On September 20, Minot Air Force Base will once again host its annual Air Force Ball. This year’s theme, “Casino Royale,” promises a night of elegance, celebration, and camaraderie. But the Air Force Ball isn’t just any formal event, it’s a cherished tradition that holds deep significance for many Airmen at any stage of their service. For those who have never attended, this year may just offer the perfect opportunity to experience what makes this annual Air Force tradition worthwhile.
The Air Force Ball is more than just a night out in a hotel ballroom surrounded by your co-workers looking fancy; it’s an opportunity to honor the heritage of the United States Air Force. Each year, the event desires to bring Airmen together to reflect on the proud legacy of the branch. It is a night filled with tradition, pride, and unity that makes the Air Force Ball both meaningful and fun. From formal dress and ceremonial toasts to dancing, dining, and connecting with fellow Airmen, the ball creates an atmosphere of honor and enjoyment that draws people in and reminds them why being part of the Air Force family is something truly special.
For most Airmen, it’s easy to become immersed in the day-to-day responsibilities of service. Life on duty, maintaining planes, posting out or just going to the office everyday can sometimes make the military lifestyle lag. Almost everyone feels drudgery from time to time. But events like the AF Ball serve as a powerful reminder of why they serve. The ceremonial traditions and honored guest speakers share stories of military history and resilience. These nods to military movements and struggles from the past remind everyone in attendance that the Air Force isn’t just a place to work. It is a long-standing organization that has come together despite challenges, wars, and intense loss to bring you the hard-fought place it is today. When done correctly, the ball has the chance to remind activity duty members and even their spouses that they are a part of something greater than themselves by serving. The evening provides inspiration and perspective rarely found in the routine of daily operations.
A common misconception is that the ball is only for senior leadership or officers. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The Air Force Ball is open to all ranks, and it can be especially meaningful for younger Airmen as it offers a chance to experience the pride and tradition of military service in a unique and memorable way.
In a place like Minot, where formal events are few and far between, the AF Ball offers a rare opportunity to dress up and enjoy a sophisticated evening. Many attendees trade in boots for heels, blues for bowties or even swap jackets for legendary party shirts, enjoy a night out with your friends, eat good food, dance and make memories that’ll stick with you long after the night’s over. These are the moments you’ll look back on and say, “Yeah, that was a good time.”
As military spouse and frequent AF Ball attendant, Melvina Murray shared, “There aren’t many opportunities to dress up here in Minot. This is a fun night for people to let their hair down or, in some women’s cases, into a fancy updo! It’s a night of socializing and meeting with Airmen across the wings and squadrons, great food, cake, and tons of dancing.”
If you ask around, I bet your will hear that the AF Ball is more fun with friends, and that’s probably true. But that doesn’t mean attending alone isn’t an option too. Gathering friends or coworkers to attend together adds to the fun sitting with familiar faces, laughing during speeches, and dancing the night away as a group all contribute to a more memorable evening. For those unsure about attending, a quick conversation in the shop, flight, or dorm can reveal others who are also planning to go.

Hannah Powell, a military spouse, who encourages people to attend every year, shares her perspective, “It’s a great night to get adult interaction, and meet new people who you may never cross paths within everyday life. You spend time with your significant other for a fancy date night. As a mom of four, that can be hard with the spouse’s job or getting a babysitter. You get to listen to guest speakers give insight into past and historical events they endured during their time in the military, maybe gain a new perspective. And when the food and speaker are done, everyone is there for a good time and dance party. My favorite part is the party shirts!”
The evening is structured, yet relaxed, starting with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. It’s worth arriving on time—this is the best chance to grab a table with friends, enjoy a drink or two from the bar, and snap some great photos. Once the dinner bell rings around 6:00 p.m., the seated portion of the night kicks off, so get those steps in beforehand! Dinner is usually served quickly, followed by a guest speaker, the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, and then the best part—a lively, energetic dance floor that keeps the night going strong.
Whether stationed at Minot for years or newly arrived, attending the ball offers a deeper connection to the base and the Airmen who serve alongside each other. It is a night to recognize not only individual accomplishments, but the shared resilience and dedication of the force.
For any Airmen still on the fence about attending, this year is the perfect opportunity to join in. Highlights of this year’s event include Casino Royale-themed cocktails, casino table, a commemorative souvenir, and limited on-site childcare. Be sure to grab your tickets early, you don’t want to miss out on this unforgettable night!