Elementa FAQ

Logistics

Important details everyone should know:

  • This is a ticketed event. You may only attend if you purchased a ticket on the Elementa: Fantasy Ball Eventbrite website and can show your ticket QR code or printed ticket with QR code at the door. The Elementa Realm will open for ticket holders even if it rains as the bulk of the event is indoors or covered.

  • This event is 21 and up! Ticket holders will be carded at the door, so have a valid ID on your person. No valid ID, no entrance. No valid ID, no alcohol.

  • Each person is permitted one small purse or bag ONLY. Multiple bags and large bags/backpacks are not permitted. All bags are subject to search to keep our event safe.

  • No smoking or vaping is permitted inside the Choo Choo, Frothy Monkey, and Gate 11.

  • No firearms are permitted at this event, even with a permit.

  • There will be no refunds offered for ticket holders as this is a fundraiser for The Magic of Literacy, a local nonprofit dedicated to making diverse and inclusive literature more accessible to the Chattanooga community. 

  • You are allowed re-entrace, but will need to show your ticket QR code again. No alcohol is allowed off premises.

  • To ensure the safety of our attendees, performers, and volunteers, there will be a safety and security team on site. Please note you will be asked to leave without refund if you violate the code of conduct.

Arrival Information

  • The Elementa Realm will open for one night only! 

  • Join us at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo for this one-of-a-kind fantasy ball event. While the ball itself will take place in the dome (indoors), the Elementa experience includes the Choo Choo gardens, Gate 11 Bar & Distillery, and Frothy Monkey. We encourage attendees to explore the entire space as you never know what you’ll find!

  • The event has different start times, depending on what tickets you hold, so be sure to check your email before the event to make sure you know what time to arrive.

  • Any High Fae or Noble ticket holder who purchased an Elementa Tavern Meal package should arrive at 4:15 pm for their dinner seating at 4:30 pm.

  • High Fae ticket holders can arrive at 5:30 pm and doors will open at 6:00 pm.

  • For our Noble ticket holders, you may arrive and line up at 6:15 pm as doors will open at 6:30 pm.

  • Any Reveler ticket holder who purchased an Elementa Tavern Meal package should arrive at 6:15 pm for their dinner seating at 6:30 pm.

  • Revelers may line up at 6:30 pm as doors will open at 7:00 pm.

  • The ball will end at 10:00 pm, but if you’re still wanting to frolic, head to The Boneyard for the Elementa After Party where a portion of your $10 door cover will benefit Magic of Literacy! The after party will begin at 9 pm and end at 1 am and will feature fire & LED glow performances and beats by DJ Theo CULTT.

Parking

When you arrive at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, there are several parking options:

  • Valet parking is available in the circle at the front of the Choo Choo building (on Market Street). This is operated by the Chattanooga Choo Choo and is not affiliated with Elementa or Magic of Literacy.

  • You may also park in the pay-to-park parking garage next to the Choo Choo.

  • There are a few pay parking lots on Station Street that you are welcome to use; just note that you must pay the associated fee.

  • Street parking is also available, though make sure if it is metered, you pay the associated fee.

  • The Chattanooga Choo Choo, Magic of Literacy, and Moms for Social Justice are not responsible for any parking fees incurred during the event.

Ticket Tiers

The High Fae ticket includes:

  • Early Event Entry at 6:00 pm for the VIP Hour which will include:

  • Admission to the Secret Library where you’ll receive a mystery book from the shelf

  • Tarot Readings (available free of charge to High Fae in the Secret Library; first come, first served)

  • Event Swag Bag (includes screen-printed event tote bag, handmade event bookmark, and more!)

  • Two drink tokens for themed cocktails (served in the dome near the aerial rig; will have the choice between an aerial pour from a performer or Prosecco)

  • Exclusive Performances in the Elementa Lounge (Gate 11 Bar & Distillery)

  • Early Access to the Enchanted Vendor Market (outside in covered breezeway)

  • Early Access to flash tattoos by Velvet Ink (first come, first served; located in Frothy Monkey)

  • Fantasy DJ & Dancing (inside the dome)

  • Access to 360 Video Experience

  • Exclusive Magical Cirque Performances

  • Interaction with Costumed Characters

  • Exclusive Photo Opportunities (High Fae ticket holders will receive one or two photos taken by the event photographer as well as access to an edited gallery of photos after the event via email)

  • And so much more!

The Noble ticket includes:

  • Early Event Entry at 6:30 pm

  • One drink token (to be used for one themed cocktail/mocktail from Gate 11 Bar & Distillery)

  • Exclusive Performances in the Elementa Lounge (Gate 11 Bar & Distillery)

  • Early Access to the Enchanted Vendor Market (outside in covered breezeway)

  • Early Access to flash tattoos by Velvet Ink (first come, first served; located in Frothy Monkey)

  • Exclusive Magical Cirque Performances

  • Access to 360 Video Experience

  • Fantasy DJ & Dancing (inside the dome)

  • Interaction with Costumed Characters

  • Other Photo Opportunities

  • And so much more!

The Reveler ticket includes:

  • General Admission Entry at 7:00 pm

  • Access to the Enchanted Market (outside in covered breezeway)

  • Fantasy DJ & Dancing (inside the dome)

  • Costumed Characters

  • Photo Opportunities

  • Magical Cirque Performances

  • Access to flash tattoos by Velvet Ink (first come, first served; located in Frothy Monkey)

  • And so much more!

Accessibility

The back entrance to the dome from the Choo Choo gardens and courtyard is an accessible entrance. Frothy Monkey has an accessible entrance in the front of the building. The restrooms, Frothy Monkey, and Gate 11 are all accessible from within the dome. If you need help or accommodations, please let an event volunteer know. Your inclusion and safety is important to us!

Code of Conduct

This event is dedicated to providing a welcoming, respectful, and safe experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, appearance, or race. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Participants are expected to behave professionally and respect personal space.

By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines:

  • Be Respectful: Treat all participants, cosplayers, volunteers, speakers, and performers with courtesy and kindness.

  • Be Inclusive: We welcome all races, genders, abilities, etc. and want it to be a safe and comfortable space for marginalized groups.

  • Harassment Policy: We have zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, or discrimination. This includes unwelcome sexual attention, offensive language, or disruptive behavior.

  • Cosplay is Not Consent: Wearing a costume does not give permission for unsolicited touching, photographing, or harassment. Always ask for permission before touching a person, their props, or taking a photo, and respect a "no".

  • Safety First: Do not engage in illegal activity or act in a way that threatens safety. Stay hydrated and aware of your surroundings. There will be water stations throughout the dome, so please use them!

  • Performances & Performers: Under no circumstance should any attendees be under the aerial rig (located in the dome) unless instructed by volunteers/staff for aerial pours. Also, do not touch or interfere with performers. It is a safety hazard to both the performers, other attendees, and you!

  • Weapons: Ideal props are made of foam, cardboard, or lightweight plastics, featuring no sharp edges or moving parts. The following are prohibited: real firearms (even with permits), functional projectile weapons (Nerf/airsoft/bows), metal swords (even blunt/sheathed), heavy bats, whips, and explosives. All bags are subject to search.

  • Alcohol: While this is a 21+ event and alcohol will be present and available for purchase, we ask that attendees avoid excessive drinking to foster a safe environment. We also ask that you use ride share services at the end of the evening to keep the roads safe.

  • Smoking: No smoking or vaping is permitted inside the Choo Choo, Frothy Monkey, and Gate 11.

  • Outside Food & Drink: Do not bring in any outside food or drink. These items are prohibited. 

  • Consequences: Violators of any of the above may be removed from the event without refund, banned from future events, or reported to authorities. 

Offerings for purchase

  • Elementa will be a cash-free event for the safety of everyone.

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails are available for purchase in the Elementa Lounge (Gate 11 Bar & Distillery) with a valid ID.

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as snacks and other fare are available for purchase in the Elementa Tavern (Frothy Monkey) with a valid ID.

  • Elementa merchandise will be available for purchase and will benefit Magic of Literacy! Please consider buying these items to support our non profit and mission.

  • A 360 video experience (think “glambot”) from Mountain Media will be available for a small fee for Reveler ticket holders in a room off the dome (This feature is included for High Fae and Noble ticket holders).

  • Please peruse the Elementa Enchanted Market and Author’s Row outside in the breezeway and Choo Choo gardens for unique wares and fantasy books by independent authors. These folks are all locals and have been specifically chosen, so please support them if you can!

  • Flash tattoos provided by Velvet Ink are first come, first served in Frothy Monkey. They accept Venmo for payment. No cash. Please be sure to tip your tattoo artist for their beautiful work and designs. Any questions regarding tattoos should be directed to Velvet Ink.

  • The Elementa silent auction can be viewed in the Elementa Tavern (Frothy Monkey) throughout the evening. All bids must be in by 9:15 pm. Must be present to win.

  • Love the performers and performances? Please show them by tipping! Look for QR codes to tip the talented performers in the event program.

  • Coat/Bag check is available to all ticket holders for a suggested donation of $3. Items will be left at your own risk with a vetted volunteer.

  • The Chattanooga Choo Choo, Magic of Literacy, and Moms for Social Justice are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

What is a Fantasy Ball?

Elementa: A Fantasy Ball is an evening to step into another world. This immersive event is inspired by a love for fantasy literature and media. We believe that these fantasy stories can and do change lives and we wanted to offer attendees the opportunity to live in the Elementa Fantasy Realm - just for one night.

What is Elementa 🧚?

Elementa is a realm inspired by the four elements: earth, fire, water, and air. Together, we will celebrate the uniqueness of each element, but also what binds them all together to create life. Each attendee has the opportunity to become a resident of the four elemental courts for the evening. You may decide for yourself or you may take this quiz to discover whether you are part of the Earth Court, Fire Court, Water Court, or Air Court.

There will be interactive opportunities at the event that involve your elemental court, so we encourage everyone to participate!

What should I wear?

We want everyone to feel free to have fun with their attire. Some attendees will be wearing large ball gowns while others might be wearing armor or a suit. We also understand that formalwear can be expensive, so please wear what you are comfortable in. Dress as your favorite fantasy character or be inspired by the elements - the choice is yours!

What to expect? 

Our main goal for this event is for attendees to have fun and celebrate literacy! We encourage you to explore the space throughout the evening, as there is much to see and experience. In the main Choo Choo dome area, you’ll find  performances from the Chattanooga Circus Collective as well as a live set from DJ Amy Darling. Visit the Elementa Tavern (Frothy Monkey) for themed drinks and bites throughout the evening as well as flash tattoos from Velvet Ink and a curated silent auction. The Elementa Lounge (Gate 11 Bar & Distillery) awaits those who seek elemental themed spirits and mocktails. You’ll also want to venture outside into the gardens to peruse the Enchanted Market as well as Author’s Row. In a room off the dome, you’ll find 360 videos that can truly capture your incredible costume from head to toe. And don’t forget to look for the Kings and Queens of the elemental courts as well as other beloved fantasy characters in cosplay!

What is this fundraiser for?

To support Magic of Literacy, a brand new 501(c)(3) non profit in Chattanooga. We at Magic of Literacy believe every child deserves to see themselves reflected in books, and therefore work hard to provide all children in our community access to diverse and inclusive books for free. We do this by installing classroom and community libraries, hosting literacy events, and by donating books.

Our annual flagship event, Magic of Literacy, will be on October 24th at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. This family friendly event is an entirely free experience to our community that brings reading to life. Attended by thousands, Magic of Literacy features fire dancers, cosplayers, crafters, and local businesses. Bring the entire family to experience the magic of books and reading and to celebrate diverse and inclusive literature. Every child leaves with a free book! Save the date!