Category Archives: dancing

September 19, 2026

2026 Vintage Lawn Party (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: September 12, 2026 (usually held annually the weekend after Labor Day)

Location: Salem Commons, Salem, MA

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: People dressed in their best vintage wear as they listened to, or danced to, swing music and posed for photos by the various antique cars.

Swing music, antique cars and snazzy dressers were in abundance last Saturday at the annual Vintage Lawn Party in Salem, MA.

People dressed to the nines in their best vintage clothing.

And, of course, they danced to the swinging sounds of Annie and the Furtrappers.

As someone with two left feet, I always appreciate the dance moves on display at this event.

One of the main attractions at the party are the cars. A variety of antique cars were featured at the event. In fact, I think that is what attracted the attention of most of the onlookers and got their interest.

This guy didn’t just bring his vehicle. He also brought some old slot machines that were previously used in local speakeasys during the 1930s They are are also still in working order!

Annie and the Furtrappers provided the entertainment for the event. They have been the musical performers every year I have attended and they always get the crowd moving.

There were also vendors selling swag and other wares from that era. Some of the vintage clothing being sold were over 100 years old!

There were games like croquet, bocce and other games popular at that time, and still to this day. But, this visitor found another way to have fun and travel.

You never know who’s going to show up at these events. It is Salem, after all.

Who knew Mike was such a classic car aficionado. He did drive quite a bit in the first and best Halloween movie, though.

The party was for the birds. Literally. Again, it’s Salem.

This busker, Persephoneo is one of the performers who pose for photos and entertain people on Essex St,

Dogs are also welcome at the vintage party!

Orion wore his best bowtie to the event.

Fergus McWolfstein (also known as Gus) had a fun time at the party!

As the annual lawn party becomes more popular, it’s great to see more people attend! But, what really makes me happy is seeing the regulars who come every year. It’s great seeing familiar faces and reconnecting with people. I also wonder about and miss some of the regulars who can no longer attend. Below are some of the regulars I have photographed over the years.

9 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in dancing, Massachussetts, musicians, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized, vintage lawn party

September 20, 2024

6th Annual Salem Vintage Lawn Party (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: September 14, 2024

Location: Salem Commons , North Washington Square, Salem, MA (35 minutes northeast of Boston, MA)

Cost: Free

Dog Friendly: Yes

Universally Accessible: Yes

Summary: Salem Commons transformed into the days of the 1920s for a very special event.

It was a swinging good time last weekend at Salem Commons.

For the past 6 years, the Salem community Neighborhood Association has hosted the Vintage Lawn Party. The party included dancing, antique cars, music and vendors selling all things vintage.

On my way to the event, I noticed this sky writer. Only in Salem!

While dressing up for the event is not required, it is encouraged and appreciated! Many people came dressed up in their best vintage wear! In fact, it seems like each year more guests decide to don their best attire. I used some special settings such as black and white and sepia to give some of the photos an old timey feel.

Annie and the Fur Traders kept the people dancing with their swinging sounds.

And, of course, there was dancing.

If dancing isn’t your thing, there were some cool cars to check out. In previous years, there was only one or two cars at the party. But, over time as word about the party spread, more and more cars began to show up. I love the curves, shape and sleekness of the cars.

This 1966 Excalibur has a special connection to Salem. It was the very same car used in the Bewitched episodes filmed in Salem, MA. The owner of the vehicle, “Sid” posed with his car.

Below is a photo of the very same car from the Bewitched episode filmed in 1970.

There were also lawn games for everyone to enjoy. Although it may seem like a new sensation, cornhole has existed since the 1880s in different forms.

Croquet, another game that has been around since the 1800s, was also a popular game played by both the young and old.

This 5 year old is quite the croquet prodigy.

There were a number of merchants selling everything from clothing, art ceramics and everything in between.

After a long day of partying and dancing, this pooch was all partied out!

17 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in cars, dancers, dancing, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, Salem, Uncategorized, vintage, vintage lawn party

August 26, 2024

Dancing On The Greenway (Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: August 6, 2024

Location: Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA

Summary: For the past 2 years, Facone has been holding dancing events along the Greenway.

They were dancing on the Greenway this summer. Specifically, the Dancing on the Greenway, a series of dancing events along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, took center stage every Tuesday during the summer months.

The event attracted dancers of all capabilities and a few curious onlookers.

The best part of the event was watching everyone just having fun. It didn’t matter if they were good dancers, not so good or somewhere in the middle.

Each dancing event featured a different type of dancing. The theme of the dancing event during my visit was Scottish Ceilidh. Pronounced as kay-lee, Ceilidh is a gaelic word meaning gathering or party. And the dance event seemed more like a gathering and party. While technique and style were a bonus, it was really all about having fun and learning about this Scottish Ceilidh dance genre. A dance instructor and experienced Scottish dancers helped lead the dancers during this event.

Some of the music for these dance events the summer were recordings played on a sound system. But, I made sure to stop by while there was a live band performing. Susie Petrov, Stephen Thomforde and Marnen Laibow-Koser provided the music for the event I attended.

AS darkness fell upon the Greenway, the lights of the city lit up the dance area.

In yet another sign that summer is indeed winding down, the final Dancing on the Greenway event is Tuesday, August 27. But, they may be back again next year! So, don’t forget to stop by next summer! Just don’t forget to bring your dance shoes!

17 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Boston, dancers, dancing, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Uncategorized

July 8, 2024

2024 Donna Summer Disco Party (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: June 27, 2024

Location: Boston City Hall, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Summary: Boston City Hall Plaza hosted a family friendly, free celebration of Boston native Donna Summer and all things disco!

Disco lives on! At least for one night Boston, MA!

For the past 10 years, Boston has kept Donna’s legacy alive with their Donna Summer Disco Party, A native of Boston, MA, Donna Summer, a 5 time Grammy winner and inductee in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the city.

The event included dancing, roller skating and, of course, music!

People came to the party dressed to impress!

Some of the accessories from their outfits lit up! This nice lady showed off her earrings. Yes, they change colors!

And this tierra lit up!

People even got dressed up to go roller skating! (more roller skating photos later)

Hundreds of people attended the event which made for a crowded dance floor. But, people still found a way to get their groove on!

And, of course, what would a dance party be without a “Love Train?”

The event, which took place between 5 and pm provided some great lighting, I especially like how the setting sun shone off people’s hair.

There was also hula hooping and jump rope for people to enjoy!

The highlight of the evening was the roller skating, especially for the photo opportunities! I try to catch people in their natural state. But, everyone seems to want to smile whenever they see a camera!

The event was pet friendly and I saw quite a few different pets at the disco party.

From left to right is Millie and Walter

And from left to right are Bandit Amadeus and Whitey Bulger. Walter is giving them some serious side eye!

The event was topped off with a musical performance by Donna Summer’s sister, Mary Gaines Bernard and her nephew O’Mega Red.

It was really fun and refreshing to see so many people come together and have fun while expressing themselves freely.

If you missed the event, don’t worry! The Donna Summer Disco Party is an annual event! So, I’ll see you next year. Just don’t forget to bring your roller skates!

Please see below for videos from the event!

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Boston, dancing, disco, donna summer, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, roller skating