Fairy Tale Costume Fête

Friday, September 25, 2026
7:00 PM -10:00 PM ET (NYC TIME)

To begin our fairy tale weekend, join us for a night of wine, congeniality, entertainment, costume, and the opportunity to revel in the shadow.

We will take our inspiration from Madame Marie‑Catherine d’Aulnoy, who coined the term “fairy tale” in 17th Century France. Madame d’Aulnoy ran a Parisian literary salon during the reign of Louis XIV, in which a group of aristocratic women shared their own contes de fées, or fairy tales. The worlds they dreamt into being were just, equitable, and kind, in contrast to their experience at the Sun King’s court. On festive occasions, they would attend the salon dressed as characters from their tales.

In the spirit of Madame d’Aulnoy, we invite you to join us transformed into a character from your favorite fairy tale, a shadow figure from your own psyche, or a character you wish existed. Our favorites will win prizes!

Image caption: Kay Nielsen illustration for "Felicia and the Pot of Pinks" from Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch’s In Powder and Crinoline (1913)