East Ville Des Folies, New York

The 1920s era of Prohibition conjures up thoughts of flappers, gangsters and secret speakeasies illegally serving bootlegged alcohol.  East Ville Des Folies brought Prohibition to life this weekend, with the first annual Beer and Whiskey Festival.

East Ville Des Folies took place at the famous Webster Hall, once owned by infamous American gangster, Al Capone.  Capone was a legend in the era of Prohibition, when alcohol was outlawed and organized crimes such as gambling and bootlegging ran rampant.  During this time, Webster Hall continued to serve alcohol at lavish events attended by historical figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, while law enforcement and politicians turned a blind eye.

East Ville Des Folies brought back the days of Prohibition with a massive beer and whiskey tasting, speakeasy style!  The event featured 4 floors of rare beers and whiskeys from around the world.  The venue was totally transformed to bring back the 1920s, complete with swing bands, burlesque trapeze artists, flappers and a basement speakeasy with vintage photo booth.

$35 got you a commemorative beer mug and unlimited whiskey and beer tastings.  The event was sold out, but the number of vendors ensured that the booze flowed freely throughout the day.

Some highlights from Saturday’s event:

M & M Phonograph Works and their antique horn phonographs.

Gelber and Manning in the Grand Ballroom.

Grand Street Five in the Studio.

Whiskey tasting in the basement speakeasy.

Beer tasting in the Grand Ballroom.

Burlesque trapeze artist.

Matt Dallow on the accordion.  

Flapper-styled server.

Interested in attending East Ville Des Folies next year?  Connect on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on next year’s event.

Still not convinced?  Check out the rest of City Gal’s event photos!

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