Richmond GATSBY GALA (Spring 2026)

Step back in time with the glitz and glamour of the Roaring '20s at the highly anticipated return of RIchmond's GATSBY GALA! Previously hosted on New Year's Eve, event organizers After Dark RVA have now moved this very popular celebration to SPRINGTIME so more can attend!

Join us on May 30th at the historic Hofheimer Building, where the echoes of the Jazz Age will transport you to the era of the Great Gatsby, flappers, bootleggers and Prohibition.

Last two years SOLD OUT and we look forward to doing it again - this time in the warmer Spring!

See below for more details....

The Richmond GATSBY GALA experience includes:

• Live early 20th century dance music with the GRACE STREET SEVEN – complete with a SWING DANCE-OFF contest.
• Featured and Roaming Photographers (photos available online afterwards)
• Electro Swing music (8-9pm, 11:30pm-1am)
• Vintage Fashion Contest (more info. at event)
• Themed 1920s Cocktails (along with a full bar selection, with beer and wine)
• Keepsake GATSBY GAZETTE newspaper (event program), printed just for this event. Inside you'll find interesting facts about the 1920s in addition to all of the important details you'll want to know in order to make the most of your golden night with us at the Historic Hofheimer.
• Charity Canned Food Drive Raffle benefitting FeedMore.org
• ...as well as immersive visuals from the early 20th century!

* This is a 21+ event. Tickets are final sale and non-refundable.

The Grace Street Seven vintage jazz band will be performing from 9:00pm-11:30pm and are sure to keep the dance floor swingin’:

Forget dusty museums and sepia-toned nostalgia, the Grace Street Seven isn't just a vintage jazz band, they’re a time-machine blasting straight from the swinging '20s to your present-day dance floor. These seven sharp musicians – dapper enough to make Gatsby look twice – wield their melodic instruments like keys to a speakeasy, unlocking a portal to an era where music was more than entertainment – it was a lifestyle!

Stodgy standards or rehearsed riffs? Not here. Grace Street Seven breathes fire into Jazz Age classics, infusing them with a contagious energy that will have you swingin’ on the dance floor before you can say "bootleg gin". Their setlist is a kaleidoscope of forgotten gems and familiar favorites, twisted and twirled with their own mischievous improvisations. Each note crackles with the wit of Irving Berlin, the swagger of Duke Ellington, and the sheer joy of dancing 'til dawn under a chandelier of stars.

This ain't your grandma's jazz, it's a modern rebellion against musical mediocrity, one Charleston step at a time. Step into the spotlight, grab your nearest Flapper (or fellow Darb), and let Jay Brown’s Grace Street Seven whisk you away on a night you'll never forget!

In the spirit of giving, we invite you to contribute to our Charity Canned Food Drive benefitting FEED MORE in Richmond. For every two cans donated, you'll receive a raffle ticket, putting you in the running for fabulous prizes. Let's come together to make a difference Read more on FEED MORE at FeedMore.org (and see how you can help support this worthy cause yourself by organizing a charity food drive of your own.)

For those with fancy footwork, don't miss our swingin' Dance-Off Contest, accompanied by the infectious beats of GRACE STREET SEVEN, the live jazz band which will be performing from 9:00pm-11:30pm. Whether you're a traditional swing dancer or you've got your own unique style, all dance enthusiasts are welcome to participate. Whether you're a traditional swing dancer or you've got your own unique style, all dance enthusiasts are welcome to participate. Make sure to sign up before the contest kicks off—more details coming soon!

DJ Tony-T will also be plugged in (from 8-9:00pm and 11:30pm-1am) spinning Electro Swing music for those who can't get enough of the early 20th century vibe mixed with today's influences! Grace Street Seven live jazz band will perform from 9:00-11:30pm

NOTE: The main event space in the Hofheimer once served as a dance studio during it's nearly 100 year history so smooth, finished hardwood floors welcome dancers.

Calling all fashionistas! Flaunt your finest vintage look and join our Vintage Fashion Contest — whether it's flapper chic, dapper suits, or anything in between, we want to see your best vintage style! Don't miss your chance to shine in style—join us for a night of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable fun!

NOTE: Info. on how to participate available at the event!

WHAT TO WEAR?

• DO WEAR: 1920s glamour or attire highly recommended! Other suggestions would be to wear black, white, gold and pearls.

• DON'T WEAR: No common (present day) street wear, jeans, blue denim or t-shirts, please.

Guests are highly encouraged to dress in the glitz and glamour of the '20s era with professional photos available at the event. Suggestions for those not sure of what to wear would be to wear black, white, gold and pearls or maybe embrace their inner flapper or gangster. (NOTE: jeans, tennis shoes & street wear highly discouraged).

Prohibition is over & all are welcome to dip their bill as we enjoy the beauty of Spring. Follow the rules & everything will be jake. Break the rules & you'll get the bum's rush:

HOUSE RULES:

• Leave heaters, gats, rods, and roscoes with the doorman.

• In the event of a raid by the coppers, drink fast.

• Do not discuss politics, religion, or upcoming heists.

• Keep it civil. Fisticuffs will not be tolerated.

• Boozehounds will be bounced.

• Dips, Sharpers, and Grifters: Leave your work outside.

• Confine your flirting to the pro skirts. Leave other men's (and women's) squeezes alone.

• Don't be a wise guy and think you can get in if you are under 21 (we'll check IDs)

• Do not leave the joint with liquor. Drink up or leave it.

• No pants made of blue denim, better known as jeans, or common street wear will be allowed so dress like you were going to toss a few back with Capone himself!

Join us as we enjoy the warmth of Spring, filled with growth, opportunity, optimism, and creativity.

The doors open at 8:00pm on May 30th, with enchanting live jazz from 9:00-11:30pm (so don't arrive too late!). For those who want to arrive early there will be a special BOOTLEGGERS HAPPY HOUR from 7:00-8:00pm in the Hofheimer's 2nd Floor Lounge/Library (Gatsby Gala ticket required for entry)

NOTE: Please bring a valid photo I.D. with you, along with your .pdf ticket which you’ll receive via email after ticket purchase.

This event is presented by After Dark RVA and produced by Markster Con Productions and DC Creators.