WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg will host its first fantasy ball this winter with “Persephone’s Descent,” an immersive event inspired by the Greek goddess of the underworld.
The ball is scheduled to be held at the Days Hotel by Wyndham on Jan. 24.
The event is organized by Frederick Amspacher, founder of FBE Consulting and Event Planning LLC, who has previously produced themed gatherings in Virginia, like “Bilbo’s Birthday.” He said the idea grew out of a desire to expand fantasy events beyond fairs and festivals.
“The fantasy genre is such an untapped market, and I love it. I’m a huge fantasy nerd, and all the performers I work with are too,” he said. “Persephone’s story is one of the most interesting love stories in mythology. We wanted to create a space that really honors that myth while giving people a chance to escape into something magical for one night.”
Though the organizer has lived in Virginia for seven years, Williamsburg was a new discovery. After touring the venue and strolling the city’s cobblestone streets, the choice was clear.
“Williamsburg has the exact kind of charm I was looking for. It’s walkable, it’s a destination on its own, and the Chamber of Commerce immediately welcomed me into the community. That sealed the deal,” he explained.
Guests can expect a carefully designed atmosphere where music, décor, and performance blur the line between reality and myth. The evening will feature a blend of live performances, immersive storytelling, and interactive elements that bring mythological figures to life.
“The second you walk in, I want you to feel like you’ve stepped into an ethereal fantasy. Maybe you dust off your wedding gown, maybe you wear something wild and otherworldly — but for one night, you get to escape the everyday,” he said.
Even the games will carry a mythic twist: guests will receive handmade pomegranate-stamped coins to use in games of skill and chance, a nod to Persephone’s fateful fruit.
No fantasy ball is complete without a feast. Attendees can expect a spread designed to evoke a royal banquet, with touches of the underworld woven into the menu. Signature cocktails will lean into the myth — yes, pomegranate will make an appearance.
The ball is designed not only as entertainment, but also as a way to invest back into the community. Local vendors, musicians, and performers are integral to the production.
“I don’t want to nickel-and-dime people once they’re in the door. Almost everything is included, and I want local businesses to benefit from it too. If your buddy owns a small shop and makes money from this, that makes the town want us back,” he said.
The event coordinator has been documenting the planning process on his TikTok page, @grumpiergimli, offering behind-the-scenes updates and previews as preparations progress. He intends to continue sharing content in the weeks leading up to the ball, with the goal of keeping the community informed and giving prospective guests a clearer sense of what the experience will entail.
While Persephone’s Descent is Williamsburg’s first fantasy ball, the hope is that it won’t be the last.
“I’d love for this to be an annual thing. There’s so much potential. I like to dream big, but at the end of the day, it’s about giving people the magic they want to see,” he said. “This combines two things I love: fine dining and fantasy. Life is tough right now, and I want to make things a little better for one night.”
The event is designed to be all-inclusive, with food, a drink and entertainment covered by the ticket price. General admission is $150, with early bird tickets at $125. VIP packages start at $176.
Tickets for Persephone’s Descent are available now here.
