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About Bowie Ball
Bowie Ball is a glam and drag dance party founded in Chicago by DJ Heaven Malone. Since 2012 we’ve celebrated the life and legend of David Bowie, the legend, the chameleon and the man. So get into the spirit with us: glam it up, dress like a dandy and let’s love the alien with some glitter on top.
DJ & founder
Heaven Malone
Heaven started Bowie Ball in Chicago and has DJed every one since, spinning Bowiesque sets all night long, from deep cuts to sing-along anthems.
The story so far
- 2012
The first Bowie Ball in Chicago
Heaven Malone throws the first party at Rainbo Club.
- 2013
The Next Day
Bowie Ball lands on Bowie’s birthday, the same day he breaks 10 years of silence with a new album.
- 2014
David Bowie Is comes to Chicago
A packed party with the Museum of Contemporary Art to announce its David Bowie Is exhibition. David Bowie and Iman both posted about it.
- 2015
Closing out the exhibition
Bowie Ball coincides with the end of David Bowie Is, followed by the Bowie Birthday Bash at Metro.
- 2016
Blackstar
The winter party celebrates Bowie’s birthday and his final album. That March, the Station to Station tribute at Metro benefits cancer research.
- 2018
The Labyrinth Masquerade
Summer Bowie Ball goes full Goblin King at Berlin.
- 2019
Washington, D.C.
Bowie Ball premieres at U Street Music Hall.
- 2020
Three cities
Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Bowie Blitz in Philadelphia.
- 2022
Bowie’s 75th
Bowie Ball returns at Smartbar.
- 2024
Metro
Bowie Ball moves to Metro for Bowie’s 77th, 78th and 79th birthdays.
- 2027
Bowie’s 80th
The biggest Bowie Ball yet. Date and venue announced soon.
What happens at a Bowie Ball
- Drag & burlesque performances
- Club Bowie DJ sets by Heaven Malone
- Glittery specialty cocktails
- Projection mapping
- Glitter & glam makeover booth
- Bowie costume contests
- Bowieoke
Questions
When is the next Bowie Ball?
January 2027, for David Bowie’s 80th birthday. The date and venue are announced soon. Sign up for ticket alerts to hear first.
How old do I need to be?
It depends on the venue. Recent parties at Metro were 18 and over, and the 2022 party at Smartbar was 21 and over. Bring a valid state or federal ID.
What should I wear?
Glam it up, dress like a dandy and let’s love the alien with some glitter on top.
Where do I buy tickets?
Tickets are sold through the venue’s ticketing partner. We link to them here as soon as they go on sale.
I’d like to perform, partner or write about Bowie Ball.
Email contact@bowieball.com.
Venues & partners over the years
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Metro
- Smartbar
- Berlin
- Rainbo Club
- Eastroom
- Le Nocturne
- U Street Music Hall
- Foto Club
- Adler Planetarium
- 93XRT
- Do312