Children’s Fairyland is celebrating the magic of spring with an event especially curated for the forever young at heart. Fairyland’s Mad Tea Party is the year’s first of five Happily After Hours 21+ events held at Oakland’s legendary storybook theme park.
The immersive adults-only Alice in Wonderland-themed party will feature Wonderland mischief and theatrical surprises, a proper tea party, local food trucks, sweet Wonderland-inspired treats, a DJ with a black light dance floor, and surprise activations throughout the park. Guests can explore the iconic park, sip on curated cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and other beverages, and feel free to express themselves with imaginative attire, whimsical accessories, or elaborate outfits. Costumes are highly encouraged, but not required.
Mad Tea Party is centered around a proper tea party at the park’s famously loved Jack and Jill Hill with a live DJ playing atop the hill, turning the space into a whimsical world of tea, beats, and Wonderland treats. Guests can enjoy a cup of tea, themed sweets, and party favors while cabaret performers bring Alice in Wonderland to life with meandering vignettes and circus surprises. The Red Queen makes cameos throughout the evening and other performers roam the park creating wandering theatrical mischief for all to enjoy.
Fairyland is a playground for the inner child of every grownup in attendance at Mad Tea Party. Guests are invited to hop aboard the Jolly Trolly for delightful evening rides, play inside of the Alice in Wonderland tunnel and maze, and explore other storybook sets like the Old West Junction and many, many more. With 10 acres of lush gardens, attractions, water features, and whimsical structures, there is something magical to discover with every corner turned.
This year’s Mad Tea Party welcomes back crowd favorite DJ heyLove*. Bay-Area born DJ heyLove* blends jazz, R&B, hip-hop, house, and global rhythms into soulful, genre-defying sets. She has shared the stage with artists like Robert Glasper and Questlove, bringing a signature warmth and depth to every set. She’ll be spinning choice cuts under a black light dance floor where guests can enjoy a unique experience of moving with music in the Merry Meadow, under the Oakland stars in neon colored revelry.
Fairyland’s Gift Shop will be open for the event where guests can find an array of adults-only merchandise rolled out for the evening and can also purchase their own copy of Fairyland’s signature piece of magical merch: the Magic Key. The newest color “All Heroes Wear Pink” was recently released and will be available on the evening of Mad Tea Party.
Happily After Hours: Mad Tea Party (21+)
When: Friday, April 24, 2026 | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA
Cost: $28 per person | $23 for Fairyland Members
More information and tickets are available HERE.
New this year: Tiered Tickets
A stanchioned top of the Dragon Slide becomes an exclusive VIP lounge for a select group of people who want to enjoy an elevated experience featuring champagne, bottle service, and gorgeous photo ops. While this year’s Gilded Chrysalis Experience is completely sold out, it’s set to become a consistent feature of the annual event.
Children’s Fairyland, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is America’s oldest storybook theme park. Nestled on the shores of Lake Merritt since 1950, Fairyland is renowned for stimulating children’s imaginations, creativity, and desire to learn through educational programs, fairy-tale sets, tot-sized rides, storytelling, reading, and play. Located at 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, California, Fairyland is committed to providing a magical experience for families with children ages eight and under.