The Gatsby Summer Afternoon is the Art Deco Society of California’s annual 1920s and 1930s garden party and picnic, and is a day filled with glamour and charm!
We ask all of our guests to dress in a reasonable daywear facsimile of the era. If you would like some inspiration, please join us at our “How to Gatsby” event on August 11 in Alameda.
Bring your own picnic, elaborate or simple or buy a picnic from the add on menu in Eventbrite and join us for an afternoon of music and friendship.
Whether you wear true vintage, vintage reproductions, vintage inspired, self-made or make-do, all are welcome. All we ask is please: NO jeans, shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts, tennis shoes or flip flops, as modern casual clothing breaks the magic spell of the Gatsby Summer Afternoon. Please make sure to inform all of your guests.
Instead… BE CREATIVE AND DRESS UP WITH VINTAGE STYLE!
Wear your favorite summer suit, or blazer or vest with light trousers. Wear a tie! Add a straw boater or Panama hat — it is wonderful to have your own shade!
Or, think garden party dresses in summer colors;1920s or 1930s-style inspired daywear in light linen or chiffon. (Please save your formal beaded evening wear, feather boas, or flapper costumes for a future event.) For shade, wear a large-brimmed hat, or a small cloche with a parasol!
PICNIC IN STYLE
NEW THIS YEAR Our friends from the Celtic Tea Shoppe have added a delectable luncheon to our offerings. You may purchase a picnic box for $38 dollars now in the add-on menu here in Eventbrite.
Picnics can be intimate or elaborate affairs. For a simple picnic: bring sandwiches wrapped in wax paper, fruit and dessert in a basket. Serve beverages in metal cups, glass bottles, a Thermos or flask. Bring a blanket for seating on the lawn. Plastic coolers and other modern gear should be avoided or just covered with a tablecloth or blanket. For a fancy picnic: include china, Depression glass, silver champagne buckets, flatware and flowers. Bring vintage style folding chairs with your Early Entry Pass (EEP) or reserve a table with umbrella and linens.
An Early Entry Pass (EEP) is recommended for larger or more elaborate picnics, as transport from the front gate is limited. $60 per car (available for ADSC members only).
PARKING
The top Parking lot (West Egg Lot) is closest to the event and highly coveted as a place to park. The cost for the upper parking lot is $8.00 per vehicle (no oversized Vehicles). You will need to pre-pay in advance as we sold out of spots last year.
The Lower Lot (East Egg Lot)is the larger lot and a short uphill walk to the top of the hill and entrance to the event. The cost for lower lot parking is $6.00 per vehicle.
To purchase a parking pass for either lot please go to Eventbrite and add it to your ticket order. You will see Parking Reservation on the menu of Add-on options (scroll down), while availability lasts. Volunteers on-site will direct guests to the parking lots and scan their parking reservations. If the parking lots are full, look for street parking in the area. You may first drop off your picnic gear at ‘the circle’.
If the parking lots are full, look for street parking in the area. See the FAQs below about dropping off things at the gate.
NOTE:
• Please distance picnics, autos, and tables from one another, with clear pathways.
• No tickets will be available at the door.
• No dressing in the restrooms – there will be tents near the restrooms for your convenience.
• Entry into the event requires an Eventbrite ticket/code that will be scanned.
• Please list the names of all of your guests and their contact info (email address) when you purchase your tickets. New members and non-members – please include your mailing address.
• If you bring a tent, the size is limited to 10′ x 10′.
• Please do not enter the pool area or climb the hill near the pool. It is dangerous and you may be asked to leave.
Please note, the Dunsmuir Hellman mansion — including the porch and steps — remains closed this year.
SPECIAL NOTE – SPONSORED TICKETS
Given the financial hardships of the last few years, we are grateful that some of our members have already offered to contribute to our ongoing “Sponsorship Fund”.
We want to help those who may find our ticket prices less than affordable to be able to purchase a partially Sponsored Ticket to make it more possible for you to attend. Please submit your request for a sponsored ticket to [email protected]
Please note: There are a limited number of Sponsored tickets, only one per person. Your information will remain confidential.
If you wish to donate to the Sponsorship fund, please do so when you purchase your tickets. It is a line item option.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:
The last date to purchase tickets is Friday, September 6, 2024- up to 11:59 pm.
EE tickets will not be sold after August
NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.
________________________________________________________________________
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Getting Ready for Gatsby Summer Afternoon
Do you have to be an Art Deco Society California member to get in?
We welcome both members and non-members to attend the Summer Afternoon. However, only ADSC members are eligible to purchase Early Entry Passes. Members also receive discounted tickets to the event. You may pay for your membership while placing your ticket order, a great opportunity to receive the discounted member rate — just scroll down the list of ticket options to the bottom, or Click here to find out more about being an ADSC member. If you become inspired to join us during the event, visit the Welcome table for information about membership.
What is the deadline for advance ticket sales?
The last date to purchase tickets is Friday, September 6, up to 11:59 pm. Click the Tickets button above to purchase tickets.
The Deadline for Early Entry tickets Is August 31st at 11:59 pm. This is so we can mail your parking credentials to you.
I don’t have a PayPal account; how do I buy tickets?
Eventbrite accepts payment with your credit card, Google Pay, or PayPal.
How will I receive my tickets?
You will receive your tickets in an email from Eventbrite. Bring your cell phone or print out your ticket with the code for entry. Since WIFI can be spotty at the site, you might also wish to take a photo of your ticket code and show the code at the door. All tickets will be scanned for admission. If you do not bring your printed ticket or phone, you may have to wait in line to have your name checked on a list.
Can I buy tickets for each person in my party, even if we arrive separately?
Yes, if you want to purchase tickets for other people in your party, please include their name and contact info when you place your order. Names of all guests will be required when you purchase your tickets; they will each be emailed their own ticket with code.
Be sure to let your guests know of the new ticketing guidelines and that their ticket will be under their name. Please also let you guest know about the dress recommendations for this event.
How do I get a table? What about just a chair and umbrella?
The Tickets page has information about renting a table, umbrella and chairs. Table and umbrella sales end by August 31 or while supplies last. Please note, tables, chairs and umbrellas sell out quickly, so please make sure to reserve early.
Can I choose which table I rent?
New this year, the tables around the dance floor are able to be reserved by table location. The mansion lawn is still assigned by ADSC personnel.
If I purchase a table, do I still have to pay for an individual ticket?
Yes, table charges and umbrella packs (extras) are in addition to the ticket price, and are needed to underwrite the rental and set-up costs. Everyone seated at a table needs to have a ticket.
How can I volunteer?
We would love your help! The Gatsby Summer Afternoon would not be possible without our many wonderful volunteers, and they are provided with complimentary admission. Please email [email protected] to put your name on the list should any volunteer spots open up.
Day of Gatsby Summer Afternoon
ENTRANCE
All tickets are sold through Eventbrite. After you have placed your order you will receive your tickets via email. You will be asked to show the ticket code that will be scanned for entry. You may bring your phone with your confirmation code.
Please note, WIFI at the site can be troublesome, so you might wish to take a photo of your ticket code, or print the ticket with the code, and present that at the Gate.
When you arrive, you should stand in line to be checked in. If you have any questions please ask the check-in person at the gate.
If you forget your ticket, a check-in person at the gate line will assist you.
What do I do if I have purchased an Early Entry Pass (EEP)?
(Please note: unlike prior years, EEPs are available to ADSC members only)
Please bring your Early Entry Pass to Gatsby Summer Afternoon; this is a physical pass that you will receive in the mail, along with an instruction sheet. When you arrive at the Dunsmuir, STOP at the bottom of the hill on Peralta Oaks Ct. and show your Early Entry pass and tickets for everyone in the car to the volunteers who will be waiting there. They will direct you to the queue that forms on Peralta Oaks Ct. for early entry. Please do not first drive up the hill to the gate. You will only be directed back downhill to join the queue. If you want to be one of the first in the queue, you’re free to arrive at any time after 10 am on Peralta Oaks Ct.
At 11am early entry will begin. The car queue will be released in groups. The Dunsmuir staff will allow only FIVE early entry vehicles onto the grounds at a time. PLEASE KEEP YOUR VEHICLE ON THE PAVED ROAD AT ALL TIMES. Volunteers will direct you to drop off locations. Unload picnic items by the side of the road; do not attempt to drive to a site on the lawn. As each vehicle empties its contents and leaves the grounds, the Dunsmuir staff will notify the ADSC volunteers on Peralta Oaks, and they will signal another vehicle to drive up the hill to enter. Please have your EEP pass and event tickets to be scanned by the gate attendants.
Once on the grounds, your vehicle must remain on the paved roads. Only vintage autos are permitted on the lawn. So if you are bringing heavy items, please consider the means to transport those from the drop-off to your picnic site. To ensure all early entrants have equal time to unload, we ask that you strive to unload your contents within 15 minutes. To expedite the process, volunteers will assist with unloading at the drop off site. You may want to leave a helper with your picnic stuff. Please make sure everyone has proof of valid admission (ticket or phone) with them at all times.
SPEED LIMIT ON THE DUNSMUIR ESTATE: 5 MPH – Route is one way. No vehicles are allowed to exit the front gate. Vintage autos have the right of way.
After you have unloaded the contents, drive your vehicle to the parking lot in the extreme rear of the estate. No parking near the carriage or other work houses in route. The gate to the rear parking lot will be closed from 1:30pm to 6pm. At the end of the day, when you retrieve your picnic supplies, the vehicle must remain on paved roads and cannot be driven on the lawn. Volunteers will be present to facilitate the exodus. All cars must depart by 7 pm.
GUESTS WITH PHYSICAL NEEDS
We have arranged for shuttle vans to pick up guests on the street and shuttle them to the front gate. The vans do not have the space to carry large picnics or many supplies, so please plan accordingly. From the front gate we have golf carts that can transport you to the great lawn.
Alternatively you may drive your car toward the entrance, and leave your supplies near the front entrance; there will be plenty of volunteers to help you unload your picnic. The driver can look for parking and return to their supplies. Golf carts can take you to the great lawn.
We also recommend, if you have a large picnic, to purchase an Early Entry Pass (members only). You may drive directly onto the grounds, drop off your supplies (do not set up or look for a perfect spot, just drop off quickly) and drive to the back lot. Golf Carts can drive you back to the meadow area to pick up your supplies. You may ask a volunteer to help you move your picnic to your spot.
If you need additional assistance please contact [email protected]
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.
Are children welcome?
Children are always welcome at the Gatsby Summer Afternoon. Children must be supervised at all times, as there are moving vehicles driving on the paved roads all day. Please also do not allow your young child on the dance floor unsupervised.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed. Service animals for those with disabilities are the only exceptions.
Is there a discount if I arrive late/leave early?
There are no discounts for early or late arrival.
Where do I park?
If you can, please carpool and pick-up friends from BART. You may drop off passengers and/or limited picnic items at the circle before parking. We will have a parking shuttle van available to transport guests (not their picnic items) to and from their parking spot to the front gate.
We have been able to obtain the use of two lots. The top Parking lot (Daisy Buchanan Lot) is closest to the event and highly coveted as a place to park. The cost for the upper parking lot is $8.00 per vehicle (no oversized Vehicles). You will need to pre-pay in advance as we sold out of spots last year.
The Lower Lot (East Egg)is the larger lot and a short uphill walk to the top of the hill, and entrance to the event. The cost for lower lot parking is $6.00 per vehicle.
To purchase a parking pass for either lot please go to Eventbrite and add it to your ticket order. You will see Parking Reservation on the menu of ticket options (scroll down), while availability lasts. Volunteers on-site will direct guests to the parking lots and scan their parking reservations. If the parking lots are full, look for street parking in the area. You may first drop off your picnic gear at ‘the circle’.
Each lot is located above and below the event entrance respectively. You may access each on Peralta Oaks Drive.
May I unload and leave my belongings at the front gate while I go park my car?
Yes, you can leave your things, park, and return.
What is the “back parking lot”?
The back parking lot (Jay Gatsby Lot) is where vendors, volunteers, and those with an Early Entry Pass will be directed to park. Only FIVE new cars on the grounds at any one time. NO MODERN CARS ON THE LAWN. Park on the shoulder of the road on the asphalt. The back parking lot is not “open” during the posted event hours from 1pm until 6pm so it is not used by the general public.
Vendors are not allowed to drive onto the estate from the backlot. For everyone’s safety, no one is allowed to drive into the grounds from the back gate until the end of the event, when directed by volunteers.
You must vacate all lots by 7pm. Lots are private and we are only insured for the day. It does get dark earlier and it is a long walk through the “woods” to the back lot with no lighting, so be prepared with comfortable shoes, a walking buddy, and a flashlight.
Is there a lot of walking involved to get to the event?
Yes, there is a good amount of walking from where you will need to park and to get to the picnic area. It is about a quarter mile from the gate to the main picnic area. We suggest having a change of comfortable walking shoes. High heels can sink into the grass, so you may want to change into your shoes once you reach the picnic area. There is a shuttle provided during limited hours; there is likely to be a queue, so if you want to leave at a certain time you do need to be prepared for walking. The porters will be active after the event is over but there is a wait.
When do the shuttles run?
Shuttle vans will circulate through the local streets and parking areas to bring guests to the gate.
Golf carts will run from the gate to the Great Meadow (picnic grounds), through out the day There is no fee to ride, but there may be a line, so please be patient. Some golf carts and shuttle vans will run at the end of the day also. You are welcome to tip your porters.
Who do the vintage cars belong to?
The Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate is a working museum. The automobiles on display are privately owned by ADSC members and many are museum quality. Please do not touch the vintage vehicles and when taking photos, please pose in front of the car—never on the car or in the car. Please email [email protected] or click here if you would like to bring your Vintage Automobile.
Where can I smoke?
There is no smoking on the grounds, and it is subject to a $600 fine.
Where is lost and found?
Lost and found will be located at the Welcome Pavilion on the meadow close to the Mansion. Lost and found items will be kept safe by a board member if not claimed. You can contact ADSC post-event if you are looking for an item.
Where are the restrooms?
There are restrooms located just behind the mansion for the public on the hill. There is an accessible ramp that goes up the hill. Additional portable toilets are located at the very far end of the great meadow.
Please note: Guests are not allowed to dress or bathe in any of the restrooms – there will be tents near the restrooms for your convenience.
Are there any places I may NOT set up my picnic?
We ask that you set up your picnic in the large meadow or in front of the mansion. Please don’t set up too close to the cars, as they need space to set up their own picnics. Please do not set up within 20 feet of the dance floor on all sides. This needs to stay open as a walkway for people to pass through as well as an area for people to stand and watch the entertainment. Blankets and picnic gear left too close to the dance floor will be moved out of the way by volunteers. To avoid blocking other guests’ view, umbrellas and canopies should be set up further back from the stage, towards the tree line, or approximately 50 yards away from the stage.
Where do I pick-up my umbrella & chairs (Umbrella Pack) that I ordered in advance?
The umbrella packs will be located on the meadow and labeled with the renter’s name. You may move the umbrella and chairs to your desired picnic area; note, they are weighted umbrellas. If you can, kindly return them to the original area after the event.
How do I find my reserved table ?
Tables will be identified with the name of the person who placed the order. Please check in with the Host Station (table with umbrella near the Mansion) as you arrive at the meadow; volunteers will assist you in finding your table location.
No one seems to be sitting at a table, is it okay if I sit down for a little while?
No, we are sorry but those are not “open tables.” All tables are reserved in advance and belong to the people who have paid for them. There is no opportunity to purchase seating on the day of the event.
Is there anywhere else I can sit?
There are a few benches on the grounds. We encourage and expect people to provide their own seating, either by reserving them in advance or bringing their own chairs or blankets and pillows.
Can anyone dance on the dance floor, or just pros?
The dance floor is for everyone! You are encouraged to dance and have fun. Please consider non-slip dance shoes. If you are not dancing please do not stand on the dance floor. Parents, please keep children in check and respect the dancers. The dance floor is for dancing and not a playground. We want to be sure it’s safe for everyone!
Who can participate in the contests?
Anyone may enter the Charleston contests. There is no signup or fee. Contest time is listed in the printed program.
Is food available at the event?
NEW THIS YEAR Our friends from the Celtic Tea Shoppe has added a delectable luncheon to our offerings. You may purchase a picnic box for $38 dollars now in the add-on menu here in Eventbrite. This offer is only available as a presale item. No food nor drink will be available at the event. Our guests bring their own food and drink.
Can we bring and consume alcohol publicly?
You may bring alcoholic beverages for your picnic and share them with members of your party who are 21 years of age or older.
Please drink responsibly and ensure you have a sober designated driver before driving home. If you do need to consider a cab or car service, you must vacate all lots by 7 pm. Lots are private and we are only insured for the day.
Can we bring glass bottles?
Plastic would not be period inspired so you are encouraged to bring glass bottles. Please do dispose of them properly or carry them out. Be careful with corks and bottle caps as they can harm the Dunsmuir’s lawnmowers the following day.
May we take photographs?
Yes, absolutely! If you post on social media, please tag them as #GatsbySummerAfternoon
After Gatsby Summer Afternoon
I parked in the front outside of the grounds. When the event is over can I just drive in the front entry to get my stuff?
At the conclusion of the event, you may not drive in the front gate. This is now an exit. You need to carry out what you brought in . Consider bringing a wagon with wheels to help ease your journey to your car. There will be no shuttle service available at the end of the night, so please take that into consideration when packing your picnic display.
Will there be a Gatsby Summer Afternoon next year? Do you know the date?
The Gatsby Summer Afternoon is always at Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate and is always on the second Sunday in September.
Next year will be Sunday, September 7, 2024. We hope you will join us again!
——————————————————————–
GATSBY SUMMER AFTERNOON CODE OF CONDUCT:
Our Cultural Values
The Art Deco Society of California (ADSC) is dedicated to providing spaces for positive social engagement, rekindling the cordiality of another era.
To this end, we strive to create a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or personal style. In fact, we simply do not tolerate harassment in any form of participants, guests, volunteers, vendors, and contractors, either at our hosted and sponsored activities, or online via social media channels, including comments and direct messaging. This policy applies to ADSC Board members, volunteers, performers, vendors, contractors and any of their staff, as well as to ADSC members or members of the public who attend our events.
Be Respectful.
We Really Mean It.
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior will comply immediately. This is a society in which we value good manners and it is expected that all members be quick to apologize and make amends.
If any person or group engages in harassing behavior, event organizers, ADSC board members, and security reserve the right to take any actions deemed necessary to keep the event a welcoming and harassment-free environment for all participants. These actions may include a verbal warning to the offender and/or expulsion from the event at the request of event organizers, ADSC board members, security personnel on duty, or the local police.
No refund offered or provided if you are asked to leave the premises.
If any participant is reported, warned, or expelled from an event for harassing behavior, documentation of such behavior will be subject to a review of their “good standing” membership status by the Board with an option to revoke their membership temporarily or permanently, and/or bar them from attending or participating in future ADSC events. The choice of action and level of accountability may be guided further by State, City, or private venue policies the ADSC is required to uphold, including the ACLU.
Participants must abide by these rules at all event venues, event-related social activities, and online forums.
If You Have a Problem:
You have a right to be at our events, and to be treated with respect and kindness. You have a responsibility to treat others with respect and kindness.
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible in person, or by emailing [email protected].
ADSC board members are present at every event and are there to assist you. If you cannot identify a board member, please seek the person who checked you in to the event, or ask the Welcome Pavillion volunteers to contact the event or volunteer chair.
Anonymous Reports:
At this time, we are not able to accept anonymous reports or take any action based solely on such information. ADSC will keep your name and personal information confidential.
NOTE: Many times at these larger events, the public may take photos without asking. If this happens and makes an individual uncomfortable, the ADSC board and event organizers will support you and ask the offending individuals to please ask before taking photographs.
If necessary, the ADSC board members and event organizers will be happy to help you contact local law enforcement, engage local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise assist you in upholding our values for the duration of the event. We work together to create safe and welcoming environments. We value you and want to ensure a positive environment and uplifting experience for everyone.
