The Black Cat Ball

The Black Cat Ball is the Official Party of the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards. This year’s ball is Montresor’s Masquerade, a Cask of Amontillado-themed evening of masks, music, wine tastings, and subterranean secrets at historic Westminster Hall.

In honor of the 180th anniversary of “The Cask of Amontillado,” we invite you into one of Poe’s most wickedly irresistible tales: a carnival night, a rare wine, a smiling host, and a friend led just a little too far into the dark. Montresor promises Fortunato a taste of Amontillado. What follows is one of literature’s most infamous acts of revenge, sealed in brick, stone, and perfect Poe fashion.

Dress in carnival finery, Victorian mourning, masked splendor, or your most decadent Poe-inspired attire, then join us for a night of gothic revelry worthy of Poe’s darkest imaginings.  This party is 21+ only. 100% ID check. 

All tickets include:

• RavenBeer & Wine Reception
• Performance by Baltimore's own acclaimed Poe actor, David Keltz
• Curated wine pairings and specialty culinary stations throughout historic Westminster Hall
• 2026 Saturday ‘Visiter’ Awards Ceremony
• Montresor’s Masquerade Dance Party with DJ Marty and special guests
• A graveside toast to Edgar Allan Poe

VIP Add-On Experiences: 

Fortunato's Descent: Catacombs Tour & Performance (presented by Poe's Cafet Theatre & featuring David Keltz)

For guests who desire a more decadent descent into darkness, Fortunato’s Descent: Catacombs Tour & Performance Add-On offers an intimate experience beneath Westminster Hall. A limited company of only 50 guests will follow a perfectly harmless host, Montresor himself, into the famed Westminster catacombs. You, dear reveler, shall play the part of his trusting Fortunato.

There are shadows beneath the hall, whispers behind the stone, and, we are told, a delightful Amontillado you simply must try. This experience is now SOLD OUT.

Begin the evening at the Ballet

Before the masquerade begins, Black Cat Ball guests are invited to experience Ballet 5:8’s The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe at Baltimore’s historic Hippodrome Theatre. A special offer for Ball guests includes deeply discounted premium seating for the performance. After the final curtain, meet Poe Festival staff in the Hippodrome lobby and join a candlelight procession through downtown Baltimore to Westminster Hall, where Montresor’s Masquerade awaits.

NOTE TO POE FESTIVAL ATTENDEES: The Black Cat Ball takes place away from the festival grounds at Westminster Hall, 519 W. Fayette Street in Baltimore. Paid parking is available at garages within one block of the venue.