Gatsby on Governor's Island: Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party June 15-16

The Roaring Twenties shift from Long Island to Governor’s Island this weekend with the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 15 – 16 and again on August 17 – 18, just a short ferry ride from 21st century Manhattan,  part of Governor’s Island is transformed into a 1920s world in every sense. Now in its eighth year, the event has become one of the most prominent Jazz Age outdoor celebrations.

The line-up of performers includes jazz, dance and vaudevillian acts from Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra, the Dreamland Follies, Roddy Caravella and the Canarsie Wobblers, Gelber & Manning, Queen Esther, Peter Mintun and the Minsky Sisters. There will be a wooden dance floor constructed for the festivities.

On site, partiers can listen to original 1920s recordings on gramophones, see Tin Lizzie motorcars up close, join a “bathing beauties and beaus” parade, play tug-of-war and learn to dance the Charleston. For the bargain hunters, there will be a number of vintage vendors and artisans.
When the array of activities has been exhausted, there’s a menu of popular food from the era with oysters, shrimp cocktail, St-Germain cocktails and Brooklyn Brewery Beer. Guests can bring their own picnics, or enjoy “A Taste of the ’20s” catered by restaurateur Jimmy Carbone.  It all seems reminiscent the decadence of Jay Gatsby’s parties, and the movie release of Great Gatsby seems to have spurred interest in the event, as the admission is double last year’s price.
Advance general admission tickets can be purchased for $30 online, and on-site for $35 (cash only). The event is free to children under 12.