The Academy Book Ball presented by Beyond the Chronicles

Welcome to The Academy – A Weekend Immersive Fantasy Experience

October 30 – November 1, 2026
📍 Billings Hotel & Convention Center | Billings, Montana

Step into the halls of a gothic fantasy academy where knowledge is power, factions rise, and every student becomes part of the story. Across three unforgettable days, you’ll be sorted into a faction, attend immersive classes, engage in challenges, feast, and end your journey with a formal ball unlike any other.

Choose your path or experience it all.

🖤 FRIDAY EXPERIENCE – Initiation Day

📅 Friday, October 30 | 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
🎟️ $185

A full day of immersive storytelling, faction bonding, and academic initiation.
Includes:

• Check-in & faction sorting*
• Faction specific activities
• Two immersive Academy classes
• First access to the Academy Market
• Themed plated dinner + welcome drink
• Opening Ceremony
• Trivia Trials
• Late-night social hour

This is your first step into The Academy, we can't wait to welcome you.

🕯️ SATURDAY + SUNDAY EXPERIENCE – Ascension

📅 Saturday, October 31 – Sunday, November 1
🕗 Begins 8:30 AM Saturday – Ends 10:00 AM Sunday
🎟️ $249

An immersive fantasy academy weekend complete with a full-day of classes and the grand Academy Ball.

Includes:

• Morning check-in & faction confirmation* (for new arrivals)
• Full hot breakfast + welcome ceremony
• Four immersive class sessions throughout the day with Academy professors
• Dedicated break for lunch
• Time to explore the Academy Market (30+ vendors)
• Access to faction check points and interactive spaces
• Immersive challenges and story progression woven into your day
• Free time to prepare for the evening gala

At the Academy Ball:

• Two signature elixirs (21+ or NA options available)
• Heavy hors d’oeuvres and sweets
• DJ, dancing, and music
• Immersive photo backdrops
• Late-night vendor hall
• Ambient surprises throughout the night

Sunday:

• Sunday farewell gathering with cold breakfast
• Closing ceremony and faction winner announcement

This is where rivalries peak, alliances deepen, and legends are written.

🖤🕯️ Friday-Sunday: Full Academy Experience

📅 Friday, October 30 – Sunday, November 1
🕗 Begins 12:30 PM Friday – Ends 10:00 AM Sunday
🎟️ $434

This ticket grants you full access to everything included in the FRIDAY EXPERIENCE – Initiation Day and the SATURDAY + SUNDAY EXPERIENCE – Ascension ticket.

🎁 EXCLUSIVE BONUS

With purchase of the Full Academy Experience you will receive a beautifully curated Academy Goody Bag ($45 value) at check-in, filled with themed items and exclusive gifts only available to full-weekend students.

🧭 IMPORTANT: Faction Sorting Details

Prior to your arrival, you will receive a custom faction sorting quiz designed to align you with the faction that fits your character, strengths, and magical disposition. Upon arrival at The Academy, your sorting will be confirmed, and you’ll receive a physical faction token that must be worn throughout the event. Your faction shapes your class group, activities, and Trials so wear your colors with pride.