Before the breadlines and the industrial wastelands of the Great Depression, there was the Jazz Age, a quasi-mythical time in American history when clandestine soirees in underground speakeasies dominated New York nightlife and Gatsby-esque characters strutted like royalty along the city’s streets. If you’ve ever asked yourself how it would have felt to go out on the town back then, then you need to take a quick ferry ride over to Governors Island, a short 800 yards from the tip of lower Manhattan, for the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. on August 26 and 27. Thousands of the coolest flappers and sheiks will gather to dance to the hits of the 1920s, performed by a superlative series of bands including Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra. And this Prohibition era party is no dry event. Period cocktails will flow freely, along with plenty of food to keep the party going. Many attendees will dress in 1920s attire, but you’re welcome to come just as you are. Mark your calendar. This is going to be a party for the ages.

Location: Colonel’s Row on Governors Island