Although the last few posts in my Jump Back Ball series have been dedicated to the event itself, I wanted to take a break with this latest post and focus on getting ready for the evening.
As a Jump Back Ball first-timer, this was actually one of the bigger things on my mind after buying my tickets. From what to wear, to where do I park or crash after the party, I put this post together to answer a few of the questions I had.
What do I wear to Jump Back Ball?
From Tuxedo Junction and macy's formal section, to vintage shops like The Cleveland Shop or unique local stores like Passport to Peru, there are lots of options in Cleveland to get your blacktie attire or costume and accessories for Jump Back Ball.
Jump Back Ball will be one of the more formal events I’ve been to since college so this question was the first I wanted to answer after buying my tickets. Fortunately, when deciding what to wear, you have a choice between either blacktie or costume.
Because of a Christmas present from Scott’s grandmother (love giftcards!), I opted to go the blacktie route with a dress from Macy’s at Great Northern Mall. Their formal section had a pretty decent variety, especially considering we’re outside of a major party season. They also offer a selection of dresses online if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home during this wintry season.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little more unusual and want to save a bit of money (who doesn’t?), Cleveland offers an assortment of vintage and consignment shops worth checking out. These are also excellent if you’re going the costume route. My personal favorites include what I consider the holy trifecta of costume shopping — Flower Child, Chelsea’s and The Cleveland Shop. Deering Vintage also recently opened up in Tremont, run by Cynthia Deering – the former owner of legendary Suite Lorain. Although not a vintage shop, Designer Consignor comes highly recommended by Clue Into Cleveland contributor @EGrepp. Even if you don’t find a dress or a costume for Jump Back Ball, you’re sure to find jewelry, shoes or other accessories to accompany your outfit.
This weekend I also plan to head over to Coventry Village on the Eastside. In addition to a love for this eclectic neighborhood from my time living in Shaker Heights, I hope to stop by Passport to Peru and City Buddha to see if I can find any exotic accessories to complement Jump Back Ball’s Passport to Party theme.
For male guests, Tuxedo Junction is offering discounts for Jump Back Ball. Any tuxedo rental is $45. The purchase of a new tuxedo package is discounted to $169 and new accessories are 25% off. Of course, you could also bust out your Lederhosen and alpine hat to go along with the Oktoberfest part of the evening.
Another discount being offered to Jump Back Ball guests is with make-up artist Wendy Fitos. She’s offering a 15% discount for makeup needs, as well as 15% off a deep cleansing facial for anytime during the month of February in case you’re looking to rejuvenate yourself before or after a night of partying. Appointments can be made by calling Rocky River’s Renuvo Salon at 440-333-1965 and mentioning Jump Back Ball when booking.
Where do I park for Jump Back Ball?
Google Map of the PlayhouseSquare area. The purple marker is the location of the free parking garage for standard tickets; the peach marker indicates where VIP ticketholders can drop off their car for valet parking in front of the State Theatre.
Jump Back Ball tickets include complimentary parking in the PlayhouseSquare parking garage. When you receive your tickets, you’ll also receive the parking voucher to turn in at the garage’s Chester Avenue entrance. Because of the reconstruction at the Allen Theater, the original covered walkway into the building isn’t currently open. Although it’s plowed and salted, theater-goers do have to take a short walk outside to the auxiliary entrance behind the Allen. (thanks to the comment from Mike for clarification on this!)
If you purchased VIP tickets, you get an upgrade to free valet parking. The complimentary valet parking is accessible on Euclid Avenue in front of the State Theatre and pickup is at the same spot at the end of the night.
What about if I don’t want to (or can’t) drive home?
The Wyndham Cleveland at PlayhouseSquare offers a discounted rate for Feb. 26th - just mention you're attending Jump Back Ball.
The party starts at 7:30 and goes until 12:30. If you have a VIP ticket, it starts an hour earlier. With an open bar all night long, those without a designated driver should not drive home afterwards. Fortunately, PlayhouseSquare has partnered with The Wyndham Cleveland to offer a discounted room rate for Jump Back Ball party-goers.
The $89 (plus tax) room rate for the night of February 26th offers a king-size bed and breakfast for 2 the next morning. The group rate is based on limited availability and reservations must be made by Friday, February 11th. You can call 866-270-6768 or 216-615-7500 and should mention Jump Back Ball when reserving the room.
Hopefully, if you’re a first-timer, this information helps you get ready for the evening. I know that in researching it, it helped figure out a little bit of what Scott and I wanted to do. And not a moment too soon — with the first Shop Night tonight, Jump Back Ball 2011 will be here before you know it.
Jump Back Ball 411:
Re: parking, you might want to clarify that because of the reconstruction at the Allen Theater, the original covered walkway into the building isn’t open anymore. Theater-goers do have to take a short walk outside to the auxiliary entrance behind the Allen. It’s plowed and salted but is open to the elements..
Thanks, Mike, for the correction! I will definitely get that updated!
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