The Roaring Twenties Lawn Party Returns to the Crane Estate in August

Photo by Jamie Ducharme

Ipswich’s much-loved Roaring Twenties Lawn Party is back in its sixth year, offering an entire weekend of Lindy Hopping once again this summer. The 1920s-themed affair returns to the sprawling green grounds of Castle Hill on the Crane Estate on August 4 and 5.

Hosted by Boston Swing Central and the Trustees of Reservations, the lawn party attracts thousands of dapper dancers donning Gatsby-esque threads. This summer’s celebration promises jazz, swing dancing, lawn games, food trucks, performances, picnicking, and tours of the Crane Estate’s Great House, a 1928 mansion that serves as a striking backdrop to the dance floor. For 2018, music will flow from four bands on two stages, with swinging tunes provided by Tamar Korn, A Kornucopia, Baby Soda Jazz Band, Cassidy’s Orleans Kids, and Miss Maybell.

After the gates open at 1 p.m., the party kicks off with a group dance lesson at 3 p.m. Aside from mastering the Charleston, guests can explore the vintage fair, play croquet, or hop in an antique automobile. Attendees are encouraged to pack their own picnic lunch, or order one from Salem’s Ferreira Foods. Festivities wind down at sunset.

The party expanded to a two-day-long event last year due to popular demand. And it even though it rained for part of the weekend last summer, a few drops didn’t stop flappers and dandies from dancing the afternoon away.

“Last year we had over 3,000 picnickers, and this year we anticipate that number to grow,” says Mike Hibarger, the lawn party’s organizer and president of Boston Swing Central.

The party’s Saturday event has been known to sell out. If you’re looking to reserve a spot, know that tickets are available only in advance. Tickets are $45 per person, and $36 for students, seniors, and Trustees of Reservations members. Children 10 and under are admitted for free. For the die-hard ’20s enthusiast, there’s also a two-day pass, priced at $75 per person and $60 for students, seniors, and Trustees members.

The Roaring Twenties Lawn Party takes place Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5, at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, located at 290 Argilla Road in Ipswich. Gates will open at 1 p.m. For more information, see roaringtwentieslawnparty.org.

Photo by Jamie Ducharme

Photo by Jamie Ducharme