The Surrogate's Courthouse is one of the most ornate Beaux-Arts interiors in the city — marble staircases, carved ceilings, a working courthouse since 1899 — and for one night it fills with dinner jackets, gowns and casino tables across two floors. Dionysus layers ballet and opera performances, a red-carpet runway and a five-hour open bar on top of the Casino Royale theme. If you've been waiting for a reason to wear black tie somewhere genuinely grand, this is it.
What to expect
Arrive dressed for a red carpet: black tie is strictly required. Inside, guests move between floors of casino tables, bars and performance moments, with ballet and opera staged within the courthouse's marble halls and a runway show as part of the night.
Good to know
- Black tie is strictly enforced — plan formalwear in advance.
- The event is 21+; bring a valid photo ID.
- All tickets are full access, so there's no separate VIP tier to navigate.
- Take the 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall, the J/Z to Chambers St, or the A/C to Chambers St.
- Tickets are sold through the RSVP page; check there for availability before heading downtown.
- The building is an active courthouse and landmark, so expect security at the entrance.
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Common questions
What should I wear to the Dionysus Fall Gala?
Black tie is strictly required.
Is the gala open to under-21s?
No. The event is strictly 21+.
Where is the Surrogate's Courthouse?
At 31 Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan, across from City Hall Park.
