WATCH MOST ANY NEWS REEL… featuring Catalina Island, specifically the clips that were produced several decades ago, and you’re bound to see boats sailing for Avalon Harbor with a bevy of enthusiastic, ready-to-dance revelers cavorting on the decks. Those moxie-filled mainlanders were headed to the 22-miles-away idyll to live large, and perform a few fabulous steps, in one of California’s best-known buildings: The world-famous Casino, the round and regal landmark that is the sure sign you’ve reached Catalina. The dance parties may have waned a bit over the years, though New Year’s Eve is still a spirited affair at the Casino, but there is a big gussy-up bash still captures some of the spunkiness of the era in which the building was born: the Avalon Ball, presented by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles.
FIND SOME FLAPPER FINERY, or at least a vintage get-up that feels dressy, and high-tail it on a ferry for the evening affair in the middle of May. Tickets are on sale for the May 16 party, which will include dancing in the Avalon Casino Ballroom, and the opportunity to step into a time portal of sorts. If this is your first time, there’s a virtual meet-up on May 3, which will give you a chance to learn more about the venerable happening, some of the dance styles that you may enjoy while swaying on the famous floor, and details on where to find food, drinks, and a place to change after your boat ride over. You’ll also want to learn more about getting to the island, and home again. There is a Catalina Express boat trip back to the mainland at 11 p.m., and you’ll need to secure your ticket through the company.
ROLLER SKATING… in the picturesque ballroom has captured headlines in recent times, a charming development, but the chance to dance in such a storied space shouldn’t be passed up if you’ve long wondered what it might be like to time travel for a night. Find details here, time jumpers, about dress suggestions, riding the Catalina Express, booking tables, and how to prepare for the grand gathering.
WATCH MOST ANY NEWS REEL... featuring Catalina Island, specifically the clips that were produced several decades ago, and you're bound to see boats sailing for Avalon Harbor with a bevy of enthusiastic, ready-to-dance revelers cavorting on the decks. Those moxie-filled mainlanders were headed to the 22-miles-away idyll to live large, and perform a few fabulous steps, in one of California's best-known buildings: The world-famous Casino, the round and regal landmark that is the sure sign you've reached Catalina. The dance parties may have waned a bit over the years, though New Year's Eve is still a spirited affair at the Casino, but there is a big gussy-up bash still captures some of the spunkiness of the era in which the building was born: the Avalon Ball, presented by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles.
FIND SOME FLAPPER FINERY, or at least a vintage get-up that feels dressy, and high-tail it on a ferry for the evening affair in the middle of May. Tickets are on sale for the May 16 party, which will include dancing in the Avalon Casino Ballroom, and the opportunity to step into a time portal of sorts. If this is your first time, there's a virtual meet-up on May 3, which will give you a chance to learn more about the venerable happening, some of the dance styles that you may enjoy while swaying on the famous floor, and details on where to find food, drinks, and a place to change after your boat ride over. You'll also want to learn more about getting to the island, and home again. There is a Catalina Express boat trip back to the mainland at 11 p.m., and you'll need to secure your ticket through the company.
ROLLER SKATING... in the picturesque ballroom has captured headlines in recent times, a charming development, but the chance to dance in such a storied space shouldn't be passed up if you've long wondered what it might be like to time travel for a night. Find details here, time jumpers, about dress suggestions, riding the Catalina Express, booking tables, and how to prepare for the grand gathering.