Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island, NYC [PHOTOS]

Become a paid member to listen to this article In the 1920s and early 1930s, Prohibition put a ban on alcoholic beverages in the United States. Despite this ban, the era was characterized by opulent parties and grand celebrations. The Jazz Age Lawn Party is an annual celebration of Great Gatsby proportions, hosted by Michael Arnella held on two weekends this summer. Every year for 11 years, guests have attended this Governors Island event to party like it was 1920, dressed in themed clothing and dancing to music that captures the zeitgeist of the ’20s and ’30s. Untapped Cities attended last weekend to share with you some of the highlights from the festivities. If you missed the festival this past weekend, worry not, another will be held later this summer on August 13th and 14th.

The celebration starts with a scenic ferry ride across New York Harbor, where guests can take in the panoramic view. Then the day of themed fun begins. Attendees enjoy live performances that channel the jazz age, from Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra to Gregory Moore and The Dreamland Follies. There are a variety of activities in which to participate, including learning popular dance moves of the time and carnival games for the family to enjoy, all while sipping on cocktails and eating food catered by Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet.