Reported by Mary Gallagher
Spectacular live music, dancing, drinks, parties, food, history, and more onboard The Queen Mary August 19 -20
Pack your vintage duds and dust off your dapper suits for the Queen Mary’s 13th annual Art Deco Festival returning to the majestic ship August 19 – 20, 2017. Produced in collaboration with the Los Angeles Art Deco Society, the Queen Mary invites attendees to come aboard and drink, dine, dance, and discover the opulence of this bygone era immersed among the largest Art Deco collection in the World.
I was lucky enough to spend a night on the Queen Mary in the early years it was docked in Long Beach and what a thrill! Always a fan of this era, I didn’t want to fall asleep or turn out the lights. Just keep absorbing the beauty of my suite.
The next morning a tour of the ship proved even more memorable and astonishing at every turn. If you’re able, do make this Art Deco Festival and if not return for a night and/or tour.
The 2-day festival celebrates the artistic movement that influenced the design of The Queen Mary, the world’s most advanced ocean liner of its time. Daily festival activities include shopping for favorite vintage items, marveling at authentic collectibles and having your hair styled from your favorite era in the Vintage Bazaar. Experience one-of-a-kind lectures by experts on the period throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday.
My grand souvenir is a commemorative windbreaker honoring the 1936-86 birthday that proves I’ve been reporting on travel for a very long time plus I can still get into the jacket!
The Grand Ball ($199 add on), the Art Deco Festival’s flagship and fan-favorite celebration will take place on Saturday, August 19 at 7 p.m. The formal vintage ‘dress-to impress’ evening presents a lavish four-course historic menu with the Dean Mora Orchestra complementing the mood. Then on Sunday sip on vintage inspired libations and experience traditional tea service while taking a turn or two around the dance floor at the Swingin’ Sunday Tea Dance ($49 add on).
The Queen Mary’s Art Deco Festival is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular stroll through time on August 19 – 20. Day passes start at $25 per person and include access to the Queen Mary, her restaurants, the Observation Bar, Art Deco Lectures and access to the Vintage Bazaar, Ed. note: Now that is a bargain. The Art Deco Grand Pass is $229 and includes two-day access to the festival and admission to the Grand Ball, Sunday Tea Dance, all Lectures, and Vintage Bazaar access.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the 13th annual Art Deco Festival visit http://queenmary.com/events/art-deco-festival/
In case you’re very young here is information about the Queen Mary
Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include Chelsea Chowder House, Observatory Bar, as well as, a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum with various daily tours, and currently, the ship is featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit.
The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square- foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 346 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.