39TH ANNUAL
GREAT GATSBY FESTIVAL
AUGUST 8TH - 9TH, 2026
RETURN TO THE ROARING 20S
The Great Gatsby Festival is a living history event, celebrating the life and times of the Prohibition Era. Begun in the mid-1980s, Gatsby has brought bootleggers, Model Ts, vintage vendors, live jazz and much more to the Tallac Historic Site throughout the last four decades.
The Great Basin Institute is pleased to host the 39th Annual Great Gatsby Festival on Sat. Aug. 8th and Sun. Aug. 9th, 2026!
Don’t be afraid to put on your “glad rags” and step into the past at this year’s Gatsby! From classic cocktails and live jazz, to vintage clothing, blacksmiths and autos, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For more details, review the event schedule below.
General admission is free, and all ticket sales, tips and tour fees directly support the continuation of this iconic event!
events schedule
SATURDAY AUGUST 8th
- GREAT GATSBY Bar | 11AM-4:30PM
- LIVE JAZZ FROM THE Jared Blum Band | 12PM - 4:30PM
- Vendor Market | 10AM - 4:30PM
- TAHOE UKULELE CLUB | 11AM - 12PM
- POPE HOUSE TOURS | 10AM - 4:00PM
- CLASSIC CAMPING WITH ANTIQUE OVERLAND | ALL DAY
- ANTIQUE AUTOS | ALL DAY
- SILENT AUCTION | ALL DAY
SUNDAY AUGUST 9TH
- GREAT GATSBY Bar | 11PM - 4:30PM
- LIVE JAZZ FROM THE Jared Blum Band | 12PM - 4:30PM
- Vendor Market | 10AM - 4:30PM
- classic cocktail class | 11AM - 12pm
- bETTY'S BALLS | 10AM - 4:30pm
- TEA & FASHION SHOW | 2PM - 4PM
- Lawn games | 10am - 3pm
- CLASSIC CAMPING WITH ANTIQUE OVERLAND | ALL DAY
- ANTIQUE AUTOS | ALL DAY
- SILENT AUCTION | 10AM - 2PM
GATSBY TEA & FASHION SHOW
SUNDAY, AUG. 9TH 2PM -4PM
The Tea and Fashion Show is an enduring tradition at the Great Gatsby Festival, began in 1985. The event includes 1920s luncheon*, tea, champagne and a full hour of vintage fashion from the early 20th century. Lunch includes traditional salads, finger sandwiches, pastries and more!* This event is made possible by Cherie Oliver, from Yesteryear Sierra.
*Vegan & vegetarian options available.
Cherie Oliver started collecting vintage clothing in the 1980s, joining friend Deborah Rush in Fashions of Yesteryear, presenting historic fashion shows in the San Francisco Bay Area. One of her earliest vintage events was the first Great Gatsby Festival in 1985. She has attended almost every year since then, hosting 22 vintage fashion shows, 11 with Deborah and 11 on her own.
When Cherie retired and moved to Grass Valley fifteen years ago, she had a mission in mind: to share her love of history and vintage clothing in this area where so much of California’s history started. Since then, she has produced 45 vintage fashion shows for local nonprofits in Grass Valley, Nevada City and Lake Tahoe. Today her collection consists of about 2,000 pieces going back to the 1840s – including dresses, coats, hats, shoes, and jewelry. Her shows focus on history and historic characters – and how their clothing reflected their times. She calls her vintage fashion business Fashions of Yesteryear Sierra.
arrival info
The event is held at the Pope & Baldwin Estates, accessed via the public parking lot at 1 Heritage Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Driving: Parking is FREE however, it is very competitive and space is limited!! We encourage you to arrive early to secure a spot; they are not reservable. Additional parking is available alongside highway 89, or at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. A short .5mi path connects visitors between the Taylor Creek and Tallac Historic Site parking lots. Consider carpooling with others.
Biking: You may access the event utilizing the paved bike path. This is a great alternative to avoid parking delays for those who are capable.
Ride share: Utilizing ride share and taxi services is recommended, especially if you plan to visit the speakeasy bar. Note that cell service is can be unreliable on busy weekends.