Vintage Vibes and Queer Culture: Gatsby Summer Afternoon Returns to Oakland

Step into a Bygone Era

In the golden haze of a late summer afternoon, the Oakland Hills come alive with the glittering allure of a bygone era. This September 8, the Dunsmuir Historic Estate will once again play host to the Gatsby Summer Afternoon, an event that has become a beacon for those enchanted by the elegance and whimsy of the 1920s.

Organized by the Art Deco Society of California, this annual affair invites revelers to step into a world reminiscent of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel where time seems to stand still amidst the glamour and grace of a vintage-inspired paradise.

A Cherished Tradition for Vintage Enthusiasts

I have had the pleasure of attending this enchanting event several times over the years, and it has quickly become a cherished tradition. Each August or September, as the Bay Area basks in its warmest hues, a community of vintage enthusiasts and curious newcomers gathers, drawn by the promise of a day that is equal parts dreamscape and historical homage.

The Gatsby Summer Afternoon is more than just a picnic; it is a celebration of an era where fashion, music, and art deco aesthetics reigned supreme, captivating the imaginations of queer folk and allies alike who are irresistibly drawn to the romance of yesteryear.

An Extravaganza of Elegance and Style

The event itself unfolds like a scene from The Great Gatsby, with tailored suits, elegant accessories, and parasols dotting the landscape. The estate grounds are transformed into a vibrant tapestry of color and style, where antique collectors proudly display their treasures.

Lavish displays of china, tea sets, and linens create a visual feast, complemented by gourmet picnic spreads that rival the grandest of soirées. Guests indulge in home made high tea services, complete with whole cakes adorned with fresh flowers, and spacious charcuterie spreads that invite leisurely enjoyment.

Highlights of the Day: Cars, Pageantry, and Music

A highlight of the afternoon is the vintage car show, where gleaming automobiles evoke the grandeur of the Roaring Twenties. The Miss Art Deco pageant adds a touch of theatrical flair, celebrating the elegance and poise of participants who embody the spirit of the age. Live music fills the air, providing the perfect soundtrack for meticulously choreographed dance performances by The Deco Belles, the local 1920s-style dance troupe.

A Celebration of Community and Heritage

The Bay Area‘s queer community, known for its love of all things vintage and glamorous, finds a natural home at the Gatsby Summer Afternoon. There is a certain magic in the air, a shared appreciation for the beauty of the past that transcends generations and identities.

It is a day to celebrate the freedom to express oneself, to revel in the joy of community, and to dance beneath the open sky in a celebration of life, art, and preservation.

An Invitation to a Timeless Journey

As the event approaches, anticipation builds. The Gatsby Summer Afternoon is not just an event; it is an experience, a chance to escape the ordinary and step into a world of elegance and nostalgia.

Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a first-time visitor, the Gatsby Summer Afternoon promises an unforgettable journey into the past, where the echoes of jazz and laughter linger in the air long after the sun has set.

So, don your finest vintage daytime attire; prepare your picnic baskets, and join us for a day of enchantment and celebration. The Gatsby Summer Afternoon awaits, ready to whisk you away to a time where every moment is a page from a Fitzgerald novel, and every guest is a character in a story of timeless elegance and joy.

For more information, visit: https://www.artdecosocietyofcalifornia.org/adsc-events/2024/9/8/gatsby-summer-afternoon

All photos in this article courtesy of Rose Eden