Saturday night marked the 25th annual Jump Back Ball, put on by Playhouse Square Partners to benefit the Playhouse Square Foundation. The theme was Jump Back Under the Big Top: The Greatest Party on Earth and #JBB25 lived up to this superlative!

Matthew and I were looking forward to our fifth Jump Back Ball, but we also had the pleasure of attending with friends Sara and Ron, who were JBB first-timers. I always get excited for Jump Back Ball, but I found myself having an even better time getting to show off this amazing night to people who hadn’t been before.

When we arrived at the State Theatre for the VIP cocktail hour, we found the lobby filled with glamorous guests, delicious drinks, and entertaining circus performers from The Amazing Giants.

We headed into the Connor Palace Theatre for dinner. This year, VIP tickets included a sit-down dinner prepared by Driftwood Restaurants and Catering. The Connor Palace Theatre stage was beautifully decorated (I loved all the hanging parasols).

Dinner included beef Wellington and crab cake, as well as a fun rainbow-colored cake treat. I enjoyed being able to relax and eat a sit-down dinner before a full evening of dancing and drinking!

From dinner, we headed back to the State Theatre for the party. The decor and activities at this year’s Jump Back Ball were great, from the large circus animal cage to the kissing booth to the wine pull, which incorporated a skill element with the ring toss.

Radio Active rocked the main stage and there was a whole lot of dancing going on, fueled by the Buckeye Vodka ice luge martinis, no doubt.

By the time The Sunrise Jones took to the stage in the State Theatre lobby and the hot pretzels and late-night bites from Bin 216 were served, everyone agreed that Jump Back Ball looks pretty amazing at 25!

So, what made it such a fabulous night? The decor was spot-on and made the circus theme something both glamorous and fun. The music and activities were great. But really it’s the friends who made it such a perfect evening.

The compilation of friends new and old, who all come out to support the amazing cultural center of Playhouse Square, made the evening so perfect.

So cheers to another wonderful Jump Back Ball! I am so proud of all my fellow Partners who made the evening such a success and can’t wait for another 25 years of fun!

***Disclosure: I was asked by Playhouse Square to help promote Jump Back Ball. In exchange, I received one complimentary ticket when I purchased a ticket of the same value. Also, I am the co-chair of the Playhouse Square Partners Education Committee. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***