Barristers Ball 2026

at THE Academy of Natural Sciences

The Info

  • Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

  • Time: 7 PM -12 AM

  • Location: Academy of Natural Sciences

        1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103

  • Food and drink: dinner stations, bar stations

  • Ticket prices*: $65 non-drinking students**, $79 for drinking students**, $135 for guests

  • Attire: Black Tie (Optional)

  • Other specials: TBD (more information below)

  • Hype Week: a week of theme days building the excitement for the Barristers’ Ball (week of November 2-6)

*Subsidies available, more information below


Hype Week

What is Hype Week?

Get ready for Hype Week — the excitement-filled week leading up to Barristers’ Ball! Each day next week will have a fun theme posted on the CSR website and On The Docket.

  1. Follow @pennlawcsr on Instagram

  2. Post a photo/story and tag @pennlawcsr or use #barristershype2026

What are the theme days?

  • Monday: Rep Your Undergrad

  • Tuesday: Twin Day

  • Wednesday: Class Color Day

    •  1Ls: Black

    •  2Ls: Red

    •  3Ls: Blue

    •  LLMs: Green

    •  MLs: White

  • Thursday: Dress Like a Professor or Legal Character

  • Friday: Penn Gear

Show your spirit, join the fun, and help us countdown to Barristers’ Ball!

Ticket Sales

What are the ticket prices?

  • For drinking students: starting at $79 (includes bar for the majority of the evening, food, and drink). Prices will increase to $89 on November 6th.

  • For guests: $135 (includes bar for the majority of the evening, food, and drink). Prices will increase to $145 on November 6th.

  • For non-drinking students: $65 (includes food and non-alcoholic drinks). Prices will increase to $75 on November 6th.

  • Please note that all tickets will have a service fee added to the ticket price on the Cvent portal.

What are the policies pertaining to non-drinking tickets?

For anyone purchasing a non-drinking ticket, you will not be able to get any alcoholic drinks from any bar throughout the event. There is no opportunity to purchase an alcoholic drink. Anyone caught passing drinks may be asked to leave the event. Please respect guests’ decisions not to drink, and do not inquire as to why students are not drinking. Regardless of drinking or non-drinking, guests must purchase the guest ticket option. 

What if I am unable to pay for a student and/or guest ticket?

Student Affairs generously sponsors the Equal Access Fund, which helps to subsidize tickets. To ensure this fund is utilized responsibly, please complete the application only if you would not otherwise be able to attend Barristers' Ball. Equal Access Fund support applies only to student tickets, not to guest tickets. Please do not purchase a ticket before receiving your code. We encourage students to submit their request before Thursday, 11/5, when ticket prices will increase. The link to the Equal Access Fund application is here.

How can I transfer my ticket?

To resell your ticket, please use this GroupMe. Tickets cannot be sold above the price you bought them at (including service fees). The seller must send the buyer a screenshot of the original receipt and must email csrpresident@law.upenn.edu of the transfer (including receipt, buyer, and seller). If you are caught attempting to sell a ticket for greater than face value, your ticket may be canceled.  

Are refunds available?

Refunds are not available, and all sales are final. If you wish to sell your ticket, please do so through the resale GroupMe that will be created shortly.

Event Logistics

What time does the event start?

Barristers' Ball will begin at 7 p.m. and will conclude at 12 a.m. Please come on time to make the most of the fun!

What should I bring on the day of the event?

You must bring two items:

  1. A digital or physical copy of your ticket from Cvent

  2. Some form of government-issued ID (for international students, this could be a passport or a state ID card)

What if I get COVID or am otherwise ill on the day of the event?

If you get COVID or are otherwise sick on the day of the event, please do not come. Make every effort to resell your ticket if you would like. Please do not risk the health of other students who are attending by showing up sick.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is black tie optional (e.g., tuxedo, suit, ball gown, etc.).

Is the venue accessible?

The Hamilton Building at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is an ADA Accessible venue, and elevators are available to access each floor.

Food and Drink

Will there be bar stations?

Yes, there will be bar stations for most of the night. Please drink responsibly. There will be no cash bars.

Will there be food served?

Yes, we will have food stations available throughout much of the evening.

What are the options available for guests with dietary restrictions?

When purchasing a ticket, you will be asked to indicate any dietary restrictions you may have (e.g., Kosher, Halal, gluten-free, vegan), and the venue will prepare food accordingly. All food will be labeled when compliant with various dietary needs. 

Miscellaneous

How do I book a limousine for the event?

Philadelphia has several reputable limousine rental companies. We suggest you reach out to Trophy Limousine, Philadelphia Limo, or Philly Limo Rentals for quotes. CSR bears no responsibility for limo procurement, payment, or other liability.

Will there be parking at the venue?

TBD

How do I request songs from the DJ?

TBD to request songs from the DJ.

Do not drink and drive. CSR bears no responsibility for poor decision-making.