Monster Ball
Get ready to howl at the moon!
Monsters of all ages are invited to our annual Halloween celebration! Monster Ball transforms the museum into a spooky playground filled with hands-on activities, crafts, workshops, performances, and more.
This year we’re very excited to announce that the annual Ashland High School Haunted House is moving to ScienceWorks! Guests can choose from two versions of this beloved tradition — the-scariest-of-scary or just-a-little-bit-spooky — so there’s something for everyone.
We’re also thrilled to welcome back Ashland Aerial Arts, bringing their breathtaking performances to the Ball once again. And when it’s time to refuel, Super Smash Bros will be serving up family-friendly fare with options for omnivores, vegetarians, and the gluten-free.
Come dressed in your most creative costume and join the contest, judged by Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) costume professionals Jessie Weigel and Callie Segotta, with OSF actor James Ryen returning as emcee.
Experience three “Bite-Sized ScienceLIVE” performances: Ghost Bubbles, our electrostatic Van de Graaff Generator, and the Vacuum Chamber. Explore our walk-through haunted house in the Celebration Room, try karaoke in the Jam Room, and be among the first to see our newly renovated cave exhibit highlighting Oregon’s unique geology and biodiversity.
Check back often for updates — more surprises and spooky fun will be revealed soon!
Save the date:
Saturday, October 25
4 to 8 PM
$19 - Youth and Students (with school ID for students 18+)
$21 - Adults
*Members will receive one complimentary drink voucher per ticket
Costumes encouraged. Wonder guaranteed.
🎭 Costume Contest 🎭
Show off your most creative look at this year’s Monster Ball costume contest! Whether you’re spooky, silly, or downright adorable, there’s a category for everyone:
- 👶 Ages 0–4
- 🧒 Ages 5–13
- 🧑 Ages 13+
- 💞 Couples
- 👨👩👧 Families & Groups
Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, funniest, and cutest costumes. Every stitch counts, and every costume has a story — what will yours be!
Help ScienceWorks Get Spooky for Monster Ball!
Got extra Halloween decorations haunting your attic or garage? ScienceWorks is on the hunt for gently used décor to help transform the museum into a spooky-fun wonderland for Monster Ball!
We’re looking for pumpkins, cobwebs, skeletons, lights, and other festive frights. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk during museum hours (Wednesday - Sunday, 10 Am to 5 PM).
Sarah Wood's Story
At 17, Sarah Wood was a junior in high school, enjoying one of the best times of her life. She was in the school play, exploring art schools in Portland, and singing anywhere and everywhere she could. She had an amazing voice and loved spending time with her family, especially her sisters, Erica and Stephanie. Sarah also loved being with friends, trying new things, and meeting new people. On weekends, she often did photography, taking senior portraits and capturing special moments with friends.
In September of 2014, her family noticed she had partial facial paralysis when she smiled. Over the next five months, her symptoms multiplied, leading to countless doctor appointments. These symptoms included headaches, nausea, hearing loss, and double vision. In February 2015, Sarah was diagnosed with brain cancer — a glioblastoma multiforme DIPG. She was given 12–15 months to live. After her brain surgery and first round of radiation and chemotherapy, there was no trace of her tumor. She was called an outlier, and her family had great hope she had beaten the cancer.
During this time and in the following years, Sarah inspired many. She spoke at a fundraiser for The Rood Family Pavilion, part of the Ronald McDonald House in Portland. She spoke at Sparrow Club events and reached out to others living with brain tumors or serious illnesses. She touched countless lives while sharing her journey on her Team Sarah page and personal social media.
Throughout her journey, Sarah was supported by many people and organizations, including the Ethan Jostad Foundation, Tumor Hater, Sparrow Club, and Southern Oregon Candlelighters. Sadly, Sarah’s tumor returned. After another surgery, further rounds of chemo and radiation, facial reconstruction surgery, and additional medical procedures, her health declined. Sarah passed away on November 1, 2020.
Her spirit, however, lives on — especially through her love of Halloween. Halloween was Sarah’s favorite holiday. She began planning family and friends’ costumes as early as June and organized Halloween parties and events for loved ones. Sarah would be overjoyed to know that her Halloween spirit continues to shine and that families will celebrate in her honor.
Today, Monster Ball carries Sarah’s joyful spirit forward. What began as her favorite holiday tradition has grown into a community celebration where families can gather, play, and create memories together. Each pumpkin, costume, and spooky decoration is a reminder of Sarah’s creativity, kindness, and love of bringing people together. Monster Ball is more than just a party — it’s a tribute to Sarah and the joy she shared with everyone around her.
lodging
Planning to attend Monster Ball from out of town?
Ashland Springs Hotel is offering a special discounted rate just for our guests. Book directly with the hotel and mention “Monster Ball” to unlock courtesy rates at this historic downtown property. Availability is limited, so reserve early for October 24–27, 2025.
Rooms
$209 — Petite Queen Rooms
$229 — Boutique Queen Rooms
$239 — Traditional King Rooms
$259 — Deluxe View King Rooms
$285 — Soaker View Corner King Rooms
Services
High-Speed WiFi
SNAP Fitness access pass
Gated Parking
Hot Breakfast Buffet
Check out highlights from our last celebration!
Whether you were spooky, silly, sparkly, or strange, we loved haunting the night with you at last year's Monster Ball!
Thank you to our Sponsors and Community Partners!
Interested in becoming a Sponsor or Community Partner for our Monster Ball event?
Email sponsors@scienceworksmuseum.org to learn more.
