The Avalon Ball...
The Avalon Ball is a vintage-themed dance event held in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, California, usually associated with the island's famous Catalina Casino Ballroom.
It celebrates the style, music, and social dancing of the 1920s and 1930s, when Catalina was a glamorous getaway for Hollywood stars, big-band musicians, and Southern California society.
What It Is
The Avalon Ball is typically a retro formal dance featuring:
- Live big band or swing-era music
- Dancing in the historic Casino Ballroom
- Vintage or vintage-inspired eveningwear
- Art Deco atmosphere
- A weekend getaway feel, with many attendees dressing in period style
The Venue
Despite its name, the Catalina Casino is not a gambling casino. It is a landmark Art Deco entertainment building opened in 1929 by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., whose family helped develop Catalina Island.
The Casino's ballroom is one of the event's major draws. It is a large circular ballroom with ocean views, elegant Art Deco details, and a long history of hosting dances and big-band performances.
Historical Feel
Catalina was a major resort destination in the early 20th century. During the big-band era, the Casino Ballroom hosted famous orchestras and was part of the island's glamorous nightlife. The Avalon Ball is meant to recreate that golden-age atmosphere.
Typical Experience
People often make a weekend of it by:
- Taking the ferry to Avalon
- Staying in local hotels or inns
- Attending the ball in formal vintage attire
- Visiting Catalina landmarks
- Enjoying cocktails, dining, and dancing
Dress Code
Attendees commonly wear:
- 1920s flapper-style dresses
- 1930s evening gowns
- Tuxedos or dinner jackets
- White dinner jackets, especially appropriate for a resort setting
- Vintage suits, hats, gloves, and accessories
Who Organizes It
The event has been closely associated with the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, which promotes preservation and appreciation of Art Deco architecture, design, fashion, and culture.
In short, the Avalon Ball is less just a dance and more a time-travel-style weekend, combining Catalina's seaside charm with the glamour of the Jazz Age and swing era.