INTREPID: Battle of the Big Bands
Celebrating America’s 250th
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Tickets go on sale March XX, 2026 at 12 noon!
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 at the Intrepid Museum - 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 when upi explore the museum! 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 below tower) - live music by:
* 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.… details coming soon!
BAR & FOOD
Rose, Prosecco, White Wine, Red Wine, and beer will be available at the bars with drink tickets that can purchased. 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 on TBA. 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. Tickets are nonrefundable, and the event will take place rain or shine! (In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on the hangar deck).
GENERAL ADMISSION:
includes: access to hangar deck & flight deck of the ship (except VIP areas), plus swing dance lesson.
$49 Early Bird 1
$59 Early Bird 2
$65 Advance
$69 Full Price
VIP TICKETS:
$109 Early bird
$119 Advance
$125 Full price
includes: same as General Admission plus a dedicated VIP only checkin area with early entry at 7:45pm (to the pier), 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.
Presented in collaboration with Prohibition Productions and the Intrepid Museum.
