Each year, Cleveland’s social calendar includes numerous “must-attend” events, and Jump Back Ball is no exception. JBB is a vibrant fundraiser that invites people to come out and party for a cause: raising money for field trips and school buses to Playhouse Square so that students get to experience one of the best theater districts in the country. This gathering of young professionals, community leaders, and art supporters is an annual tradition, and this was year 35. In 2026, the event returned with a fresh theme and renewed energy under the banner “BLOOM: Unlock the Magic of the Secret Garden.”
On the last Saturday of February every year, at the historic Key Bank State Theatre at Playhouse Square, the Partners- the official young professionals group of Playhouse Square- transforms the theatre with moody lighting, impressive props, and guests that are all too happy to take the stage, both literally and figuratively.
This year, my first Jump Back Ball, the theatre was transformed into a lush secret garden full of color, music, celebration, and friendship. Guests donned floral and garden-inspired attire to match the theme.
The Beginning:
At 7:00 pm, VIP entrance began. The theater was covered in florals with a fairy garden lobby centerpiece. With classical pop being played on strings, the first hour of Jump Back Ball felt like a page out of a scene from Bridgerton. Well, except for when a few other partygoers and I decided to assist the instrumental version of “Pink Pony Club”.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Jump Back Ball is an all-inclusive experience as far as food and beverages are concerned. Cocktail hour included items like bacon-wrapped dates with almond slivers, avocado deviled eggs, Goan fish tuna cones, and a braised beef grilled cheese. Signature cocktails included a hibiscus sunset made with Tito’s and a lavender lemonade with lavender syrup and lemon vodka. Both cocktails hit the trifecta: beautiful, delicious, and efficient at the task at hand. There were also non alcoholic signature beverages available, and of course, the standard spirits for a cocktail bar. Food included: buddha bowls with a variety of bases like quinoa, kale, or cilantro lime rice. Your choice of add-ons includes proteins like chicken, citrus steak, or tofu, harissa roasted carrots, za’atar roasted cauliflower, blistered green beans, pickled red onions, pumpkin seeds, feta, and a few different sauces. If Buddha bowls weren’t your thing, they also served a phenomenal cucumber, fennel, and herb salad, Mediterranean chopped salad, beef empanadas, sweet potato and black bean empanadas, apricot-glazed chicken, and fried ravioli.
They said they were not serving dinner, but if you come hungry to jump ball, you will leave stuffed. They serve heavy appetizers and the emphasis is definitely on the “heavy” portion of that.
The Options
At 8 pm, people waded into the State Theater for the main event. The stage was transformed into a full dance floor, complete with a live band, tables for guests to stand and eat, and a few food lines. Aisles offered VIP seating areas, photo ops, and more.
Some attendees got to JBB and wanted to add a little razzle dazzle, and they did with a face painting station where ivies and florals began to grace the faces of various partygoers.
Remember, this is a celebration of the arts. This means that in addition to gorgeous props that would make a dramaturge pause, this event had elegance with strings, relatability with pop performances on the stage, and a DJ for the lobby party who genre-blended a little bit of everything for everyone. Several of these things are happening concurrently, so float around and work the room.
(NON)Dancing Queens:
While some of us attendees were definitely dancing queens- and don’t worry, they did play that, others of us would like to avoid rhythmic displays at all costs. Not to worry, there were casino games upstairs. With Roulette tables and several blackjack tables, people quickly moved to swap cash for chips and test their luck.
What to Wear
Guests showed up and showed out: Florals, bold colors, and garden glam. Some leaned whimsical, others went full red-carpet botanical. If you’re new to the event like I was, please note- the vibe is upscale but playful–elegant but unbuttoned. With costumes, such as a garden gnome, several flowers, a beekeeper and his bee, a few fairies, and someone dressed as Adam from the most secret of secret gardens (Eden), creativity is encouraged. For this one, it was apparent you could dress it up in full ballgown glam or people dressed down, in jeans and bold, bright colors or florals.
My Overall Take
JBB is an annual tradition for many, but it was my first time. I had a blast at this event, talking to strangers, commenting on cocktails, and celebrating the arts for a really good cause. Every glass raised, every meatball eaten, every note we belted from our hearts, whether on or off key, created an incredible energy that only comes when the city gathers in celebration and cultivation. This year’s theme, BLOOM, felt especially apt as we partied with a purpose.
My recommendation is that if you have not been to this event, you should plan to attend. The VIP experience is $200, but well worth every penny. Where else can you get a live band, string ensemble, a DJ, an all-you-can-eat and open bar experience, along with costumes, great ambiance, casino games and raffles? Come hungry, thirsty, and even friendless. Jump Back Ball will remedy that. Next year’s theme is unknown at this time. It’s never announced until fall. Whatever next year’s theme is, we encourage you to find out, dress up, and come out and get fly for philanthropy.
