November 22, 2024 - Eureka Springs Jailbird Ball

History of the 1898 Jailbreak

125 years ago, four inmates of the Eureka Springs Jailhouse planned a daring escape! Why, you might ask? For freedom, or to escape the noose? Nope. To attend a local dance!

Crazy, you might think, but we Eurekans love to have a good time. What's even crazier is that when the shindig was all over, the convicts dragged their tired feet back to their cells. The jailer wasn't so happy about their trickery and escape, but eventually allowed them to resume their residence behind bars.

Jailbird Ball – WHAT is it?

To pay tribute to this delicious piece of local history, the Eureka Springs Historical Museum will be hosting the all new Jailbird Ball fundraiser in the fall of 2024. This will be the first in a series of “Time Travel” themed interactive events created by the museum. The Jailbird Ball will feature music and entertainment by DJ Testube and the Melonlight Dance Crew, mugshots, a silent auction of items from the "evidence room", an immersive jailbreak experience, social dancing, and some of the best "prison food" you've ever tasted!

Jailbird Ball – WHEN is it?

The event takes place on the evening of Friday, November 22, 2024 from 6pm to 10pm. Doors will open at 5pm for those who would like some additional time to socialize, look around, and get into character.

Jailbird Ball – WHERE is it?

The event is being hosted at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center, located behind the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks at 207 W. Van Buren in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, just off of Highway 62. Free parking is available on-site.

Jailbird Ball – What to WEAR?

This is a costumed event, with black-and-white striped “jailbird” attire being encouraged for all guests. Please be creative and have fun with your costumes!

Jailbird Ball – HOW MUCH does it cost?

There are three types of tickets available.

$79 - General Admission Ticket includes:
• Event Admission
• Free parking at Convention Center
• Conviction and sentencing
• Mugshots
• Prisoner identity card and rap sheet
• Free Dinner (hot meal, served prison style)
• Silent Auction
• Voucher for free Commissary item
• Performance by Melonlight dancers
• Dance party with DJ Testube
• Collectible Time Travel Club “1898” event pin

$149 - Maximum Security Ticket - SOLD OUT!
includes all General Admission items, plus:

• Expedited front-of-the-line inmate processing and meal queue
• Four scheduled rehearsal sessions with the Melonlight Dance professionals
  (rehearsals are on the evenings of 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm)
• Active role in the simulated jailbreak and Melonlight’s “Jailhouse Rock” performance

$179 - VIP (Very Important Prisoner) Ticket - SOLD OUT!
includes all of General Admission and Maximum Security, plus:

• Jailhouse Survival Gift Set
• Limited edition VIP-only Jailbird Ball t-shirt

Jailbird Ball – Where to BUY TICKETS or get MORE INFO?

Tickets can also be purchased at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum located at 95 S. Main Street in Downtown Eureka Springs. The Jailbird Ball is a fundraiser with 100% of proceeds going to the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Please feel free to call us at 479-253-9417 with questions!