In Czech, the word ‘bál’ means ‘a formal dancing event’ and translates to ‘ball’ in English. When we think of a traditional ball, we might imagine people in evening attire: floor-length ballgowns, dinner jackets and freshly pressed suits, twirling around a ballroom as a full band fills the hall with classical music. Most modern balls are much the same, but the dress code is looser and the band, or DJ, plays music you can hear from the car radio on your morning commute. The Czech word ‘ne’ means ‘no’, and if you combine it with the word ‘bál‘ you get something enticingly non-traditional, and nothing like your average ball.
Pulling up to Nebál in a taxi, it was immediately clear that this would not be just a ball, or a party, this would be an experience. The grounds of Nova Zbrojovka were filled with fairground rides, stalls, seating areas, and revellers dressed up in extravagant costumes.
As we walked through the main door, we presented our tickets, were given a UV stamp on our wrists and ushered towards a board displaying several large QR codes. By scanning the QR codes, partygoers could join one of four WhatsApp community groups where they would receive announcements about which acts were playing and where, meet other attendees, and complete tasks sent out by the admins throughout the event. Each group had a theme outlined on the board so attendees could choose which community they felt most aligned with; we joined the ‘Explorers’ group. The event’s theme, ‘WE’, was all about community and togetherness, so these fun scavenger-hunt groups really created connections in the crowd.
Once we got inside and started exploring, we could see that the venue was huge yet dark and mysterious, partially illuminated by washes of colourful light and neon signs. We found a number of places to grab a drink or a snack while we took in the atmosphere. There were several musical acts, or artistic performances taking place at any given time, gathering waves of guests dressed in black twisted-formal costumes – think Alice in Wonderland with a splash of black paint. Highlights included the energy of the crowd at Italian duo Hard Ton’s acid-disco DJ set, watching aerial artist Matěj Berka tumble down from the ceiling on a ribbon, and the abrasive, stirring beats of Colombian rapper La Valentina.
Those seeking some private intimacy could take a trip to the secluded ‘hot zone’ for a whipped cream shot with a cherry on top or some alone time in partitioned tents. Take 10 steps in any direction and you’ll find something exciting to do, watch, drink or eat. We stumbled upon a small champagne bar where the purchase of a glass of champagne included access to the flying swans carnival ride in the grounds. We took them up on their offer and twirled around the sky riding a white swan while sipping our bubbly.
Nebál takes the idea of a ball, flips it on its head and swings it from the ceiling covered in glitter. It’s a place where you simply cannot experience ’the fear of missing out’ because there’s something equally as thrilling as the next, around every corner. The only way to miss out is to not go.
Early bird tickets for Nebál 2027 are available here: https://vstupenky.nebal.cz/events/jdunanebal/2411258
