Goose Ball
Saturday, May 30, 2026 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Address:
62 McCaul Street, Port Hope
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Category:
Celebrations
Event Details:
New York has the Met Gala. Port Hope has the Goose Ball.
On Saturday, May 30th, the community is invited to gather at the Fall Fair Centre inside Port Hope’s Town Park Recreation Centre for the annual Goose Ball, an inclusive celebration of art, self-expression, and community.
Known as the “Ball for us All,” the Goose Ball offers a fun, welcoming alternative to traditional gala events, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds for a night of creativity, costumes, music, and interactive experiences.
This year’s theme is Under the Sea. Come dressed as your favourite artist or artwork, create an ocean-inspired look, or simply “be the art”. Costumes are encouraged, but never required! Come as you feel your best.
The evening will feature live sea shanties and pirate music by Matt Marcuz, a runway show with costume contests and prizes, runway and dance party tunes from DJ Jasper, and a special performance by the Port Hope Artistic Swimming Club.
Guests can also explore immersive art experiences including “Submerged Cinema,” a live puppet installation, interactive art activities, live photobooth sketches, and a sea cove screening of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea presented by the Vintage Film Festival.
Food and refreshments will be available at the Castaways Canteen featuring Loco Loka and the Bewdley Lions Club Food Truck. The festivities also include a fortune-telling Merman, and a Pirate Ship experience hosted by the Shriners. The evening will be emcee’d by Northumberland’s beloved On-Air Radio Host — York Bell-Smith.
Event Details
Saturday, May 30th
6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets
$25 Individual
$15 Youth (Under 25)
$45 Household (Up to 5 people)
Additional household members: $5 each
$150 Business Ticket (Up to 10 colleagues)
Plus, this year to ensure that everyone has a chance to attend the Goose Ball, we have a Pay What You Can option.
Proceeds from the Goose Ball help support free arts programming and accessible creative experiences within the community.
For more information, please visit: criticalmassart.com/goose-ball
To buy tickets, please go to: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1988693603101?aff=oddtdtcreator
Events:
5:30 p.m. – Doors Open
Arrive, sign in, and step into the underwater world of the Goose Ball! Enjoy live roaming music from troubadour Matt Marcuz as the evening begins. 🌊✨
6:30 p.m. – DJ Set + Experiences Open
The vibes begin with music from DJ Jasper while guests take photos with the amazing pirate ship and get their portrait drawn in the Live Sketch Photo Booth. 🏴☠️📸
7:00 p.m. – Opening Remarks
Gather for a warm welcome from our emcee, meet the evening’s runway judges, and get ready for a night of creativity, performance, and celebration. 🦢
7:10 p.m. – Special Performance
Enjoy a special Under the Sea-inspired performance by the Port Hope Artistic Swimming Club and live music from Matt Marcuz. 🧜✨
7:30 p.m. – Community Runway Show
The Goose Ball runway comes alive! Watch community members showcase their incredible themed looks while DJ Jasper provides the soundtrack. 🌊🐠
8:00 p.m. – Costume Contest + Performances
Contest judging begins alongside another special performance, followed by costume contest announcements, prizes, and celebration of the evening’s standout looks. 🏆✨
8:30 p.m. – Pirate Songs with Matt Marcuz
Sing along and soak in some seaside spirit with a lively set of pirate tunes performed by Matt Marcuz. ⚓🏴☠️
9:00 p.m. – Dance Party
The runway turns into a dance floor as DJ Jasper closes out the night with an Under the Sea dance party! 🪩🌊
6:00–9:30 p.m. – Lion’s Food Truck Open
Grab a bite and fuel up for an evening of dancing, runway moments, and ocean-inspired fun. 🍟
6:00–10:30 p.m. – Castaways Cantina Open
Loco Loka will be in the cantina serving drinks and a special themed menu throughout the evening. Raise a glass to creativity and community! 🍹✨
6:00–11:00 p.m. – Pirate Ship Experience Open
Climb aboard for photos, exploration, and immersive pirate-themed fun all evening long. 🏴☠️🌊
Location: Location
Category: Category
Close to Home, Far from Ordinary
Historic Port Hope is Ontario's favourite small town.
