The Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball is a masquerade ball and fundraising event based on the children’s book of the same name by Lisa Horstman. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costumes emulating Smoky Mountain wildlife. The event at the Knoxville Zoo features dancing by The Vibraslaps, refreshments from Holly’s Eventful Dining, silent auction, “salamander” look-alike contest, children’s activities, a visit from “Big Red” the salamander and a live “salamander zoo.”

Tickets are $75 per person; children under 12 admitted free.