Black Tie Roller Ball

The Black Tie Roller Ball is a unique cultural gathering that brings the skating community together for an evening of 'Elegance on Wheels' at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. As a centerpiece of the 'Late Night @ the MAH' series, the museum converts its Solari Gallery into a one-night-only skating rink. The event series is designed to offer after-hours entertainment, blending performance, film, and music for the public in a museum setting.

Participants at the ball utilize traditional skates, inline skates, and rollerblades, with the museum providing skate rentals for those without their own equipment. The atmosphere is energized by live DJs, such as Ksaun Harvey and Tsu AlI, who provide a soundtrack for skaters navigating the gallery floor. A notable tradition during the event includes a festive 'skate train' that winds through the museum's atrium.

This event is a rare occurrence, as the gallery space is only available for such a transformation a few times each year. Organized with help from the local skating community, the party draws enthusiasts from across the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Attendees often enhance the festive environment with illuminated wheels and attire that reflects the evening's formal-leaning theme.