Take a trip back to the roaring 20's, when ladies slayed in flapper dresses and men looked dashing in bow ties, at a unique period party in the West End.
Dardanella, a signature retro event planning company, is throwing an experiential Great Gatsby Lawn Party at Atlanta's oldest museum The Wren's Nest, 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. Already, more than 1,400 Facebook users have confirmed they're attending, so this weekend's shindig could outdo Dardanella's twin event in Washington, D.C.
If you're planning to attend, we've gathered the five things you need to know before heading to the Great Gatsby Lawn Party.
Expect more than just a picnic.
The party started as a family friendly event for vintage enthusiasts in 2016 and has since grew into an immersive bash filled with eye-catching entertainment, like a jazz orchestra, stilt walker, fire breather, fortune teller and resident strongman.
Dardanella spokesman Paul Ervin said the event is about connecting with fellow guests, whether it's during a game of tug-o-war or while taking on dance lessons in the style of the Jazz Age.
"Our motto is and has been: If you haven't made at least TWO new friends by the end of the day, you're just not doing it right! Make that the goal and you'll have a great time," Ervin said.
Know how you're getting there ahead of time.
The party won't have parking at The Wren's Nest. However, there is free parking at West Hunter Street Baptist Church's (located at 1040 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.)
You might want to get there early, because once that's full, you'll have to be on the lookout for an open parking spot in Atlanta's West End neighborhood.
If you're thinking about taking MARTA, the closest rail stop is the West End station. But be sure to have comfy shoes with you, because it's going to be about a four-block walk. Dardanella recommends for their attendees to use Uber or Lyft if the walk is too far.
Prepare to buy your ticket online.
Don't expect to purchase tickets at the door. Dardanella's gate staff isn't allowed to sell them. Instead, Dardanella says you should buy the tickets online to secure your spot on the party list. Right now, advanced and presale tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets are still available for $45. Kiddos under the age of 14 get in free.
There's food, but B.Y.O.B.
Food truck treats are on the menu at the lawn party. There won't be a bar at the event, so Dardanella says they will "turn a blind eye" if you pack a flask and discreetly store it away. Later this year on Sept. 9, Dardanella plans to make up for the dry event by setting up a Prohibition bar at the next Atlanta Great Gatsby Lawn Party.
Vintage outfits are encouraged.
It isn't manadatory to dress up like you're from the 1920s. However, about 95 percent of Dardanella's party goers attend in time period garb. And if you choose to dress up, moon photo sets are available for you to truly capture your look. Ervin said Dardanella hopes the party spreads the "gospel of vintage."
"These days when Ugg boots, crocs, and sweatpants are the norm, it's nice to bring back a time when we did dress up, even for menial things," he said.
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