A Food Experience by Jennifer Rubell

If it’s been a hot second since you got done up and hit the town in all of your glory in support of an important cause, you should probably clear this Thursday night (May 31)…and Friday morning.

One of our all-time favourite fundraisers, Power Ball, will take over the sprawling Power Plant Gallery for an indoor/outdoor night of sensory overload, discovery, culinary creations, and no shortage of networking with Toronto’s most influential and interesting art and party enthusiasts. Do we have your attention yet? Catering to everyone from the city’s seasoned artists, to society page staples and young professionals of all backgrounds, Power Ball kicks off summer in the city with an affair that fuses art, music, food, fashion, and society.

Presented by fashion label Max Mara, Power Ball XX invites guests to eat, drink, and be merry in celebration of the coveted event’s big, bacchanalian birthday celebration. This year, guests are encouraged to tap into their carefree, playful side with a carnival-themed affair that celebrates Power Ball with everything from a custom installation with over 2000 Krispy Kreme doughnuts and other food options straight from the fair, to no shortage of costume-wearing guests who are dressed for the carnival.

The evening kicks off at 7 pm, as the big top opens for a pre-party reception of carefully curated food from top Toronto spots like DaiLo and RAW Catering, with beverages from Spirit of York Distillery, FIOL Prosecco, and Seedlip. In addition, guests will experience eats as works of art via unique multi-sensory food installations by London-based duo Bompas & Parr – the “real-life Willy Wonkas,” who will invite guests to eat with all their senses.

At 9 pm, the party turns from refined and civilized to a boisterous bash that cuts no corners when it comes to arousing the senses and pushing the limits. In addition to flowing cocktails and enough gourmet carnival grub to ensure guests won’t leave hungry, Power Ball will dish up no shortage of like-worthy Instagram material with things like a larger-than-life balloon installation by Ana Rewakowicz that’s designed to evoke a sense of belonging, a hyper-simulating technicolour room by Dominique Petrin, and a digital piece by Jennifer Steinkamp that will leave guests pondering the intrinsically sexual nature of fruits up close and personal.

Leaving no corner of the Power Plant untouched, the bathroom experience will even come with a side of art, thanks to an installation by Anitra Hamilton. The fashion-lovers will appreciate a showcase of Max Mara’s Fall/Winter 2018 collection onsite, offering visual stimulation and outfit inspiration. If live music is a deal-breaker when it comes to dropping dollars on charity events, you’ll be happy to know that the event will include performances by Sophie Jones, Prince Innocence, and Tona on the Prose Management & Boozer stage. Guests can expect all-dressed corn dogs and chili cheese fries from Kungfu Dawg’s shiny new hot dog cart and a preview of the new restaurant Zebu Steak + Bar through its food truck.

For those with deep(er) wallets, a well-curated silent auction will offer things like curated vacations, unique dining experiences, wine tastings, and wellness experiences (to name a few). Other party perks include a voyeuristic circus-themed booth by Toronto-based tattoo studio Ink & Water, live graffiti art, fresh-shucked oysters from Oyster Boy, and an interactive installation by CXBO Chocolates, inspired by nostalgic fairway games.

Power Ball raises vital funds for the contemporary art gallery, enabling the waterfront gallery to offer the best in contemporary art though free exhibitions, public programs and events throughout the year. Tickets are now on sale online, starting at $175 for the main Power Ball party and $500 for the Pre-Party reception.

Check out Power Ball 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.

Top events this summer 2018
In Photos: Street Style at Square One

Erin Davis