BUFFALO, N.Y. — Often dubbed one of the spookiest sites in Buffalo, Statler City’s haunted past came to great use Saturday night when it was transformed for the Witches Ball, and organizers had brilliant plans to turn the already stunning space into a macabre affair with a throwback theme.

“The theme for this year’s event is 'A Bloody Good Time,' which is a cheeky play on words," said event organizer for the Witches Ball, Jessica Marinelli. "In Britain, they say bloody brilliant, bloody good time, it means very, so we want people to have a very good time."


What You Need To Know

  • The Witches Ball returned to Statler City, kicking off Halloween Weekend in Buffalo

  • This year's theme was "A Bloody Good Time," inspired by British Glam Rock from the 1980s

  • The venue ties into the festivities, as the Statler Hotel has a history of alleged hauntings and paranormal activity

  • This year's event featured a silent disco, live bands, an art maze, and a virtual costume contest

New this year was an art maze curated by Buffalo Art Movement, designed to provide the ultimate selfie environment.

“We have worked with eight local artists and they have created some amazing original works for this event,” Marinelli said.

The showcase of art is in line with the event’s mission of supporting local creators.

"We’re very proud that we hire a hundred to two hundred artists, musicians, DJs, actors, muralists now, and really try and feature artists and acts that may not get to be featured other times of the year," Marinelli said.

The hard work of reimagining the Statler paid off as the mezzanine level was transformed into a silent disco dance floor, the Gregorian Room a private area for psychic readings, and the open space of the main floor a place to host the backdrop for this year’s virtual costume contest.

“It’s everything; it’s Rocky Horror, it’s queer culture, it’s punk, it’s getting to be yourself for a night, to be other parts of yourself. It’s just a wonderful vibe,” Marinelli said.