Posters for Mole Day 2026, courtesy of the Bay City Alliance
Bay City, the first major project undertaken by the Moles of the Linden Department of Public Works (LDPW), will be turning 18 on Sunday, May 17th, 2026. Citizens of Bay City will be joining in celebrations to mark the anniversary, with a parade, music and entertainment, and residents from across of Second Life are invited to visit Bay City and join in the celebrations.
Activities will kick-off at noon SLT, with a parade line-up at the band shell in Bay City – Harwich. At 12:30 SLT, the parade will commence its way along the City’s Route 66, and proceed to the Bay City Fairgrounds in the North Channel region for an afternoon of entertainment and fun – see the poster above right for details.
About Bay City and the Bay City Alliance
Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest group for Residents of Bay City.
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The largest fantasy-related event to take place in Second Life, Fantasy Faire 2026, opened its gates to Fairelanders at 12:00 SLT on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. It will remain open through until Sunday May 10th, 2026 inclusive, once again raising money for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) efforts to bring about a World Without Cancer.
As with previous years, 2026 will see a wide range of activities and events taking place at the Faire, with role-play, parties, Jail & Bail, the LitFest, live performances, auctions, and more, together with the using multiple opportunities for fantasy- focused shopping.
The notes below are intended to get Fairelanders old and new up-to-speed with a one-page look at the event as it opens.
If You Are New to the Faire and Other Notes
If you are new to Fantasy Faire, the many regions it encompasses can be overwhelming to the point where you might fill panicked into trying to see everything at once.. But – the Fire is here for two weeks, so you have lots of time to visit, and remember: shopping and sightseeing can be much easier once all the initial rush is over!
The best place to start a first-time visit is Fairelands Junction. From here you can reach all of the regions via the teleport portals, so it makes a good hub for exploring. You can also grab a Fantasy Faire teleport HUD from here (or at the region landing points).
Also:
Keep up-to-date with the Faire and all that is going on through the official Fantasy Faire website.
The Fairelands have their own mythology and history. If fantasy is your thing, be sure to read about the History of the Fairelands.
Fantasy Faire 2026 – UlimHyl
Enjoying a Better Experience / Performance
For the best visual experience:
Make sure your viewer is set to Use Shared Environment (World → Environment) as the regions all have their own environment settings, and several have dedicated day / night cycles.
Try to travel light! Remove heavily scripted attachments you do not require for visiting the Fairelands – including any HUDs you don’t need while visiting (thus reducing things like the texture footprint they take up on your computer and the resources they might claim on the simulator, making the latter a little better for everyone).
Please don’t use particle-generating attachments / effects, they may look pretty on you, but they can really impact performance.
If you use them, turn off Shadows rendering.
When there is no Linden Water visible, set Water reflections to None: Opaque.
Reduce your Draw Distance to lighten loading.
If you’re familiar with it, use the Improve Graphics Speed floater to adjust your viewer’s rendering and performance on-the-fly.
Regions can be busy! So if you teleport into one, be sure to move a little way from the landing point as soon as you can to avoid becoming part of an avatar tower!
And, despite the comments about HUDs above, don’t forget to pick up the Fantasy Faire Teleport HUD for quick and easy access to all the regions!
Fantasy Faire 2026 – Golden Hour
Shopping
Fantasy Faire is very much about shopping. Merchants from across SL can be found in the shopping regions, all of whom offer some of their items through official RFL of SL vendors, so that proceeds of sales go to RFL / ACS.
The Fairechylde will once again be docked at the Faire, spending her time within The Golden Hour region, hosting DJ parties to keep Fairelanders entertained. These parties – live or via Fantasy Faire Radio – will be running right throughout the Faire.
Throughout the run of the Faire will be live performances by musicians, singers, dance troupes and more from across Second Life. Performances will be hosted on the Arts and Performance region of Pixieland.
Fancy a more formal soiree where tuxedoes and gowns are encouraged and an air of mystery is added with eyes behind masks? Then head for the Fantasy Faire Masked Ball. Keep an eye on the 2026 Masked Ball page on the Fantasy Faire website for details..
Fantasy Faire 2025, Misplaced Melody
Events and Activities Highlights
Literature, Theatre and Film Festivals 2026
Now in its 12th year, the Fantasy Faire Literary Festival is being hosted at The Golden Hour, and brings with it a celebration of fantasy in the form of story. The LitFest offers many ways to experience the stories of the Faire and inspire your own tales of journeys, wonders, and adventures.
A core part of the LitFest are the region tours. Held on most days of the Faire at 13:00 and / or 17:00 SLT, offering the chance to explore the Fairelands and seeking the stories they have to tell as well as their special secret places and details. Find out more on the LitFest Tours of the Fairleands page.
A further part of the LitFest is the Poetry Festival (TBA at the time of writing).
The Theatre Festival will feature Talks, Practical Sessions and Rehearsals all focused on stage productions in Second Life, and will include the premiere of a new play, 310788, at the end of the Faire!
The Film Festival is returning for its fifth year at Fantasy Faire. Led by Chantal Harvey and Saffia Widdershins within the Great Library, where there will be almost daily events at 11:00 SLT, including talks, discussions and retrospectives of the works of different machinimatographers.
All Literature, theatre and film festival events take place on The Lost Pages, and the full schedule of these events can be found in the Festivals Calendar.
Once upon a Time, Junction was the only Faireland that returned from the Mysts periodically. Every year, this magical realm changed completely and without explanation. The nature of Junction remains debated by scholars to this day with secrets still to be discovered. On the rare cases other realms returned from the Mysts they were mostly the same. However, the Golden Hour has now returned to the Faire for several years, but like Junction they constantly alter their own appearance.
The Golden Hour had always been seen as a realm devoid of danger. The Order saw the chance to delegate the study of the realm to Scholars and their Squires. The Squires of Garland are apprentice Bards that have not proven themselves worthy of advancement yet. They might not completely understand the orders ideals, but their hearts are ‘mostly’ in the right place. This is their chance to prove themselves.
– from The Squires of Garland and the Mystery of the Golden Hour
This year’s chapter of the Fantasy Faire adventure quest series is The Pilgrim’s Forest (details TBA at the time of writing). Once again the Bard Queen will call upon adventurers bold of heart to purchaser a Quest HUD (also proceeds to RFL / ACS) and follow the clues in a quest of two parts, the first a Fairelands-wide Hunt, and the second focus on the Quest region of ???.
You don’t have to join the Quest as soon as it opens; the prizes are for everyone who completes the adventure, and the Quest will be open right through until the end of the Faire.
June 2026 will mark the 23rd anniversary of Second Life opening to public access – and as we’ve all come to expect, the month will mark the start of several weeks of events and celebrations running into July under the umbrella of the Second Life Birthday (SLB) otherwise know for this year as SL23B.
Dates and Theme
This year the SLB festivities will open on Friday, June 18th, 2026 and will run through until Sunday, July 19th, 2026. The theme for 2026 is The Golden Age of Hollywood, which the Lab describes thus:
Think classic cinema, red carpets, vintage glamour, and the magic of the silver screen. While the theme may inspire many builds and performances, exhibits are not required to follow the theme. We encourage you to share what makes your Second Life experience meaningful. Your interests. Your communities. Your creativity.
However, as has been the case over the last several birthday events, exhibitions are not confined to the theme itself, with the Lab additionally noting:
Every year, we celebrate because of the incredible Residents who bring this world to life. The birthday celebrations are an opportunity to showcase what inspires you and what keeps you coming back.
Volunteer Applications
On Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, Linden Lab announced that Volunteer applications have opened and remain so through until Monday, May 18th, 2026. As noted, exhibitor applications are now open. Key requirements for volunteers are noted below – however, for the full list of requirements, please refer the the exhibitor application form, via the link following these notes:
Volunteers are asked to commit to at least two hour shifts at a time, and to note that as SL23B spans 11 days, LL prioritise applicants who can participate across multiple days. Stage Crew are expected to contribute a minimum total of 8 hours.
Training sessions will be provided across multiple times. All volunteers are expected to complete a training session, regardless of whether they have been volunteers at previous Birthday events. Those failing to complete the required training will be removed from the Volunteer group.
These are volunteer positions, and as such, volunteers will not be paid. Additionally, volunteers cannot rez/wear tip jars or solicit for tips.
Stage Crew:
May not act as personal hosts for performers. You may only host if specifically scheduled as a Stage Host under the official guidelines.
Members should report any issues to their Stage Manager first. Stage Managers are responsible for assigning roles, tasks, and timing.
Greeters should report any issues in the Greeter group and a Mole or Coordinator will assist.
Please note: All enquiries about hosting exhibitions, staging performances or volunteering at the event should be directed to Linden Lab, not this blog.
June 2026 will mark the 23rd anniversary of Second Life opening to public access – and as we’ve all come to expect, the month will mark the start of several weeks of events and celebrations running into July under the umbrella of the Second Life Birthday (SLB) otherwise know for this year as SL23B.
On Friday, March 27th, Linden Lab officially announced the dates and theme of this year’s festivities and opened applications for those wishing to create and host an exhibition within the SL23B event regions, and those wishing to perform on the event’s various stages and venues.
SL22B: The Observatory Stage
Dates and Theme
This year the SLB festivities will open on Friday, June 18th, 2026 and will run through until Sunday, July 19th, 2026. The theme for 2026 is The Golden Age of Hollywood, which the Lab describes thus:
Think classic cinema, red carpets, vintage glamour, and the magic of the silver screen. While the theme may inspire many builds and performances, exhibits are not required to follow the theme. We encourage you to share what makes your Second Life experience meaningful. Your interests. Your communities. Your creativity.
However, as has been the case over the last several birthday events, exhibitions are not confined to the theme itself, with the Lab additionally noting:
Every year, we celebrate because of the incredible Residents who bring this world to life. The birthday celebrations are an opportunity to showcase what inspires you and what keeps you coming back.
SL22B Adult: Odin’s Bar and Grill
Exhibitor Applications
As noted, exhibitor applications are now open. Key requirements for exhibitors are noted below – however, for the full list of requirements, please refer the the exhibitor application form, via the link following these notes:
Applications will be accepted through until Monday, May 18th, 2026.
There will be both General and Adult rated regions available to exhibitors.
Exhibits do not have to be in keeping with the The Golden Age of Hollywoodtheme, as noted above.
Exhibits must not be commercial in nature (e.g. no selling items, no tip jars or the solicitation of donations – this includes tip jars, etc., associated with any performers appearing within an exhibitor space), but gifts may be provided to SL23B visitors.
Exhibits must not have any large, purchased elements in their entirety. Combining elements from several different sources is allowed as long as your final display at SL23B is a unique build created by you and/or your building assistants.
Scripted agents (“bots”) are not allowed. Instead, use a welcome sign with a clickable giver script to offer up information or gift items. You may use a scripted mannequin if a representation of an avatar is needed.
Exhibits to be presented within the General rated regions of the event must be in accordance with the General Maturity Rating (e.g. no nudity –artistic or otherwise–, no Adult animations and/or gestures, furniture, etc, must not contain Adult poses / animations, etc.).
Please note: All enquiries about hosting exhibitions at SL23B should be directed to Linden Lab, not this blog.
SL22B: Astral Athenaeum
Performer Applications
Note: “performers” refers to: DJs, live musicians, singers, dance troupes, theatre groups, particle performers, lecturers, workshop hosts, and community storytellers, etc.
As noted above, performer applications are now open. Key requirements for performers are noted below – however, for the full list of requirements, please refer the the performer application form, via the link following these notes:
Applications will be accepted through until Monday, May 18th, 2026.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a performance slot.
Maturity ratings and requirements:
All performances with the G-rated estate regions must be in keeping with the Second Life General Maturity Rating (e.g. no nudity –artistic or otherwise–, no Adult animations and/or gestures, furniture, etc, must not contain Adult poses / animations, etc.).
Performers applying for slot on the event stage within the Adult rated region will be permitted more explicit lyrics and adult attire.
Set-up time, props and tip jars:
All performances are limited to one hour (including set-up time).
There is a 350 LI allowance for props and rezzable items for DJ and live music shows. A limited DJ set-up is allowed (e.g. spin table, speakers, small light emitters/effects) – but performers should not create set / backdrops that cover the entire stage.
Dance troupes or other performing groups requiring purpose-built stages might be permitted up to 1000 LI, as deemed appropriate by the Mole Coordinators.
Performers are asked to show up one hour in advance of their scheduled performance time in order to make sure everything is working and ready.
If you are more than 30 minutes late, the stage crew will call in a replacement to keep the event running on time.
DJs, live artists and people performing on the designated events stages are permitted to rez one low-prim tip jar. Donation kiosks are not allowed.
All performers are required to provide their own audio stream for SL23B. Please ensure your stream is active and tested during your pre-show setup window to avoid delays or disruptions.
The Second Life Voice feature will not be available on the stages. A limited number of performances at the auditorium stage will allow the voice feature if pre-planned.
New Year 2026 will get off to a musical start in Second Life with the opening of the month-long Hippiestock festival on January 1st. Originally a day-long music event founded by Hippie Bowman as a way to for him connect directly with friends he’d made through the Second Life forums, the event has grown over the years to allow music fans from across Second Life to come together fun and music and to embrace the “hippie philosophy”, once described by Hippie himself as:
[A belief] in peace as the way to resolve differences among peoples, ideologies and religions. The way to peace is through love and tolerance. Loving means accepting others as they are, giving them freedom to express themselves and not judging them based on appearances. This is the core of the hippie philosophy.
– Hippie Bowman, January 2011
For 2026, Hippiestock will be taking place throughout January within an immersive Flower Power themed region created by CK Ballyhoo, with music and live events coordinated by Owl Dragonash. Key activities throughout the festival include:
General Events
Tuesday DJs:
January 6th: – Dinky Day with DJ Zed at 10:00 and Uli Jansma at 12:00 noon.
January 13th: 10:00 – DJ Samum (10:00); 12 noon – LiTo DJ Team.
January 20th: 11:00 – Ari’s Piano Set; 12:00 noon – DJ Holocluck.
January 27th: 10:00 – DJ Marnie Morningstar; 12:00 noon – DJ Jeff Randall.
Wednesday Live performances:
January 7th: 12:00 noon – Lluis Indigo; 13:00 – Ed Lowell.
January 14th: 12:00 noon – Ronnie Mayes; 13:00 – Laidback Celt.
January 21st: 11:00 – Mark Taylor; 12:00 noon – Mr Wobbit.
January 28th: 11:00 – Joe Paravane; 12:00 noon – Lluis Indigo
Drum circles and social gatherings throughout the festival.
Hippiestock 2025
Special Events
Thursday, January 15th – Feed A Smile Day in support of Live and Learn Kenya. Featuring:
11:00 – Steve Who.
12:00 noon – Mavenn.
13:00 – Bsukmet.
Saturday, January 17th – Hippestock LIVE! Featuring:
09:00 – Hippie Bowman.
10:00 – Alsund.
11:00 – Lluis Indigo.
12:00 noon – Joe Paravane.
13:00 – Shannon Oherlihy.
14:00 – Jed Luckless.
Thursday, January 29th, 12:00-14:00 – Flower Power with DJ Anna Butterfly.
So for some great music and the chance to peace out, why not slip into something suitably flowing and emblematic of the ’60s, put some flowers in your hair and join the Hippiestock fun throughout January?
Wednesday, December 31st 2025 will once again see Bay City celebrate the turning of the year with their annual Prim Drop festivities.
An outdoor, formal dress event, the Prim Drop is open to all Second Life residents, with festivities opening at 23:00 SLT at the Bay City Fairgrounds in North Channel. Marianne McCann will be providing the music and fireworks in a 2-hour extended DJ set, and food and drink will be provided.
This will also be the final opportunity for 2025 to donate to Child’s Play Charity, a US 501c3 non-profit organisation which helps seriously ill children around the globe during their hospital stays with the purchase of games and gaming equipment. So even if you can’t make it to the event itself, do please consider taking a couple of minutes out of your SL day and stopping by the Bay City Fairgrounds and making a donation via one of the collection bins there.
About Bay City and the Bay City Alliance
Bay City is a mainland community, developed by Linden Lab® and home to the Bay City Alliance. The Bay City Alliance was founded in 2008 to promote the Bay City regions of Second Life and provide a venue for Bay City Residents and other interested parties to socialize and network. It is now the largest group for Residents of Bay City.
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 