Getting Ready for the Gatsby Picnic

Do you have to be an Art Deco Society California member to get in?

We welcome both members and non-members to attend the Gatsby Picnic. However, only ADSC members are eligible to purchase Early Entry Passes. Members also receive discounted tickets to the event. Click here to find out more about being an ADSC member. If you become inspired to become a member during the event, please look for the membership table on the grounds.

What is the deadline for advance ticket sales?

The last date for advance purchase of tickets is Friday before the event, up to 12pm. Please note, there will be NO tickets for sale at the door. Click here to purchase tickets in advance to ensure you get in.

The deadline for Early Entry Passes is August 31st at 11:59pm. This is so we can mail your parking credentials to you.

The deadline to purchase tables has been moved up to August 31st. Please make your purchases as we usually sell out.

How will I receive my tickets?

Tickets are purchased through Eventbrite, and you will receive them in an email from Eventbrite. Bring your phone and the event QR code to be scanned, or alternatively, you may print the confirmation with the QR code to show at the entrance.

Can I buy tickets for each person in my party, even if we arrive separately?

Yes, if you want to purchase tickets for other people and have them picked up under their own names, you can purchase tickets online, then email the ticket to the friends who will be using them. Be sure you do not mistakenly use the tickets that you emailed to your friends or you may need to walk up to the gate to let them in. Alternatively, have your friends pick up their tickets under your name by printing the tickets and leaving them at the front table with our friendly volunteers.

How do I get a table? What about just a chair and umbrella?

If you are renting a table, umbrella and/or chairs for a group of people that must be done via Eventbrite. Table sales end August 31st and umbrella sales end by Friday before the event or while supplies last.

If I purchase a table, do I still have to pay for an individual ticket?

Yes. Table charges and umbrella packs (extras) are in addition to the ticket price, and are needed to underwrite the rental and set-up costs. Everyone seated at a table needs to have a ticket.

Can I choose which table I rent?

The tables around the dance floor are able to be reserved by table location. Other areas are assigned by ADSC personnel.

How can I volunteer?

We would love your help! The Gatsby Picnic would not be possible without our many wonderful volunteers, and they are provided with complimentary admission. Please email volunteer@artdecosocietyofcalifornia.org to find out how you can help!

Day of Gatsby Picnic

What do I do if I have purchased an Early Entry Pass?

(Please note: unlike prior years, EEPs are available to ADSC members only.)

Please bring the Early Entry Pass that will be emailed to you to the Gatsby Picnic. When you arrive at History Park, show your Early Entry Pass to the volunteers waiting at the gate, as well as tickets for everyone in the car. They will direct you to the queue that forms for Early Entry. If you want to be one of the first in the queue, you’re free to arrive at any time after 11am.

At noon early entry will begin. The car queue will be released in groups. We are limited with the number of cars on the property at one time so please be patient. PLEASE KEEP YOUR VEHICLE ON THE PAVED ROAD AT ALL TIMES. Volunteers will direct you to drop off locations. Unload picnic items by the side of the road; do not attempt to drive to a site on the lawn. As each vehicle empties its contents and leaves the grounds, staff will notify the ADSC volunteers at the gates, and they will signal another vehicle to enter. Please have your Early Entry Pass and event tickets to show the gate attendants.

Once on the grounds, your vehicle must remain on the paved roads. Autos are NOT permitted on the lawn. If you are bringing heavy items, please consider the means to transport those from the drop-off to your picnic site. To ensure all early entrants have equal time to unload, we ask that you strive to unload your contents within 15 minutes. To expedite the process, volunteers may assist with unloading at the drop off site. You may want to leave a helper with your picnic. Please make sure everyone has their ticket or hand stamp before you enter or there may be issues once you are inside.

SPEED LIMIT AT HISTORY PARK: 5 MPH.

After you have unloaded your car, drive your vehicle to the parking lot outside of the property. At the end of the day, when you retrieve your picnic supplies, the vehicle must remain on paved roads and cannot be driven on the lawn. Volunteers will be present to facilitate the exodus. 

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

No. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not allowed. Service Animals as defined by the ADA for those with disabilities are the only exceptions.  

Is there a discount if I arrive late/leave early?

There are no discounts for early exit or late arrival.

Where do I park?

There is a large lot just past the main gates. Parking may be limited. If you can, please carpool or use a ride-share app. You may drop off passengers or picnic items at the gate. We will have a parking shuttle available to transport guests (not their picnic items) to and from their parking spot to the front gate.

How much is it to park in the lots near the event?

The cost for the parking lot is $10.00 per vehicle (no oversized vehicles). Parking is managed and priced by the staff of History Park. 

Is History Park accessible via mass transit?

The VTA Route 73 bus has a stop at the corner of Phelan Ave. & Senter Rd. It is a short walk from the bus stop to History Park gate. The park is about a 30-35 minute bus ride from both Caltrain and BART with one bus transfer.

Is it safe to unload and leave my belongings at the front gate while I go park my car?

Yes, you can leave your things, park, and return. There is always some risk when you do so, so please make the security guard aware when you drop off your items.

Is there a lot of walking involved to get to the event?

There is some walking from where you will need to park and to get to the picnic area. We suggest having a change of comfortable walking shoes. For the ladies: high heels do sink into the grass so you may want to change into heeled shoes once you reach the picnic area.

Is there a Costume Closet at the event?

There will be no costume closet at the Gatsby Picnic.

Who do the vintage cars belong to?

History Park is a working museum. The automobiles on display are privately owned by ADSC members or the park itself and many are museum quality. Please do not touch the vintage vehicles without asking, and when taking photos, please pose in front of the car—never on or in the car. Click here to find out how to show your car.

Can I access the historic houses on the property?

Docents may be available to open some of the houses during the picnic. This is contingent on History Park volunteer availability and not under the control of the ADSC. 

Where can I smoke?

There is no smoking on the grounds and it is subject to a $600 fine. If you are caught smoking on the grounds you will be asked to leave the event with no re-entry.

Where is lost and found?

Lost and found will be located at the entrance. Lost and found items will be taken by a board member if not claimed. You can contact ADSC post-event if you are looking for an item. 

Where are the bathrooms?

There are port-a-potties located throughout the property, many of which are ADA accessible. Volunteers can direct you.

Are there any places I may NOT set up my picnic?

We have access to the entire park, however we recommend setting your picnic up on the lawn near the band. There are lovely areas nearby as well if that area is too crowded.

Where do I pick-up my umbrella & chairs that I ordered in advance?

The umbrella packs will be located in a cluster past the dance floor tables and labeled with the renter's name. You may move the umbrella and chairs to your desired picnic area but they are weighted umbrellas. Please kindly return them to the original area after the event.

No one seems to be sitting at a table, is it okay if I sit down for a little while?

No, we are sorry but those are not open tables. All tables are reserved in advance and belong to the people who have paid for them. There is no opportunity to purchase day of.

Is there anywhere else I can sit?

There are some benches and tables on the grounds, but most of them are far from the main picnic. We encourage and expect people to provide their own seating, either by reserving them in advance or bringing their own chairs or blankets and pillows.

Can anyone dance on the dance floor?

The dance floor is for everyone! You are encouraged to dance. Please consider non-slip dance shoes. If you are not dancing please do not stand on the dance floor. Parents, please keep children in check and respect the dancers. The dance floor is for dancing and not a playground. We want to be sure it's safe for everyone!

Who can participate in the contests?

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Charleston Dance competition, and there will be a Vintage Auto award for the “Best in Show”. There will also be a costume Parade during the event so please feel free to show off! 

Is food available at the event?

There is no food available on site. Please bring your own picnic foods.

Will alcohol be allowed at the picnic?

Yes. Please drink responsibly and ensure you have a designated driver for your drive home. If you do need to consider a cab, you must make arrangements to move your car from the lot, or you may be towed. You must vacate all lots within an hour of the end of the event or you risk towing or a citation.

Can we bring glass bottles?

Plastic would not be period correct so you are encouraged to bring glass bottles. Please DO dispose of them properly or carry them out. Be careful with corks and bottle caps as they can harm the lawn mowers used by the park.

Can we take photographs?

Yes, you may take photographs anywhere. If you post them on social media, please tag them as #GatsbyPicnic!

After the Gatsby Picnic

I parked in the front outside of the grounds. When the event is over can I just drive in the front entry to get my stuff?

At the conclusion of the event you may only drive in the front gate with your Early Entry Pass. Otherwise you must carry out what you brought in. We encourage wagons. 

Will there be a Gatsby Picnic next year? Do you know the date?

Yes! The Gatsby Picnic is now always at History Park and is always on the second Sunday in September. We hope you will join us next year!