Friday, September 25, 2026
7:00 PM -10:00 PM ET (NYC TIME)
Included in the symposium tickets; purchase here.

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. Enjoy the atmospheric decorations created by Rebecca Purcell—and win prizes for your costume!