INTREPID: Battle of the Big Bands
Celebrating America’s 250th
Saturday, May 23, 2026
—> Tickets now on sale!
The Intrepid Museum and Prohibition Productions proudly present the return of our epic big band swing dance on the flight deck of the historic aircraft carrier. This highly anticipated one-night-only event celebrates the big band music, dancing and vintage style of the swing era aboard the historic aircraft carrier Intrepid - commissioned at the height of the Swing Era in 1943!
Celebrate America’s 250th with an unforgettable salute to the past and a spectacular night on the Hudson. Two of the best big bands in the land will go head-to-head under the stars on the flight deck, with a massive stage and 3,200-square-foot wooden dance floor. We also will feature a barbershop quartet, a vintage fashion contest, swing dance performances, dance contests, free beginner swing dance lessons, our lovely pinup gals, and you’ll find even more live music & dancing at our second stage at the front of the ship as you explore the flight deck! The spectacular lineup has over 75 performers. You can 'Follow the Fleet’ with Navy-inspired outfits... vintage clothes and dance shoes are encouraged.
MAIN STAGE
(Flight Deck in front of the captains bridge)
* EYAL VILNER BIG BAND (17 piece)
* DANNY JONOKUCHI BIG BAND (18 piece)
Each band plays a one hour set on our massive 45ft stage, and the last set features both big bands on the same stage, battling it out -- culminating in them playing simultaneously with specially commissioned arrangements!
SECOND STAGE (Flight deck, front) - live music by:
* CAIT JONES BAND (3 sets)
- plus -
* Emcee DANDY WELLINGTON
* MADHATTAN QUARTET (barbershop)
* DJ's ANDRIUS, and ODYSSEUS BAILER
* Beginner swing dance lessons by JAIME SHANNON
* performance by HELL’S KITCHEN KILOWATTS dir. by Tim & Jaime
* performance by THE HARVEST MOON HOPPERS - dir. Bobby White & Jessica M
* 1940’s style Pinup Gals - with costumes by 26 Stars / Carmela Lane
* Best-dressed contest & promenade // Swing Dance Contests
* Cash bar and snacks available for purchase
DANCE CONTESTS
Compete for lindy hop glory on International Lindy Hop Day in our dance competition. Prizes include cash, trophies, tickets to events, and guest performance at Lincoln Center… details coming soon!
FASHION PARADE & CONTEST
Bring your A-game to the Intrepid Battle of the Big Bands Dance! Authentic military uniforms, war-time era civilian clothing, or well-made vintage-inspired ensembles are all taken into consideration… curated by Fashion Historian RAISSA BRETANA - details coming soon!
BAR & FOOD
Drink tickets can be purchased for wine and beer at select bars on the flight deck. Snacks & water will also be available for purchase at a concession stand on flight deck.
COAT CHECK
There will be a free coat/bag check in the museum’s Welcome Center upon arrival. Please no “dancer piles” on flight deck as security needs to keep floors clear and will require large bags to be checked.
DETAILS
INTREPID: Battle of the Big Bands
Intrepid Museum
Pier 86, W 46th Street and 12th Av, NYC
Saturday, May 23, 2026
7-11pm // 21+ w/ID
Doors open at 7:00pm
TICKETS
Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. If a ticket tier sells out, it automatically jumps to the next available ticket tier (regardless of date). Tickets are nonrefundable, and the event will take place rain or shine! (In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the ship on the hangar deck).
EARLY BIRD: on sale March 12th (sold out)
ADVANCE: now on sale through May 15th
FULL PRICE: May 16th to 23rd
GENERAL ADMISSION:
includes: access to the flight deck (except VIP areas), plus swing dance lesson.
$49 Early Bird 1 (sold out)
$59 Early Bird 2 (sold out)
$65 Advance
$69 Full Price
VIP TICKETS:
includes: same as General Admission plus a dedicated VIP only check in area with expedited entry. VIP-only guided tasting hosted by our liquor sponsors; VIP-only reserved seating and tables in a roped-off area on flight deck, dedicated VIP-only bar within the VIP area, and Swing dance lesson.
$109 Early bird (sold out)
$119 Advance
$125 Full price
Presented in collaboration with Prohibition Productions and the Intrepid Museum.
