Jazz Age Lawn Party 2024 at Governors Island, NYC
poster
The 20th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party JOIN THE WAITLISTPowered by Fever
Live jazz orchestras Live jazz orchestras 1920s-style photo ops

1920s-style

photo ops

 Gourmet drinking and dining

Gourmet drinking

and dining

Jazz Age Lawn Party 2025
Jazz Age Lawn Party, now celebrating its 20th anniversary in New York City, is the world’s original and most authentic Prohibition-era-inspired gathering. It started in 2005 as a small gathering on NYC’s Governors Island and has since been consistently selected by the New York Times as one of the year’s most memorable events. Jazz Age Lawn Party, a historically sold-out experience, attracts thousands of time travelers each year, who come together to discover the music and zeitgeist of the 1920s. Founded and hosted by Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, it offers a unique, interactive opportunity to relive one of the most colorful and formative epochs in American history. Don’t miss out!
Jazz Age Lawn Party Poster 2025

RODDY CARAVELLA AND THE CANARSIE WOBBLERS

This fun-loving dance troupe conjures the rebellious and exuberant spirit of Roaring ‘20s youth

Charleston Dance Lesson with Roddy Caravella

CHARLESTON and PEABODY DANCE CONTESTS

See who’s the Bee’s Knees in this lighthearted dance-off

Peabody Dance Lesson (Couples) with Roddy Caravella

THE HIGH COURT OF PIE CONTEST

Categories and celebrity judges to be announced!

The High Court of Pie (Pie Baking) Contest

BATHING BEAUTIES AND BEAUS PROMENADE

Vintage or vintage-inspired 1920s/30s bathing suits only!

For entry email: jazzagelawnparty@gmail.com
The Bathing Beauties and Beaus Promenade!

CHILDREN’S PARADE

Open to all adult-supervised children 12 and younger. Vintage-inspired kiddie-couture encouraged!

The Children’s Parade

PERFORMANCES

Get ready for live jazz music on two stages, a sprawling dance floor, and performances from the very best!

Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra

The world’s premier Jazz Age dance orchestra, specializing in the Hot-Jazz of the 1920s. Conductor, composer, musician and crooner Michael Arenella presents a personally transcribed, one-of-a-kind songbook for your listening and dancing pleasure!

Featured Acts Featured Acts

Witness internationally acclaimed vocalist Queen Esther as she pays tribute to jazz royalty of yore, and the virtuosic piano playing of Peter Mintun, one of the world's finest stride and Ragtime artists. Behold Roddy Caravella and The Canarsie Wobblers, with their scandalous Charleston dance numbers recalling the rebellious and exuberant spirit of Roaring ‘20s youth culture.

activities

Activities & Special events

Go back in time to the 1920s and rub elbows with other fashionable flappers and sporting gents, bedecked in their freshest holiday linens and straw hats. With so many activities on offer, you'll be spoilt for choice!

Jazz Age Activities

Take some snaps at the Paper Moon photo booths - your photos will be printed on the spot to take home!

Jazz Age Activities

Quench your thirst at the pop-up beer garden presented by Radeberger Pilsner with refreshing beer and retro cocktails

Jazz Age Activities

Freshen up and enjoy some of Bigelow's favorite rose-themed products at the C.O. Bigelow Rose Lounge

Jazz Age Activities

Improve your moves with some dance lessons or play a game of croquet

Jazz Age Activities

Get a facial treatment or shave at Proraso, the pop-up barber shop by the Italian men's grooming brand

Jazz Age Activities

Get up close and personal with flivvers and Tin Lizzies at the 1920s motorcar exhibition Visit Kidland with carnival games and prizes for junior gents and Flapperettes

Jazz Age Activities

Check out the vintage clothing vendors and artisans offering timeless treasures and inspired creations

Jazz Age Activities

Head to the Dreamland General Store for picnic blankets, parasols, hand fans, assorted sundries, and more

Jazz Age Activities

Discover the Gourmet Picnic Market featuring New York's fanciest picnicking fare and gourmet food trucks along with sweet treats, ice cream and old-time snacks

Jazz Age Activities

Charleston dance lesson with Roddy Caravella and contest. Peabody dance lesson with Roddy Caravella and contest.

Jazz Age Activities

Bathing Beauties and Beaus Promenade: Sunday only. Pull that itchy wool number out of the mothballs and parade it for all to admire! For entry, please email jazzagelawnparty@gmail.com

Jazz Age Activities

Children's Parade: Open to all adult-supervised children ages 12 and under. There will be great prizes up for grabs and vintage-inspired kiddie-couture is encouraged!

Practical Info

  • Date:
    June 14-15 and August 9-10, 2025
  • Opening hours:
    11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Duration:
    6 hours
  •  Location:
    Governors Island. You will need to reserve a ferry ride to access the location. Please consult the FAQs and location section below for more details.
  • Age requirement:
    all ages are welcome! 21+ with valid ID to consume alcohol
  • Access:
    the experience is ADA compliant
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Tickets to Jazz Age Lawn Party

Jazz Age Lawn Party NYC: Reviews

Bianca, R.

Best event ever! Wish it was twice a year!

Natalie, F.

Always a fantastic time! From the venues to the food and drink. And of course the dancing and music.

Jess, R.

Best day ever!! Fantastic music and everyone looked incredible. It was a perfect day.

Lavie, T.

Loved the event! Great music, vibe and energy! Will surely go back!

Jane, D.

Best time ever.

Jess, H.

Incredible. One of my favorite experiences in NYC!

LOCATION

Governors Island

Governors Island is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor, accessible by ferry from Manhattan and Brooklyn. It offers breathtaking views of the city, an award-winning park, lawns, art installations, cultural events, and various historic buildings and landmarks. The island is a unique and picturesque destination for visitors to experience the beauty of New York City and the harbor.

More information about the ferry can be found in the FAQs.

Location

Directions to the Governors Island - Manhattan Ferry

The Governors Island ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building located at 10 South Street, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan. The ferry terminal is accessible as follows:

subway By Subway:

  • 1 to South Ferry Station
  • 4,5 to Bowling Green Station
  • R to Whitehall St. Station

bus By Bus:

  • M6, M9 and M15

Get directions

Directions to the Governors Island - Brooklyn Ferry

The ferry from Brooklyn departs from Pier 6 at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Columbia Street.

subway By Subway:

  • 4, 5, 2 or 3 train to Borough Hall
  • A,C of F train to Jay Street

bus By Bus:

  • B 63

car By car:

  • Cars are not permitted on Governors Island. Parking is available in Lower Manhattan near the ferry terminal and in Brooklyn near Pier 6 on Columbia Street

Get directions

GALLERY

Gallery 1
Gallery 2
Gallery 3
Gallery 4
Gallery 5
Gallery 6
Gallery 7
Gallery 8

FAQS

Do you have any questions?

Maybe you can find the answer here!

THE EXPERIENCE

What can I expect from Jazz Age Lawn Party? Jazz Age Lawn Party is the world’s original and largest Prohibition Era inspired gathering. Originating in 2005 as a small gathering on NYC’s Governors Island, we have since grown into one of New York City’s most beloved, and longest running, events. This historically sold out event attracts thousands of time travelers each year, who come together to discover the music and zeitgeist of the 1920s. Consistently selected by the New York Times as one of the year’s most memorable events, Jazz Age Lawn Party offers the unique, interactive opportunity to relive one of the most colorful and formative epochs in American history. This is the original, and official Jazz Age Lawn Party, founded and hosted by Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra.
Where is the experience located?

The event will take place at Governors Island - Colonels Row, New York, NY 11231.

https://www.govisland.com/plan-your-visit/ferry

The event does not require these things once you arrive on the island.
Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue? The exhibition will be held in an outdoor venue.
How long does the experience last? The visit will take around 6 hours on June 11- 12 and August 12–13, 2023.
Is it COVID secure and safe? This experience will be carried out in strict adherence to NYS COVID-19 protocols in place at time of event. Updated protocol will be posted leading up to the event date.
Can I use a credit card on the lawn? For on-site drink purchases (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), only cash is accepted. However, many of our food and vintage vendors accept credit cards. In any case, there are ATMs within the event for your convenience!
Do I need to dress up? While 1920’s attire is not mandatory, it is encouraged!
Will food and beverage be available on site for purchase?

Picnicking and outside food are allowed. Additionally, we are pleased to offer a bevy of fabulous gourmet food trucks right on the lawn.

OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY GOVERNORS ISLAND AND WILL BE CONFISCATED UPON ENTRY TO THE JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY. All bags are subject to search by Governors Island security personnel. Before entering the Jazz Age Lawn Party, all opened beverages regardless of ingredients/type will be confiscated by JALP Security and disposed of appropriately. Security reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to confiscate any beverage of any size or type of bottle or container, whether opened or unopened, that they feel may contain alcohol.
Can I take photos or record the experience? Feel free to take photos and share them. When taking photos, please make sure not to disturb other customers. Professional equipment and tripods are not permitted.
Who attends the event? Everyone! One of the most unique aspects of the Jazz Age Lawn Party is the diversity of the crowd. It is one of the only events that is appropriate and friendly to families, couples and singles of any age, ethnicity and gender identity. Although the music may be from their great grandparent’s time, the event attracts Jazz Babies of all generations of life’s beautiful tapestry.
Will restrooms be available on site? Yes.

ACCESS

Do I need to wear a mask? For the safety and comfort of everyone, masks are recommended, but not required within the experience for everyone.
Do I need to arrive at the start of my scheduled session? The event runs from 11am to 5pm each day, but you are welcome to arrive at your leisure.
What happens if I arrive late? You can enter the event anytime from 11am until it closes. Once you enter, there is no re-entry permitted. Wristbands will be collected upon exit.
Can I bring animals? Although we love all God’s creatures, Governors Island maintains a strict “no animals” policy.
Are service dogs allowed? Yes.
Is there an age requirement? There is no age requirement, although all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Is the venue ADA compliant? Yes, both the ferry and the event are wheelchair accessible. The event is also appropriate for the elderly. Keep in mind that we do not have any seating, so we recommend that you bring lawn chairs if someone in your party will have trouble standing for long periods or sitting on the ground. If someone in your party cannot walk the distance from the ferry to the lawn, please speak to uniformed Governors Island personnel once debarking and ask for a golf cart escort to “Colonels Row”.
Is there seating available? JALP is a picnic at heart, so while there is no formal seating at the event, guests are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs to relax on the lawn. If you wish, limited edition Jazz Age Lawn Party blankets are available for purchase at the Dreamland General Store.
Is there parking available? There are paid parking lots near the Battery Maritime Ferry Building. Cars are not allowed on Governors Island. You will need to take the passenger ferry over to attend.
What if the weather is bad? The event is rain or shine. There are no cancellations, no exchanges and no refunds.
What are the prohibited items at the experience? OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY GOVERNORS ISLAND AND WILL BE CONFISCATED UPON ENTRY TO THE JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY. All bags are subject to search by Governors Island security personnel. Before entering the Jazz Age Lawn Party, all opened beverages regardless of ingredients/type will be confiscated by JALP Security and disposed of appropriately. Security reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to confiscate any beverage of any size or type of bottle or container, whether opened or unopened, that they feel may contain alcohol.

TICKETS

Can I purchase a ticket at the event? All tickets must be purchased in advance of the event.
Where can I get tickets?
Are refunds allowed? What is the exchange policy? Jazz Age Lawn Party has a no-refund policy. Please note that all sales are final.
I didn’t know who I was bringing when I purchased my tickets, so they are all under my name. Will this be an issue? Do all my guests have to arrive at the same time as me? No issue at all! Please just make sure the guests have a copy of the tickets (either digitally or as a print out), and have them present it at the door. You can also change the names on your ticket in your account by using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/mytickets
Do I need to print my ticket? No, your contactless tickets will be validated directly in the Fever App.
Do I need to purchase a ticket for my child?

While tickets for children under 12 are free, tickets still must be reserved by their adult chaperones.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person? Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone for free. It is as easy as clicking "Transfer Tickets" on your ticket on the Fever App. Please contact us for additional help. Make sure to include your ticket order number.
Can I reschedule my tickets to another date/time, or upgrade/downgrade my ticket? We may be able to help reschedule or exchange your ticket for another date, time or ticket type that has not already sold out. Please contact us for more information. Make sure to include your ticket order number.
I can't find my ticket. What can I do?

You can find your ticket with the QR code in the Fever app, within the Tickets section. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play. Remember to log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets. If you still cannot find your ticket, please contact us.

Fever takes your safety very seriously. Please make sure to read the safety measures here.
What are the official sellers for this experience? Official tickets for Jazz Age Lawn Party can be purchased on Fever.