Monster Ball
In Memory of Sarah Wood
Save the date:
Saturday, October 24, 2026
4 to 8 PM
$19 — Youth and Students (with school ID for students 18+)
$21 — Adults
10% off for members
Kids ages 2 and under are free
Costumes encouraged. Wonder guaranteed.
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.
Activites include:
- 🎪 Ashland Aerial Arts — Breathtaking aerial performances return to Monster Ball!
- 👻 Ashland High School Haunted House — Brave your way through a spooky student-created haunted house.
- 💃 Group Dancing with Creative Dance for Children — Learn easy, fun dances that everyone can join!
- 🕷️ Meet the Giant Metal Spider — Come see our brand-new giant metal spider sculpture.
- 🧪 ScienceLIVE with Ash Friend — Get ready for some mind-bending science magic!
- 🎤 Jam Room Karaoke — Sing your heart out in your own private karaoke booth.
- 💀 Community Ofrenda — Our community partners are bringing back the Ofrenda for another year of remembrance and celebration.
- 🌮 Food Truck — Grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the festivities!
With the exception of food and drink, all activities are included with admission.
Silent Auction
Get ready to bid on some amazing experiences at this year’s Monster Ball Silent Auction!
We’re thrilled to offer a selection of packages that will make your Halloween night even more exciting. From bottles of wine and tasting experiences with Dana Campbell Vineyards, to relaxing 2-night stays at an Ashland or Gold Beach Airbnb, there’s something for everyone. Art lovers can try their luck with a stunning print by Betty LaDuke, adventure seekers can enjoy a Rogue River trip, and ScienceWorks fans can grab a package including an annual membership and goodies from the Explore Store.
Costume Contest
Come dressed in your most creative costume and join the contest, judged by Oregon Shakespeare Festival costume professionals Jessie Weigel and Callie Segotta, with OSF actor James Ryen returning as emcee. 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 (Friday - Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM).
Looking for a Halloween party venue that’s anything but ordinary?
From October 16–31, rent ScienceWorks while it’s decked out for Halloween! Explore hands-on exhibits, spooky science, creepy-crawly bugs, and atmospheric decorations. With spaces ranging from classrooms to the theater and full exhibits hall, your Halloween party will be one to remember!
Email info@scienceworksmuseum.org to inquire.
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 23 - 25, 2026.
Rooms
$224 — Petite Queen Rooms
$233 — Boutique Queen Rooms
$242 — Traditional King Rooms
$260 — Deluxe View King Rooms
$287 — Soaker View Corner King Rooms
Services
*High-Speed WiFi
*SNAP Fitness access pass
*Gated Parking
*Hot Breakfast Buffet
Ashland Hills Hotel is offering special Monster Ball attendee rates. Simply call to book and make sure to note that you will be attending Monster Ball. Book now for discounted rates from October 23 - 25, 2026.
$260 — Champagne Suite
$260 — Manhattan Suite
$204 — Jr. Two Queen Suite
$223 — Premium Two Queen
$186 — Premium King
$176 — King
*Outdoor Jacuzzi
*On-site Cafe
*Fitness Center & Tennis/ Pickleball Courts
*On-Site Parking
*Complimentary Bike use
Monster Ball 2025
A huge thank-you to everyone who braved the rain and joined us for 2025’s Monster Ball! We absolutely loved seeing your amazing costumes and feeling your energy and excitement fill the museum. Despite the drizzle, there was a big buzz in the air — the kind that only happens when community comes together.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals, businesses, and community partners who helped make Monster Ball such a success, especially Ashland High School Theatre students, Ashland Aerial Arts, Arpeggio Wines, Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, Creative Dance for Children, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Vintage Vibes Soda, Super Smash Burgers, and the family of Sarah Wood. We think Sarah would feel pleased.
Thank you all for bringing your spirit, creativity, and curiosity to ScienceWorks. We can’t wait to see you again this year!
Please enjoy these photo highlights from Monster Ball 2025
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.
