No one throws a party better than Jay Gatsby. While there are always a handful of Gatsby-themed events on and around New Year’s Eve, there are also plenty of ways to celebrate the Jazz Age during summer! What better way to take in the sunshine than while dancing the Charleston at a Prohibition era bash?
From daytime lawn parties to all-night affairs, these are sure to be the most stylish events of the season. Grab your parasol, pop the champagne and brush up on your croquet. Here are the best 1920s-themed parties happening this summer.
Party Like Gatsby
Los Angeles | May 19
Party Like Gatsby hosts extravagant events all over the world, and they’re making a stop in Los Angeles this summer. LA has no shortage of beautiful, talented people, making it the perfect place to host this party with a live band, circus performers, entertainers and DJs. Visit partylikegatsby.eu.
Dardanella
Atlanta, Georgia | May 12 & September 15
Washington, D.C. | May 26 & September 29
Nashville, Tennessee | September 22
Named after a hit song of the 1920s, Dardanella started as a party between friends and vintage enthusiasts in New York. It’s since expanded to bring classy outdoor parties to other major cities in the U.S. Shop vintage vendors, play lawn games, snap a photograph at the custom-built paper moon, and dance the day way to music blasted from vintage gramophones. Visit dardanella.com.
Avalon Ball
Avalon, California | May 19
For the true romantics, a date night with dancing and ocean views is waiting for you at the Avalon Ball. Held in the recently-restored 1929 Art Deco Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island, the event is nod to the days of big band dances in lavish ballrooms. Move to live music in the ballroom, which boasts a 10,000 square foot dance floor. The glamorous affair is in its 16th year. Visit adsla.org.
Dapper Day + LACMA
Los Angeles | June 9
Known for hosting popular outings at Disney World and Disneyland each spring, Dapper Day celebrates refined style of the past. The next event will celebrate the David Hockey: 82 Portraits and 1 Still-life exhibition at the Los Angles County Museum of Art. There will be art, there will be music, and there be no shortage of stylish people! Visit dapperday.com.
Michael Arenella’s 13th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party
Governors Island, New York | June 16-17 & August 25-26
This lawn party features Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra playing dance hits from the time, plus more acts on two stages, with two giant dance floors to match. It’s also family-friendly, with a special carnival area for kids. Don’t miss the 1920s Motorcar Exhibition and the Bathing Beauties and Beaus Promenade (a 1920s swimwear parade). Visit jazzagelawnparty.com.
Deco on the Delaware
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | August 4
Pie contests, dancing to hot jazz and lawn games are just a few of the activities offered at this party on the 19th century estate of Glen Foerd. The event also celebrates the innovation of the 1920s with demonstrations of hair and makeup styling from the decade and more. Visit decoonthedelaware.com.
The Roaring Twenties Lawn Party
Ipswich, Massachusetts | August 4-5
This massive lawn party and picnic event takes place on the sprawling grounds of The Crane Estate. Take a vintage car ride or a tour of the Great House, an art deco styled mansion completed in 1928. Or play detective in a mystery scavenger hunt! There are also dance lessons and contests and vintage vendors to shop. Visit roaringtwentieslawnparty.org.
Gatsby on the Isles
Portsmouth, New Hampshire | August 25-26
Set sail from Portsmouth Harbor aboard the S.S. Gatsby for a 1920s-themed cruise to Star Island in the Isles of the Shoals. There you can picnic and dance in the sand at the beach party, or take a tour the historic hotel on the island. If you can’t bear to leave, you have the option of booking an overnight stay at the hotel. Visit oldasadam.com/gatsby-on-the-isles.
Gatsby Summer Afternoon
Oakland, California | September 9
The Art Deco Society of California hosts this daytime shindig and provides a wealth of information on how to pack the perfect vintage picnic, plus styling advice and a shopping guide on the event website. There are even period-specific picnic menu examples, which you should definitely examine if you plan on winning the contest for Best Grand Picnic or Best Small Picnic. After you’ve fully indulged, tour the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, built in 1899. Visit gatsbysummerafternoon.com.
Featured image Courtesy of Party Like Gatsby.