Avalon Ball 2024 FAQ
The Ball will take place Saturday, May 18, 2024. Tickets went on Sale Oct. 15, 2023
Greetings Avalon Ball Revelers!
We are thrilled to be able to dance with you once again! We hope that this exhaustive FAQ will enable you to feel super prepared for the Ball! The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles will hold the Avalon Ball in 2024 on May 18 from 6:00 - 10:00 PM.
Members of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles will have exclusive access to tickets starting Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM PST. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, October 21 at 10:00 AM PST. There is still time to join ADSLA. The system will automatically give you access to member benefits once you join online.
Early Bird Ticket sales end on January 31, 2024.
WHEN DO TICKETS USUALLY GO ON SALE?
Tickets & Tables for the 2024 Avalon Ball ™ go on sale to members on October 15, 2023.
Non-Members will have access to a limited number of Early Bird tickets starting October 30, 2024.
Early Bird Ticketing
Start Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023
End Date: January 31, 2024
Member: $55
Non-Member $65
Regular Ticketing
Start Date: February 1, 2024
End Date: May 16, 2024 at 7pm.
Member: $65
Non-Member: $80
At the Door Tickets
Start Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
$100 (Cash Only)
See the table section for information about buying a table. Tables are first offered to members of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles at all levels.
ATTENTION!
There are no physical tickets. Everything is will call. We will have your name on a list. You can now transfer tickets you purchased for a friend, to that friend’s name using the ticket transfer protocol mentioned below.
Ticket holders should get an email(s) with additional confirmation details about attending the Ball/Tours. If you bought tickets for someone else, please forward the details to them.
Internet and phone service on the island can be spotty. We highly recommend that you carry printed copies of reservation confirmations, maps, etc. with you to the island. Make a plan to meet up with friends, that doesn’t involve texting, just in case you can’t get reception.
May 17 - 19 if you need to reach ADSLA in an emergency, please text us. We will not be able to check emails and social media questions in a timely fashion. The number is: 310-659-3326.
COVID-19 Policy: Masks are strongly encouraged for all patrons. We are not checking vaccination status.
TICKET TRANSFERS:
The refund period has ended for Avalon Ball tickets, however you can still transfer your tickets to a friend. Here are instructions. You can transfer any ticket to another person in a few easy steps. This includes tour tickets. If you sell the tickets, you will be responsible for working out payment from the new buyer using Venmo, Paypal or other method.
ONLINE SALES FOR ALL TICKETS END WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM.
TICKETS TO THE BALL WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FOR $100 CASH ONLY.
Due to the unprecedented number of sales last year, we will open check-in at 3:00 PM.
In order to obtain a (waterproof) wristband at check-in EVERY GUEST must appear in person with photo I.D. to get their wristband. Guests will be wristbanded prior to leaving the check in table. You must be present to receive your wristband. Once you are wearing your wristband, you may return later for the Ball. Once open, check-in will remain open for the duration of the event.
There are TWO lines. One to check in and one to wait in, until doors open. Members will be admitted starting at 5:45 PM. If you checked in early and have a wristband, when you arrive at the Casino, you will stand in the Member or Non-Member line until doors open.
Tickets to the Sunday, May 19, 2024 Country Club Unwinder will be announced at a later date. This event sells out every year, so if you want to attend, please purchase a ticket when they go on sale $30 CASH ONLY. NO EXCEPTIONS.
If you are unable to attend, you may sell or gift your tickets to another person. Please use the method described above to transfer the tickets. You are responsible for receiving payment from the person you sell to.
ANIMAL POLICY:
Animals are strictly prohibited in the Avalon Casino.
BAG POLICY:
You may bring a suitcase or bag to carry a change of clothes, but all bags must be checked at coat check. They are prohibited in the ballroom. No large bags may be stashed under chairs, tables, corners of the ballroom.
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
Animals, firearms or other weapons, illegal drugs.
EARLY CHECK-IN:
When you check in early, you will get your waterproof wristband (yes you can take a shower with it on). You won't need to check in again when you return to enter the Ballroom, but you will need to stand in line to be admitted if you arrive before 6PM (when doors open). After doors open you can go right in.
Each ticket buyer must appear in person to check in. The wristband will be placed on each person's wrist by ADSLA staff at the time of check in.
You cannot pick up a wristband for another ticket holder who is not present.
Wristbands cannot leave the check in table unless they are on the ticket buyer's wrist.
Wristbands must be worn at all times before and during the event.
REFUND INFORMATION:
Tickets are non-refundable. You can gift or sell them to a friend and give us the name of the new ticket holder.
If you wish to sell your table in a private sale, email us and we will connect you with a buyer. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to sell your table the week of the Ball. We suggest that you contact us as early as possible to sell the table. The buyer and seller will need to handle payment directly via Zelle or Paypal, etc. without any involvement of ADSLA.
We will take your name for a waiting list if you email us. ADSLA members will have priority on the waiting list. The waiting list for 2024 is full.
HOW DO I GET THE MEMBER PRICE?
Use your member number to access the member price on the Agile system. If you are a member and don't know your number, select "Yes" at the "Members Sign In" prompt, click on "Forgot Your Number" and follow instructions to retrieve your number.
The number of member discounted tickets is related to your level of membership. If you have a senior, student or principle membership, you will only be able to purchase ONE TICKET AT THE MEMBER PRICE.
You must be a member at the time that you purchase tickets in order to get the member discount.
If you wish to upgrade your membership to purchase two tickets at the member price, you can do so at any time of the year. Contact AGILE TICKETING. You must indicate the name of the event, your name, your membership number, the level you wish to upgrade to and the name of our organization (Art Deco Society of Los Angeles).
Is there a discount offered to members of other Art Deco Societies?
The ART DECO SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES offers member pricing to current members of our sister Art Deco Societies. To purchase up to two tickets at the ART DECO SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES member price, please send an email to artdeco@artdecola.org, and provide some proof of current membership for your Art Deco Society. A scan of a current membership card or membership confirmation email would be ideal. Instructions will be emailed to you.
FERRY TO THE ISLAND
The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles works with Catalina Express to charter an 11:00 pm boat for those attendees who wish to return to the mainland immediately after the dance. All tickets are sold through Catalina Express. This ferry time does not go on sale until closer to the event. All questions about reservations should be directed to Catalina Express. There tends to be space for all who want to take this boat.
RESERVED SEATING TABLES
Tables are a separate purchase and do not include admission. When you purchase a table, you are choosing the exact table that you want. If you are planning to buy a table, please buy a ticket(s) first. Tables will initially be offered exclusively to ART DECO SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES members.
Note that a table purchase is separate from an admission. You must buy a ticket to be admitted, even if you bought a table.
Table reservations will be offered via the ADSLA website for an additional charge (in addition to your ticket). All tables are paid and reserved. There will be no tables available for open seating.
Table Sales Start Date:
Members October 15, 2023
Member:
Cocktail: $150
Standard: $210
Non-Member:
Cocktail: $175
Standard: $235
This year, in the initial offering of tables, members will be able to purchase ONE table. After that period, Household members and above may purchase up to the number listed below once the second round of sales is announced.
The number of tables you may purchase is based on your membership level.
Corporate - 6 Standard Tables or 6 Cocktail Tables
Sustaining - 4 Standard Tables or 4 Cocktail Tables
Exposition - 4 Standard Tables or 4 Cocktail Tables
Sponsoring - 3 Standard Tables or 3 Cocktail Tables
Household - 2 Standard Tables or 2 Cocktail Tables
Principal - 1 Standard Tables or 1 Cocktail Tables
Senior - 1 Standard Tables or 1 Cocktail Tables
Student - 1 Standard Tables or 1 Cocktail Tables
Standard tables are circular, dining style tables and come with four chairs.
Cocktail tables are small circular tables with two dining room chair height chairs.
Once you have purchased a table, anyone you wish may sit at your table. They don't have to pay extra to be your guest. However, they must have a ticket to the event.
After tables go on sale to ADSLA members, any remaining tables will go on sale to the general public. Once tables sell out, we will take a waiting list with priority given to members. If tables are refunded, we will contact people on the waiting list first come, first served. You must be a member at the time the tickets go on sale, in order to get the priority notification for purchase.
At the event, there will be ADSLA staff waiting to show you to your table.
How do I get my tickets?
Physical ticket(s) will NOT BE mailed to you. Everyone will check in on a list. Please bring I.D. with your name on it. We will accept your name on a credit card or photo I.D. as proof of identity.
HOW DO I BOOK MY FERRY TICKETS?
Ferry tickets are available through Catalina Express.
Please contact them at 1-800-481-3470 or book online at http://www.catalinaexpress.com/. If you are returning on the Saturday special Avalon Ball 11:00 p.m. ferry, please make sure you book your tickets from the Long Beach Downtown Landing. You then select the 11 PM "Avalon Ball" return boat on their website. The "late boat" should be available early in 2023.
In the past, parking has been around $22 per 24 hours at the Long Beach Downtown Landing Parking lot. Please be aware that parking fees are not under the ADSLA’s control, so plan accordingly.
IS THERE SEATING IN THE BALLROOM IF I DON’T BUY A TABLE?
Chairs are offered as a courtesy to our guests. An abundant number of unreserved chairs will be located around the ballroom for your use while you are not dancing.
SOMETHING CAME UP, MAY I HAVE A REFUND?
These tickets are transferable, so if you find someone who will buy your ticket directly from you, you can easily change the name on the ticket using the transfer function in Agile.
Since this is a fundraiser, if you do not wish to pass your ticket onto a friend, or sell it on Facebook, please consider the ticket(s) cost a donation to help with ADSLA’s preservation goals.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? DO I HAVE TO WEAR VINTAGE?
This event is in the spirit of a more formal, stylish time. Please dress accordingly. Vintage style or modern tuxes or coats and ties are expected for the men, vintage or modern style evening or day dresses for the women. Please no jeans, shorts, flip-flops, tennis shoes, athletic or beach wear and the like that will lower the tone of the event for everyone.
Men customarily remove their hats when they arrive inside.
People without appropriate attire will not be admitted (you can carry your appropriate attire with you and change inside).
WHERE AND HOW DO I CHECK IN FOR THE BALL?
You will check in on a list at the door. Once doors open at 5:45 p.m. for members and 6:00 p.m. for nonmembers, you just need to show your I.D. to be admitted. Only ticket buyers can pick up tickets. If not everyone in your party arrives at the same time, you can leave the names of the other people in your party with the check in desk.
At 3:00 p.m., our volunteer staff will be outside the Casino Ballroom to address any questions or issues. If you have reserved a table, please check in at the ADSLA check-in table at the Casino to get your tickets. Once inside the Ballroom, you will check in for your table and be seated by one of our staff.
There will be a designated ADSLA Member line and a Non-Member line. ADSLA Members will be let in first, at 5:45 p.m., along with reserved table guests. The rest of the attendees will be let in by 6:00 pm.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE ON THE ISLAND WHERE I CAN CHANGE MY CLOTHES?
On the second floor of the Casino, there is a large ladies’ lounge and a small men’s lounge. Please note no one will be allowed into the building until 5:45/6:00 p.m. There are a limited number of electric plugs for curling irons, hair dryers, etc.. If you want to change earlier, you may use a public restroom on the island or arrange with a friend who has a hotel room where you can change.
WHERE CAN I PUT MY STUFF WHILE DANCING?
There is a complimentary coat check on the second floor of the Casino. You will see it on your way up to the ballroom and it is conveniently located just outside of the ladies lounge. We encourage you to check all of your bags, coats, and hats (except small purses and cameras).
A Casino staff member will be stationed at the coat check during the event should you need to access your personal belongings during the dance.
IS FOOD AVAILABLE IN THE BALLROOM?
The bar in the ballroom offers a variety of light fare, but does not provide dinner. Items for sale in the past have included wrap sandwiches and cheese and fruit tray. We recommend that you budget some time to dine at one of the many restaurants in Avalon before the ball if you want something more substantial Eateries range from fast food stands to elegant sit-down restaurants. Service can be slow, so be aware when making your plans.
For restaurant info click here.
ARE DRINKS AVAILABLE?
Yes, there is a full bar that accepts cash and Visa/MC.
WHAT IS THE DANCE FLOOR LIKE?
The dance floor may be either very slippery or very sticky, depending on the temperature and other variables. We recommend that you bring some dance shoe options that will work on either type of surface.
WILL YOU BE OBSERVING LINE OF DANCE?
A resounding “yes”! We request that swing and other dancers who are doing spot dances gravitate towards the middle of the dance floor so that those doing traveling dances may move freely in a counter-clockwise direction around the dance floor.
WHAT DANCES WILL BE DANCED?
The band will play the music of the 1920s, 30s & 40s. Most will be in 4-4 time and suitable to Foxtrot and (the more uptempo selections) Swing/Charleston styles. There will also be some Waltz, Tango and Rumba as well as our legendary Conga line.
DO I HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO DANCE TO ATTEND?
No, many non-dancers attend to enjoy the atmosphere and socialize. We do ask those who are not dancing to stay off the dance floor, for safety reasons. During the first band break, we will be offering some complimentary introductory dance lessons, so you can learn some basic steps that can get you out on the floor.
If there is a demand for it, in the weeks before the ball, we will offer a dance class/mixer where you can learn the basics you need to know to take to the floor and perhaps find dance partners for the evening of the dance.
If you would like to learn about the dances that will be danced at the Ball, click here.
DO I NEED TO BRING A PARTNER?
No, you don't need to bring a partner or a date, and many people come stag. As usual with such events, there tend to be a few more women than men, so ladies would be well advised not to wait to be asked, but to feel free to ask gentlemen to dance.
As was done all the time in the Jazz Age, it's also perfectly fine for women to dance with other women and goes without saying that men can dance with men.
We respectfully ask that children under 10 not be allowed by their parents, to roam the dance floor.
MAY I BRING MY CAMERA AND TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS?
Cameras are allowed and encouraged. We hope you share your photos with us! No photos are video can be used for commercial purposes without prior consent.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
Generally speaking, this is an adults only event. Please contact us if children or teens who are professional dancers or taking dance lessons, wish to attend with you. For everyone’s safety, no small children are permitted on the dance floor.
I WANT TO SPEND THE DAY AT CATALINA. IS THERE SOMEWHERE I CAN PUT MY EVENING WEAR WHILE I EXPLORE THE ISLAND?
Yes, there is a luggage check at the Catalina Express terminal. The cost varies but is nominal. If you are leaving on the 11:00 pm boat, pick up everything before you come to the dance.
I AM STAYING FOR THE WEEKEND AT CATALINA, ARE THERE OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT ADSLA PLANS?
Yes. A variety of activities from Friday through Sunday are planned. Check our website and Facebook for more information.
I DON'T WANT TO WALK BACK TO THE TERMINAL IN MY DANCING SHOES (IT'S ABOUT A 10-MINUTE WALK). WHAT ARE MY ALTERNATIVES?
A cab ride from the Casino to the ferry terminal costs around $15. Catalina Cab Co. Phone 310-510-0025. Otherwise, change into more comfortable walking shoes and take in the beautiful night view while you stroll back to the boat or hotel. It will take about 15 minutes.
ARE THERE SPECIAL HOTEL DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE?
There are no special Avalon Ball discounts organized by ADSLA. You can find hotel information here as well as on all the usual hotel booking sites and Air BnB. We recommend booking accommodations by February.
ARE THERE FERRY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE?
COSTCO CATALINA EXPRESS CARDS
If you have a Costco membership, you can purchase Catalina Express gift cards with a face value of $100.00 for $80.00 at Costco Warehouse stores (check or call your preferred store, as only select stores carry the Catalina Express gift cards). The gift cards are good for travel to Catalina from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point; The late return boat only returns to the Long Beach terminal. The gift cards are good for full fare travel for Adult, Senior, Military, and Child rates. You can use the cards at the Catalina Express terminal when you pay for your boat trip. The cards can also be used online when you make your reservation.
GROUPON CATALINA FLYER
Groupon also offers a discounted rate for The Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach, good for round trip fares, however, it returns to Newport Beach, so this is only good for people staying over on Catalina after the ball, because there is no late boat back to Newport Beach.
IS THE SILENT FILM HAPPENING?
Yes, the Catalina Island Museum’s Silent Film events are at the Museum this year. For details about this event click here. ADSLA members will get a discount on tickets. A code will be emailed. All questions about the Silent Film event in the Art Deco Avalon Theatre should be addressed to the Museum (same link as above). We also recommend visiting the Museum’s exhibits.
Any other questions or concerns that we haven’t answered here, please feel free to email us at artdeco@artdecola.org
SEE YOU ON THE ISLAND!