FAQ


31 Skulls Showcase & Auction: Tickets & Attendance



How can I attend the Showcase & Auction?

To join our live auction event, navigate to the "Buy Now" button on the site and select your ticket type.


What's included with my ticket?

RIP Tickets (Really Important People): Open Bar (Beer/Wine), dedicated RIP seating areas for individual ticket holders and tables for group ticket packages, After Party access, and exclusive perks.

Skullduggery (GA): Includes 2 drink tickets, first-come-first-served seating, After Party access, and full access to the event program.

(Check your ticket type for exact inclusions.)


Can I buy tickets to the Showcase & Auction at the door?

We recommend purchasing tickets in advance. A limited number may be available at the door, depending on the event's capacity.


Are tickets refundable or transferable?

Tickets are non-refundable. If you can't attend, you may transfer your ticket to another guest-please email sharon@localcolorsj.org to update names.


Is there an age requirement for this event?

No.


31 Skulls Showcase & Auction Event Logistics


What time should I arrive?

Doors open and the silent auction starts at 6:00 PM. The Live Auction will start promptly at 7:00 PM. The main program, live auction, and silent auction will wrap by 9:00 PM, followed by the After Party!


Event Schedule & Auction Details

Doors open at 6 PM. We recommend arriving promptly to enjoy drinks and place your silent auction bids before the main event begins.

  • The Auction: 34 skulls total will be available.

  • 6 PM Silent Auction: 24 skulls can be bid on throughout the evening in the Silent Auction.

  • 7 PM Live Auction: 10 hand-selected skulls will be auctioned live starting at 7 PM.


The Auction: 34 skulls total will be available

  • 6 PM Silent Auction: 24 skulls can be bid on throughout the evening in the Silent Auction.
  • 7 PM Live Auction: 10 hand-selected skulls will be auctioned live starting at 7 PM


Why are there 34 skulls and not 31? 

The more, the scarier! Local Color collaborates with nearly 100 Artists each year. Although the event started with 31 Skulls, we always aim to invite additional Artists to ensure that we have at least 31 Skulls, plus some extras for attendees to choose from.


Additional Entertainment:

  • Ghost photobooth

  • Raffle featuring a signed Sharks jersey, tickets to local arts & cultural venues and experiences, food & drink gift cards, and more

  • Dessert Bar

  • NEW THIS YEAR: 31 Skulls After Party! Dance your bones off to DJ Ambitious Outsider & Crew.


Where can I park for the event?


Public transportation:


Is the venue accessible?

Yes, the venue is ADA accessible, with designated entrances and restrooms. Please reach out ahead of time if you need additional accommodations.


Auction & Payments


What is the "Bidder Number"?

Upon entering the event, guests will be assigned a "Bidder Number." This unique number is used to bid on artworks in both the Live and Silent Auctions, purchase merchandise, make a donation, and buy raffle tickets.


What is the difference between a Silent Auction and a Live Auction?

Live Auction: 10 skulls selected by Local Color Staff will be live-auctioned by a professional auctioneer from KLM Auction House. Guests raise their Bidder Number to place bids; the highest bid wins.

Silent Auction: 21 skulls adorned by Local Artists will be available in the Silent Auction. To participate, write your Bidder Number and name on the bid sheet in front of each skull you wish to bid on.


When do the auctions start?

  • Silent Auction: Begins at 6:00 PM and concludes at 9:00 PM.

  • Live Auction: Begins at 7:00 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 8:00 PM.


How do I know if I've won a Skull?

GiveSmart will notify guests if they win a silent auction item. Live auction winners will be announced during bidding.


If I win a Skull, when do I receive it?

Once payment is complete, guests can take their skull or item home the night of the event. Our staff and volunteers will carefully pack it after confirming payment. If you can't take it that evening, we'll arrange a time after the event to collect your piece.


Can someone else pick up my item if I can't stay until the end?

Yes-please notify staff, and we can release the item to your designated contact once payment is confirmed.


How do I pay for auction items if I win?

All payments are processed through GiveSmart at check-out. You can pay with a credit card, check, or cash. Staff and volunteers will be available to help. Checks made out to Local Color are also accepted.


Why must my credit card information be on file to attend?

Our auction provider, GiveSmart, requires a credit card during registration to streamline bidding and donations. You will not be charged without your authorization-this simply makes check-out faster and easier if you choose to participate.

GiveSmart protects your information using SSL encryption and a secure payment gateway. The platform is fully compliant with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and SOC 2 standards, ensuring rigorous safeguards against breaches and cyberattacks.


How do I add a credit card on file?
You can add your credit card directly through GiveSmart - this ensures a smooth check-in and faster checkout for auction items.
Follow these step-by-step instructions here

I cannot attend the auction in person. Can I still bid?

No, to participate, you must attend the event. The silent auction will be done in person only.


Food & Drinks


Will food and drinks be served?

Guests will enjoy light bites from the Sweet & Savory Altar and drinks available throughout the night.

  • RIP Tickets: Hosted local beer and wine.

  • Skullduggery (GA): Includes 2 drink tickets.

(Additional beverages will be available for purchase)

Please note that a full meal is not available on-site. We are providing light bites at the Sweet & Savory Altar, so please plan accordingly.


Dress Code


What is Goth-Formal? Do I have to dress up?

You should wear whatever makes you feel great! Goth Formal, Freaky Fresh, Halloween Classic-dressing up is highly encouraged but not required. Past attendees have fun with the theme, and there will be an award for Best Dressed: "Dressed to Thrill."

What will you wear?


Eternal Night After Party


What is the Eternal Night After Party?

The After Party begins at 9:00 PM and goes until 12:00 AM. It features an all-vinyl DJ set by Ambitious Outsider of Flipside Lovers.


Is the Eternal Night After Party 21+?

Yes, the After Party is 21+.


Is the Eternal Night After Party included with my RIP or Skullduggery (GA) ticket?

Yes, all guests are welcome at the After Party.


Can I buy a ticket just for the Eternal Night After Party?

Yes! You can purchase a ticket just for the Eternal Night After Party.


Support & Sponsorship


Who can I contact for support?

For any technical issues with GiveSmart or event-related questions, contact sharon@localcolorsj.org.


I'm interested in sponsoring the event. How can I do so?

We'd love to connect! Please reach out to hello@localcolorsj.org for sponsorship opportunities.


Fundraising Impact


Where does the fundraising go?

Funds raised directly support Local Color's mission to build equitable pathways for creatives to thrive through:

  • Public art projects, including murals and installations

  • Affordable studios for local creatives

  • Workshops and community events that connect the community to art

Participating Artists have been given the option to keep up to 20% of auction proceeds or make a complete donation to Local Color.


How can I support Local Color during 31 Skulls?

  • Bid on a skull during the auction

  • Purchase any of our merchandise

  • Purchase raffle tickets

  • Make a public, meaningful contribution during the program

  • Make a general donation via GiveSmart by CC, check payable to Local Color, cash, or directly here: localcolorsj.org/donate


I can't attend the event. Is there another way I can support Local Color?

Absolutely! You can:

  • Make a direct donation to Local Color via GiveSmart or Fundrazr

  • Spread the word and encourage others to attend!