St John's May Ball is one of the biggest and most iconic events in the Cambridge calendar. The 2026 edition takes place on Tuesday 23 June, and while details are still emerging, here is everything we know so far.
The Basics
Tickets start from £225 for Johnians, £280 for external students, and £275+ for alumni. They're available through tickets.mayball.org. With a capacity of roughly 1,800 guests, St John's is one of the largest May Balls in Cambridge — but tickets sell out fast, often within minutes of release.
The dress code is Black Tie (white tie optional), or formal national dress. Most guests go with a standard dinner jacket and bow tie or a formal dress — no need to hire tailcoats unless you want to.
Theme: Revealed on the Night
True to tradition, the St John's committee keeps the theme under wraps until guests walk through the gates. This is part of what makes the evening special — the entire production is a surprise. Past themes have ranged from the fantastical to the cinematic, and the committee typically transforms every corner of the college grounds to match. Expect the unexpected.
What Makes It Special
St John's has a few things going for it that other balls simply cannot replicate. The college sits on both sides of the Cam, connected by the Bridge of Sighs — one of the most photographed structures in Cambridge. The annual fireworks display over the river is legendary, and the grounds offer a huge canvas for stages, food stalls, and entertainment areas.
The ball is annual, which means the committee has a well-oiled machine and strong institutional knowledge. That consistency shows in the production quality. If you have been to a John's ball before, you know what to expect in terms of polish. If you have not, it is worth the experience at least once.
Getting Tickets
Tickets go on sale through the official site and tend to sell out very quickly. If you miss the initial release, keep an eye on the MayBall.com marketplace for resale tickets later in the term. You can also join the waitlist directly through the ticketing platform.
The ball runs its ticketing on MayBall.com, which means you get Apple Wallet passes, a fair queuing system, and a built-in marketplace for ticket transfers.
Plan Ahead
If St John's is on your list, do not leave it to chance. Sign up for alerts on MayBall.com so you know the moment tickets go live, and check out the St John's directory page for the latest updates as they are announced.