At a Glance
- Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Meow Wolf Grapevine’s Cosmic Cabaret turns The Real Unreal into a 21+ after-hours celebration.
- Nightshade Burlesque headlines with new, exclusive acts.
- Guests enjoy live DJs, VR performers, tarot readings, and a midnight champagne toast inside the exhibition.
Why it matters: It offers a unique, immersive New Year’s Eve experience in Dallas-Fort Worth, blending art, music, and interactive entertainment.
Meow Wolf Grapevine’s Cosmic Cabaret invites visitors to step into a transformed exhibition space for a night of performance, exploration, and celebration. From 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 31, the gallery morphs into a vibrant after-hours party that blends live music, immersive characters, and a countdown that culminates in a champagne toast.
What’s Happening
The event features an eclectic lineup of performers and DJs. Nightshade Burlesque, the award-winning gothic and alternative troupe, presents new acts crafted exclusively for the Cabaret. Peppercast’s real-time VR telepresence performers roam the space, while a Tarot Storyteller offers readings as the new year approaches.
**Jamie Weaver-Garia, General Manager of Meow Wolf Grapevine, said:
> “The Cosmic Cabaret is one of our favorite celebrations of the year. It is exciting to see The Real Unreal transform for a night filled with performance to begin the new year inside a space built for imagination.”
Performers & DJs
The lineup showcases a mix of local talent and immersive technology:
| Performer | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nightshade Burlesque | Burlesque & Drag | Gothic and alternative troupe known across DFW, presenting exclusive acts for the Cabaret |
| Peppercast | VR Telepresence | Real-time virtual performers that interact with guests in the physical environment |
| Circus Bitties | Circus Arts | DFW-based troupe delivering movement and character across themed realms |
| DJ Bella Scratch | DJ | High-energy open-format DJ blending soul, hip hop, rock, pop, and electronic |
| DJ L A S | DJ | Atmospheric, genre-blending sets shaped by electronic textures and ambient influences |
| Mars | DJ | Curated grooves rooted in dance culture and late-night club energy |
How to Experience
Guests have full access to the exhibition after hours, moving between live DJ sets, special entertainers, and unexpected encounters. The event culminates with a collective countdown inside the gallery, followed by a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
Tickets & Access
All tickets grant entry to the entire Meow Wolf Grapevine exhibition. The Cosmic Cabaret is a 21+ event; a valid physical ID is required for admission.
Key Takeaways
- Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.** marks the opening of the 21+ Cosmic Cabaret.
- Nightshade Burlesque leads the show with exclusive new acts.
- The evening blends live DJs, VR performers, tarot readings, and a midnight champagne toast.
The Cosmic Cabaret promises a night of imagination, music, and celebration that redefines New Year’s Eve in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
