The Elizabethtown Ball
On Sunday, October 18, 2026, step beyond the ordinary and into history at the Elizabethtown Cocktail Reception, Dinner & Ball. This is more than a gala. It is a once-in-a-generation, fully immersive experience celebrating the people, places, and stories that helped shape Elizabeth and America. Guests will journey through three historic landmarks, enjoy horse-and-buggy transportation, gather for an elegant cocktail reception, and conclude the evening with a historical engagement dinner, music, and dancing at the Elizabethtown Ball. Together, we will walk in the footsteps of those who came before us, honor Elizabeth’s remarkable legacy, and write another page in history.
Date, Time & Location
📅 October 18, 2026
🕰️ 5:00PM – 10:00PM
📍 The Snyder Academy of Elizabethtown at 42 Broad St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Ticket Information
For the price of $250 you can experience this signature Gala in Elizabeth! Join us for The Elizabethtown Cocktail Reception, Dinner & Ball, an elegant evening celebrating New Jersey's First Capital. Travel by horse-drawn carriage to the First Presbyterian Church and enjoy a festive Cocktail Reception followed by a commemorative dinner, and venetian hour dancing the night away at the Revolutionary Ball. Dress in Colonial Elegance and become part of a living portrait honoring the people, places, and stories that shaped America.
Where History Comes Alive
For 250 years, Elizabeth has stood at the crossroads of history. As New Jersey's First Capital, Elizabethtown witnessed the birth of a nation, welcomed presidents and patriots, nurtured visionaries, and continues to inspire generations. Join us as we conclude the Elizabeth Celebrates America 250 commemoration with an unforgettable evening of elegance, history, music, and celebration. This is more than a gala. It is a once-in-a-generation complete immersive experience where you will be transported back in time to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors as we collectively write another page in history for Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Dress the Part. Become Part of History.
For one unforgettable evening, Snyder Academy will be transformed into an elegant celebration of Revolutionary-era Elizabethtown. Guests are invited to become part of this living portrait of America's 250th Anniversary by attending dressed in Colonial-Victorian era inspired attire. Whether you choose simple black tie / formal attire, or authentic 18th-century clothing, military dress, descendant family attire, or elegant formal wear with colonial-inspired wigs and accessories, your participation will help bring history to life.
Suggested Attire
- Authentic 18th-Century (Colonial-Victorian) Period Attire
- Military Dress Uniform
- Colonial-Inspired Formal Wear
- Black Tie Optional
- Garden glam encouraged — Choose shoes that love the lawn: wedges, flats & block heels are your friends!
Together, we will create an unforgettable evening where history truly comes alive!
An Evening to Remember
5:00 PM: Cocktail Reception
Meet at Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church to raise a glass and connect with friends, old and new. Enjoy hors d'oevres, signature cocktails, and historical exhibits.
7:00 PM: Dinner
Savor a beautifully prepared dinner as we honor Elizabeth's rich history and the people who shaped our nation
8:45 PM: The Ball Begins
Ride in a horse and buggy to Snyder Academy of Elizabethtown to join the historical ball. Step back in time as the music begins and the ballroom comes alive. Indulge in delightful desserts, fine coffee, and meaningful conversation. Celebrate the night with fellowship, laughter, and dancing as we create memories to last a lifetime.
America 250th
The Elizabethtown Cocktail Reception, Dinner & Ball is the signature gala of Elizabeth Celebrates America 250 and a part of Union County's Four Centuries in a Weekend celebration.