asking the big questions
What the Hell IS Palentine's Day?
Every year we struggle to explain what Palentine's Day is in fewer than 2000 words. Originally inspired by the mythical holiday "Gal-entines Day," created on Parks & Recreation to celebrate female friendship and empowerment, we've taken the concept a step further because we know that relationships don't stop at female friends and that there are all kinds of love and loving that happen outside the confines of sappy movies involving flannel shirts and cars that reliably run out of gas 5 miles outside of your small midwestern hometown.
Palentine's Day is our unholy salute to complete nonsense and our staunch refusal to let February only belong to the mainstream Hallmark couples. It’s our celebration of all the other relationships that make life spicy: your ride-or-die bestie, your catty coworker you actually like, your brunch coven, your queer chaos crew, your found family, your antagonists-with-benefits… basically everyone except your romantic dinner date. Does that mean you can't bring your SO? Not at all. Bring them. Dress them up in something sexy! But also bring your gay bestie and your BFF and prepare to flirt and fawn with all of them! That's the point. It’s a relationship anarchy circus party with rhinestones, ridiculous props, and a cast of half-baked reprobates who should never be trusted unsupervised.
Why is it a Circus Themed Show?
Because we could - and because February desperately needed the help. Around here, once the holiday glitter settles, Southern Illinois goes full grayscale. Cold, dark, dreary… and not nearly enough opportunities to watch fully grown adults get lovingly bullied by a ringmaster with a whip and heels. So we started asking ourselves: What’s the most delightfully unhinged spectacle we could unleash on our audience in the dead of winter? Naturally, our dirty minds went straight to the circus. But not the cotton candy pink, balloon-animal circus of childhood - no, no. Ours is the after-hours version. A little darker, a little seedier, drenched in red, black, and white sequins, absolutely bursting with trouble, and even more tawdry than our normal behavior.
And hey, honestly? A theme is our FAVORITE. It lets our regular cast members plan acts months in advance, gives some of our favorite guest performers a creative playground, and - real talk - it gives community members who missed out this year a chance to catch up in the future without missing out on all the fun. Every year gets a fresh angle, a new twist, a new slate of acts - but we keep the general circus theme and overall silliness to encourage our audience and the community to dress up, show up, and act out with us. The result? A sexy, chaotic, gothic circus where everyone - onstage and off - gets to shake the winter blues right off their fishnets.
What Should I Expect?
Picture this: you step inside, shake off the February chill, and immediately find yourself pulled into a swirl of games, prizes, and playful chaos before you’ve even found your seat. Think of it as a pre-show warm-up - our way of making sure you start smiling early and don’t stop until long after the curtain call. Our cast of local and lovable carnies and irredeemable reprobates will woo and wow you before the main event has even begun. Once everyone settles in, the real spectacle begins. You’ll get a full stage show featuring drag, burlesque, clowning, live vocals, and other delightful oddities we’re far too polite to spoil here. There will be one 20(ish) minute intermission to refill your drink, stretch your legs, or reapply whatever glitter has migrated to questionable places. After the show, you’re welcome to stick around for a meet-and-greet with the cast - because half the fun is getting to know the troublemakers who just entertained you - purchase merchandise or play any games you missed out on at the beginning.
This is strictly a 21+ event, and you will encounter adult language and fully grown adults who are…let’s say artfully underdressed. Everything important is covered, but if your sensibilities are delicate, you may want to give them a little pep talk before arrival. If you enjoy sass, sparkle, and a touch of scandal, however - you’re in exactly the right place.
Should I Tip Performers?
In short: yes, darling. Tipping isn’t just appreciated at an event like this - it’s very much part of the culture. Think of it like drag etiquette with a theater twist. Our cast pours their hearts, glitter, sweat, sequins, and occasional acrobatics into the show, and tipping is a wonderful way to cheer them on.
That said, each performer has their own style. Some love a hand-to-hand moment; others prefer not to take tips directly because it interrupts the act (or because their costume has nowhere…structural to put it). For those performers, you’ll see our charming Tip Kittens circulating with buckets, and you’re always welcome to toss tips toward the stage like the classy heathen you are.
If you prefer digital appreciation, performer Venmo/Cash App links will be available on the website and on signage at the event. We make it easy to show your favorite sexy chaos gremlin a little love. Our adorable Tip Kittens will be on hand making change, but we strongly recommend bringing some cash to exchange in the event there are issues with credit card readers/venmo etc. This is a show where you will want to show your enthusiasm - and trust us, the performers notice and adore every bit of it.
Is There a Dress Code?
We don’t require anything fancy…but we certainly encourage a little creative fashion. This is a dark, sexy circus after all, and half the fun is seeing what delightful chaos you all show up wearing. Think dramatic, playful, vintage circus, cabaret glam, feathers, sparkles, corsets, bold colors, or whatever makes you feel like the main character in your own scandalous side-quest. If dressing up isn’t your thing, that’s fine too - come comfy, come cute, come crazy, just COME ready to party. You’ll be surrounded by fabulous weirdos either way, so you’re in good company. The short version: Wear something that makes you feel fantastic. And if it twirls, sparkles, or requires double-sided tape? Even better.
Are Photos or Videos Allowed?
We know you’ll want to remember the night (and maybe prove later that yes, that really did happen on a random February evening). But we also want to keep our performers safe, focused, and un-blinded by rogue flashes. Our policy is simple: no flash, no distracting other patrons, and absolutely no full-length video recordings of acts. You’re welcome to take photos before the show, during intermission, and after, especially during the meet-and-greet, when our cast is more than happy to mug for your camera.
During the actual performances, quick, discreet snaps are fine as long as you’re not blocking anyone’s view or turning your phone into a lighthouse. And please, be thoughtful: many of our performers have custom-built acts and hand-crafted costumes that are intentionally kept exclusive to paid shows. Before posting anything online, keep in mind that their performances are their livelihood - sharing surprises, signature choreography, or behind-the-scenes details can unintentionally hurt the very artists you’re trying to support.
Taking photos of yourself and your friends enjoying the night? Perfect - we love that. Grabbing photos with your favorite performers and tagging them to help boost their reach? Even better. Just remember to help protect small artists by keeping their work out of the reproduction-and-reshare cycle.
If you ever have questions, look for our signage or ask a staff member or a Kitten - they’ll happily steer you in the right direction.
Is the Event Accessible?
We do everything we can to ensure all our venues are welcoming and comfortable for everyone. Our venue is a single-floor, wheelchair-accessible space, though please note that the parking lot is gravel, so plan your footwear (and wheels) accordingly. For sensory considerations: we do use amplified sound and theatrical stage lighting, but we do not use strobe effects. If you’re sensitive to bright or shifting lights, just let us know - we can help you find a seat that minimizes direct exposure.
During the pre-show, our games and Kittens will be circulating around the room, but you’ll never be required to move around if that’s not comfortable. Our crew is happy to come to you. Just let us know when you check-in and we'll be sure to visit you during the event at your comfort. If you or someone in your part needs an accomodation, or if you have a question before the event, please send us a message ahead of time. We want you here, we want you comfortable, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure this party is easy, fun, and welcoming for you.
How MUCH Audience Participation Should I Expect?
We love a little playful interaction, and Palentine’s Day has built a reputation for it. You may see our infamous Kiss & Spank Wheel, the Wenches handing out birthday spankings to the most well-behaved (and willing) victims during intermission, or just the teeny-tiny-itty-bittiest bit of cheeky banter from the stage. That said, every act is different, and not all performers engage in audience participation - especially our visiting artists, who each set their own comfort levels. If a performer is engaging with the audience, and you want to be part of the fun, the clearest way to show your interest is to hold your tip money up and wait. Performers will come to you in their own time and on their own terms. This keeps the show flowing smoothly and lets us read your enthusiasm without interrupting the act. Most important of all: Never touch a performer unless they clearly invite you to. Consent is the foundation of a good time for everyone. Both onstage and off.
TLDR: Expect playful shenanigans, light chaos, and lots of chances to join in, but only if you want to. This circus is a choose-your-own-adventure, not a mandatory touchy-feely obstacle course.
Do I Need to Bring Cash?
We recommend bringing some cash so you can tip performers easily and join in pre-show games, prize boards, and other bits of delightful nonsense. Our Tip Kittens can make change, and the bar accepts cards for food and alcohol. We’ll also accept cards for tickets and Venmo for making change at the event - but to avoid any last-minute internet or signal issues, having cash on hand is always the safest bet.
Cash keeps everything moving smoothly and ensures you don’t miss your moment when inspiration (or mischief) strikes.
What is Your Refund or Transfer Policy on Tickets?
All ticket sales are final, and we’re not able to offer refunds. However, if you can’t attend and would like to transfer your ticket to another qualified adult (21+ and meeting all standard requirements), we’re happy to help. Just contact us before the event so we can update the ticket holder information and make sure your replacement is all set for a night of circus-fueled chaos.
Will There Be Food & Drinks Available?
Yes! The vineyard will have their full food and drink menu available, and the bar accepts cards for all purchases. Just keep in mind that our event brings in a very busy evening for them. If you’re planning to eat, we highly recommend checking the menu in advance and, if possible, placing your food order ahead of time so you’re not waiting during the rush. You’ll still be able to grab drinks before the show and during intermission - but a little advance planning will make your night smoother (and tastier).
Is This Event LGBTQ+ Friendly?
Completely (and proudly). Our cast, crew, and community include LGBTQ+ performers and audience members, and events like this thrive on inclusivity, self-expression, and joyful rebellion. Everyone is welcome here as long as they’re respectful, enthusiastic, and ready to have a good time. If you’re queer, questioning, curious, or simply an excellent ally, you’ll be right at home at any of our events. We celebrate all genders, all orientations, all beautiful bodies, and all the brilliant ways people show up as themselves.
Will There Be Merch Available?
Absolutely! We’ll have a selection of Palentine's Day merch, goodies from our guest performers, and plenty of Fine & Bawdy Wenches merchandise for anyone who wants to take a little piece of the circus home. Our merch table will be available before the show, during intermission, and after the event, so leave yourself a little time to browse and treat yourself. You never know what delightful treasures you might find.
What Time Should I Arrive?
If you want your pick of seats, we recommend arriving a bit early. VIP and Priority tickets include reserved seats (and come with a few extra perks), but all other seating is general admission. Getting there ahead of the crowd gives you time to claim your spot, grab a drink, and dive into our pre-show games and cast shenanigans. Alto Vineyards opens at noon that day, and while our cast will be setting up throughout the afternoon, seating for the event will be available starting at 5:00 PM. Feel free to come early, get settled, enjoy a meal, and ease into the chaos at your own pace.
Is there a Code of Conduct?
Yes. We reserve the right to refuse entry or remove anyone for rude, aggressive, disruptive, or unsafe behavior. This includes harassment, unwanted physical contact, excessive intoxication, or anything that interferes with the show or the comfort of others. Please respect performer boundaries (no touching unless invited), be courteous to fellow guests, and follow staff or Tip Kitten instructions. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in removal without refund.