After so many hardships, people in the 1920s wanted to forget the horrors of war. Art and culture flourished, offering plenty of opportunities to have fun.
People danced and played a great deal. They met at balls and in nightclubs, played roulette and other games of chance. Women embraced new freedoms, which was reflected in their clothing and behavior. But criminal activities also had a certain allure in the 1920s.
We’ll reveal which activities will give your 1920s party the charm of the Roaring Twenties. With the right 1920s costumes and great costume accessories from our online shop, your themed party will be unforgettable.
1920s music that gets you onto the dance floor
Music should not be missing from any good party in the 1920s. People danced and sang a great deal during this period. German Schlager was joined by jazz, blues, and Black music from America. Together, they created a cheerful medley of songs that shocked the devout and conservatives. The rhythmic melodies were lively and sometimes even risqué. The motto was: The wilder, the better.
On the dance floors, people danced the foxtrot, Charleston, and shimmy to the music of the Comedian Harmonists, Marlene Dietrich, and Fritzi Massary. The latter was nicknamed the scandal dance.
The popular songs often included a generous pinch of wit and a liberal attitude toward morality. “Who rolled the cheese to the train station?” and “When I need love, I go to Pauline” are just two of these cheeky songs.
From the bar to the Russian tea room
In their free time, people went out to dance clubs, nightclubs, and ballrooms.
After all, these were places where they could dance the night away. A unique feature of this era was the so-called dance partners for hire. These were former officers who were unemployed and earned a living as gigolos. With your own gigolos for your Roaring Twenties party, you can capture the flair of this era perfectly.
For those less inclined to dance, there were plenty of other forms of entertainment. Bars, wine taverns, burlesque shows and cabaret, theaters, and Russian tea rooms were highly popular among those looking to enjoy life to the fullest.
Large cities became vibrant metropolises, and illuminated advertising signs turned night into day. The zest for life in the 1920s soon developed into decadence—which is why they were known as the “Golden Twenties.”
The new mass phenomenon of silent film
The first movie theaters were established even before the First World War. However, it was not until the 1920s that they attracted mass attention and developed into a new phenomenon.
People were fascinated by this new form of entertainment. Crowds flocked to the movie theaters to watch silent films. However, cinemas at that time differed from those today.
Short films, and occasionally nature or travel films, were shown before the main feature. The newsreel was also a regular part of the entire screening. Although they were called silent films, it was never completely quiet. The films were accompanied by music—piano music was customary. Its main purpose was to drown out the distracting sounds of the projector and provide viewers with an enjoyable experience.
In 1927, Hollywood brought the first sound film to movie theaters. This opened up entirely new creative possibilities for the flourishing film industry.
Activities and party games for your 20s party
Depending on your personal preferences, you have many options for turning your 1920s party into a unique event.
If you want it to be a dance party, you will need a nice dance floor, delicious cocktails, snacks, and music. Jazz, blues, and swing are the perfect choices, because you simply cannot sit still to these rhythms. It is best to choose songs that were popular in the 1920s. Ballroom dances and
musical statues are excellent party games for this occasion.
If you would prefer a cozy get-together, create an atmosphere like that of a movie theater and show an old black-and-white film. It may also have sound. Serve culinary delicacies and drinks in the style of the 1920s.
Do you love mafia themes and want to add some suspense to your party? Then a rented venue is perfect for the occasion. In the 1920s, there were hidden bars with concealed entrances. A “Closed” sign hangs on the front door, and guests can enter the party only through the secret back entrance and with the password from the invitation. For a truly spectacular event, a staged raid would be ideal.
You can also hold a game night in the style of the 1920s, preferably in an original venue: a casino with gaming tables. For a small party with family and friends, you can even transform the basement into a gambling den.
To capture the atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties, every guest should of course wear a 1920s outfit. This will make everyone feel transported back in time and immediately immerse themselves in the party.