The key is intentionality over literal interpretation.
✓ Embrace
- Masks and concealed identity pieces
- Sculptural headpieces or accessories
- Formal attire with surrealist intervention
- Black tie, reimagined with bold choices
- Symbolic jewelry worn unconventionally
- Dramatic silhouettes and proportions
× Avoid
- Casual attire (jeans, sneakers, t-shirts)
- Costume-store novelty items
- Literal or humorous interpretations
- Halloween-style costumes
- Overly literal "surrealist" references
- Anything you wouldn't wear to a gala
Visual Inspiration
Interpretation Ideas
Need help sourcing masks, headpieces, or accessories? Styling support included with every ticket.
View TicketsYour Preparation Checklist
Track your progress as you prepare for the evening. Your checklist saves automatically.
First-Timer FAQ
Everything first-time attendees ask before their first Fashion Week after party.
Absolutely. While The Surrealist Ball draws industry insiders, designers, and models, it also welcomes fashion enthusiasts experiencing their first Fashion Week event. Many attendees are first-timers. The atmosphere is celebratory and inclusive for anyone who appreciates fashion and art. Your enthusiasm matters more than your industry credentials.
The Surrealist Ball is designed to encourage connection. The immersive environment, surrealist dress code, and shared experience naturally spark conversation. Many attendees come specifically to meet new people in the fashion world. VIP and Surrealist Circle tickets include access to more intimate spaces that facilitate networking.
The Surrealist Ball is produced by The Bureau Fashion Week, an established organization with a track record of Fashion Week events. The event takes place at Gotham Hall, a renowned Beaux-Arts venue in Midtown Manhattan. Past events have been covered by Vogue, WWD, and Harper's Bazaar. Over 5,000 guests attended last year's celebration.
The 'Surrealist Black Tie' dress code encourages interpretation, not costume. Think elevated eveningwear with a creative twist—a mask, sculptural jewelry, unconventional accessories, or dramatic silhouettes. You can wear traditional black tie with one surrealist element or go more avant-garde. The key is intentionality over literal interpretation.
VIP Access is ideal for first-time attendees. It provides expedited entry (no long wait), access to VIP areas for mingling, and full immersion in the experience. General Admission works well if you're comfortable navigating independently. Surrealist Circle is best for those wanting a more intimate experience with dedicated service.
Tickets range from $140 (General Admission) to $750 (Surrealist Circle). VIP Access at $350 is recommended for first-timers. Early Access is $225. Payment plans through AfterPay are available for all tiers, allowing you to pay in 4 interest-free installments. View full ticket details above. Last year's event sold out 3 weeks before the date.
We understand plans change. All tickets are fully transferrable—you can send your ticket to a friend at no extra cost. For added peace of mind, ticket protection is available at checkout, which provides refund coverage if something comes up. AfterPay customers can also pause payments if needed.
The Surrealist Ball takes place on February 13, 2026 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM during New York Fashion Week (February 12-15, 2026). The venue is Gotham Hall, located at 1356 Broadway in Midtown Manhattan, NYC.
The evening unfolds as an immersive surrealist experience. Expect live DJ performances, art installations, specialty cocktails, and a carefully curated atmosphere. Guests mingle throughout the grand Beaux-Arts venue. VIP areas offer more intimate settings. The event attracts designers, models, editors, and fashion enthusiasts celebrating Fashion Week together.
Ready for Your First Fashion Week After Party?
Last year sold out 3 weeks early. Secure your spot now.