Our days of outdoor New York City summer fun are numbered. The end of August traditionally marks a realization that I haven’t done nearly as many outdoor summer events as I’d planned! It’s now time for the mad scramble to do as many as possible before all my sundresses and picnic supplies get packed away!

Fortunately, one of my favorite outdoor events of the entire summer is always at the end of August. This weekend, Governor’s Island is hot to trot for

New York City’s Jazz Age Lawn Party 2018!

Why do I love this event so much?

This NYC party is good old-fashioned fun at its finest.

The Jazz Age Lawn Party was started by a small group of friends 13 years ago. It has since blossomed into one of NYC’s Top Events of the Summer. Yet, when you’re there it still manages to have the feeling that you’re a guest at an old friend’s party.

That friend is Michael Arenella. He’s the leader of the band and the host of this party. I’m not sure how he does it, but he some how makes every single one of his thousand+ guests feel welcome, included, and like they belong. Especially on the dance floor.

Jazz Age Lawn Party Dance Floor

The dancing is one of the most appealing parts of the Jazz Age Lawn Party. You’ll see performances by professional dance troupes.

It’s easy to be intimidated by these and think, “Aw gee, I don’t know how to dance!” Especially in this day and age where “Dancing” often means a barely-moving sway or grind.

 

 

By the end of the day, every one has a spin on the dance floor.

It’s such a welcoming, non-judgemental environment. Oh, the strong, cold liquid courage at the bar doesn’t hurt either if you’re a self-conscious adult, like me!

Kids do just fine on their own.

The Jazz Age Lawn party is very family friendly, though it never feels catered to families. It’s just that good old-fashioned fun of live music, dancing, and picnics!

Maybe a spot of croquet while you’re at it…

There’s also the fashion. Pretty much everyone gets dressed up for this event, another lovely aspect that makes you feel in cahoots and friendly towards all your fellow party-goers.

Jazz Age Lawn Party Fashion

If you have nothing to wear, there are plenty of vendors on site who sell vintage pieces or vintage-inspired, often hand-made wears.

Jazz Age Lawn Party Picnicking

There is plenty of food for purchase on the site, food options are also included in some of the different ticket tiers. If you want to be especially cost-effective and festive, pack a picnic! The shaded ground near the dance floor gets covered with picnic blankets, you;ll be happy you brought one, regardless of where you’re getting lunch from.

If this post has you  so excited for this Jazz Age Lawn Party 2018 celebration that you’re about ready to swim out to Governor’s Island, rest assured you can still buy tickets! Find them at jazzagelawnparty.com. Couldn’t ask for much better weather for this event: it’s forecasted in the low 80s for both August 25th and 26th this weekend.

If you want to read more about what this event is like, or see more photos of the nifty fashion, click for previous party posts: 2016, 2015, 2014.