Sheri’s Ranch is hosting its Togas and Temptations party later this month. Here’s everything you need to know.

It sounds almost like a fairy tale. A woman missed out on getting to dance the night away at the ball when she was younger, so she’s turned around and made sure that other people who missed that moment are able to enjoy it. The fairy godmother in this story throwing the parties is none other than Dena, the madam of the legal brothel in Nevada, Sheri’s Ranch. Dena didn’t get to go to her prom in high school, so she decided to throw one for the courtesans and their clients out at the brothel. What happened next was something that Dena didn’t fully anticipate.

Sheri’s Ranch is a legal brothel in Pahrump, Nevada, about an hour outside of Las Vegas. The brothel operates within Nevada’s legal framework for legally protected sex work, and is known for its resort-like amenities and for the courtesans working there who provide their clients with a full-service experience. The madam of Sheri’s Ranch is Dena Duff, a businesswoman with a big heart and a commitment to inclusion. Says Duff, “I had never gone to prom. And I said, there’s a lot of people that haven’t gone to prom. We should throw a prom. It went off really well, I mean, it was a packed house. A lot of our repeat High Rollers were coming in and just having a day to dress up and have a fancy meal and enjoy.”

It went off so well, in fact, that the Ranch now throws these parties twice a year—one in October and one in May. The Ranch goes all out for their parties, with guests arriving in formalwear and sharing indulgent meals. Regular clients of the Ranch are invited, but the parties are also opened up to the public as well, giving people who have maybe been too shy or scared to book an appointment with a courtesan the opportunity to interact with them in a low-stakes setting. Dena has confirmed that she sees an uptick in appointments after a party, and credits the fun atmosphere with helping would-be clients relax and have the courage to book that long-wanted appointment with a courtesan who is more than happy to meet with them. Dena says, “Last year was the first time we opened it up to the public. We did have a number of customers come out that wound up booking appointments at a later date that weren’t pre-scheduled. The concept is there, and the proof of concept that people want this.”

Everyone enjoys having an opportunity to dress up and dance, courtesans and clients alike. The fantasy of being able to twirl under the twinkle lights with someone who makes you smile isn’t just for courtesans and their clients—the general public enjoys the parties at Sheri’s Ranch too. Sheri’s Ranch emphasizes consent and inclusion in all things, and that includes opening up the dance floor to people who might be too intimidated to visit otherwise. Trust and rapport are important for Duff, and opening the doors for a party removes the stigma of feeling like the only way to be present is to plan on a transaction. The event isn’t purely about booking appointments and making sales, but the relaxed environment and welcoming atmosphere of the parties has been successfully driving more business for Sheri’s Ranch.

Togas & Temptations will take place on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Sheri’s Ranch in Pahrump.

On Friday, guests will enjoy the Roman Forum Banquet, an interactive murder mystery dinner theater where attendees work together to solve the suspicious assassination of the Roman Emperor. The evening also includes a Roman bazaar featuring artisans, games, tarot reading, body art, and dancing—plus a feast of roasted meats, flatbreads, honey cakes, and flowing wine.

Saturday brings Pompey the Great’s Triumph, a lavish celebration featuring a triumphal parade, gladiator challenges and fire-eating performances. The night continues with a Roman-inspired feast of truffle arancini, cornish hens, prime rib, risotto, gelato, and uniquely crafted cocktails fit for Caesar himself.

Togas & Temptations is the upcoming installment in Sheri’s themed event series, following the success of 2024’s Arabian Nights and Wild West Hoedown celebrations.

“History shows us that sex work has always been woven into the fabric of civilization,” Dena said. “In ancient Rome, certain high-status sex workers were sometimes known and even admired for their beauty, charm, and associations with powerful figures, despite the social stigma attached to their profession. This event is both a tribute to that legacy and a reminder that the pursuit of sensual pleasure is timeless.”