1920’s Party Games Ideas – A 1920’s party is all about glamour, jazz, and a touch of mischief — perfectly capturing the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. When it comes to games, think of entertainment that reflects the decade’s energy and elegance. Popular games from the era included Charleston dance contests, where guests compete to show off their best moves to upbeat jazz music, bringing the excitement of speakeasies and flapper culture to life. Murder mystery games also fit perfectly with the theme, allowing guests to play characters from the Prohibition era — gangsters, detectives, and socialites — while trying to solve a thrilling whodunit. Poker or blackjack tables can add a vintage casino vibe, complete with faux money and prizes, reminiscent of underground gambling dens.
For a lighter touch, guests can play “Guess That Jazz Tune” using famous 1920s songs, or engage in charades inspired by silent films of the era. Dressing in period attire, dim lighting, and jazz music in the background can enhance the mood, turning your party into a truly immersive 1920s experience full of laughter, mystery, and charm.
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1920’s Party Games Ideas
The Charleston Dance-Off
Credit @twinsauce
Description (3 lines):
Bring the flapper spirit alive with a Charleston dance contest! Guests compete to show off their most energetic kicks, twists, and jazz hands. The liveliest dancer wins, just like in the roaring speakeasies of the 1920s.
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How to Play (100 words):
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Clear a dance space and play upbeat Charleston or jazz music.
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Announce that everyone must dance “The Charleston” for one minute each.
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Encourage guests to use signature 1920s moves like swinging arms and twisting feet outward.
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Other guests act as judges, scoring dancers on energy, rhythm, and authenticity.
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Provide small props like hats, feather boas, or canes for extra flair.
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After everyone performs, tally up the scores and crown a “Charleston Champion.”
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Reward with a vintage-style prize such as pearls, a bow tie, or a mock gold trophy.
Speakeasy Password Game
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Credit @bartslondon
Description:
A secret-code game that sets the mood for Prohibition-era fun. Guests must guess the hidden password to gain entry to your “speakeasy.” Perfect icebreaker for 1920s-themed gatherings!
How to Play:
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Before the party, create a “hidden speakeasy” room or bar area.
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Choose a fun password such as “Moonshine” or “Gatsby.”
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Assign one guest as the doorman and another as the mob boss.
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New arrivals must ask for entry using creative questions to guess the password.
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The doorman gives vague clues like, “It’s something you sip in the shadows.”
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Once guessed, the guest earns entry and a “cocktail token.”
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Rotate the doorman every 10 minutes to keep the game fresh.
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Add jazz music and dim lights for authentic vibes.
Flapper Fashion Parade
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Credit @kporths.com
Description:
Guests show off their 1920s-inspired outfits in a fun runway competition. From sequined dresses to suspenders and fedoras, everyone gets a chance to shine. It’s fashion, flair, and fun rolled into one!
How to Play:
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Set up a “runway” using a hallway or carpet strip.
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Play jazz or swing background music.
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One by one, guests strut down the runway, posing and twirling dramatically.
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The host or a panel of judges scores each look for creativity, authenticity, and attitude.
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Encourage playful catwalk commentary like, “Here comes Miss Jazz Age herself!”
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Offer mini prizes for categories like “Most Glamorous,” “Best Gangster,” and “Funniest Outfit.”
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Take vintage-style photos for memories.
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End the show with everyone clapping and dancing together.
Murder at the Speakeasy (Mystery Game)
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Credit @brie
Description:
A thrilling 1920s murder mystery game filled with secrets, suspects, and suspense. Guests become flappers, mobsters, or detectives in a night of scandal and sleuthing.
How to Play:
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Assign each guest a character before the party with a short backstory.
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Prepare a storyline where one character is “murdered” at the speakeasy.
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Hide clues around the room like lipstick-stained notes or fake weapons.
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Players question each other in rounds, sharing secrets or lying to protect themselves.
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After 30 minutes, everyone writes down who they think the murderer is and why.
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Reveal the truth dramatically with music and props.
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Reward the best detective or best actor with a vintage trinket or chocolate cigar.
The Jazz Age Trivia Game
Credit @theconsoulsband
Over 10,000 party lovers downloaded our theme ideas — you’ll love them too!
Description (3 lines):
Test your guests’ knowledge of the roaring 1920s—music, slang, fashion, and famous faces. A fun mix of wit, guessing, and laughter!
How to Play (100 words):
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Divide guests into small teams.
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Prepare trivia cards with 1920s-themed questions (e.g., “Who wrote The Great Gatsby?”).
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Include bonus rounds like “Name That Jazz Tune” or “Translate This Slang.”
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Give each correct answer one point.
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Between rounds, play snippets of jazz or swing to keep energy high.
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For added fun, have wrong answers result in playful “speakeasy penalties,” like singing a tune or dancing a Charleston step.
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Tally up points at the end and reward the smartest flapper or gangster.
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Lindy Hop Challenge
Credit @sondretanya
Description (3 lines):
Dance pairs compete to perform the Lindy Hop, one of the most popular swing dances of the Jazz Age. It’s lively, fun, and full of spins and kicks!
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How to Play (100 words):
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Pair up guests and clear a dancing area.
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Play fast-paced swing or big band music.
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Announce that each couple has two minutes to show their best Lindy Hop moves.
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Encourage improvisation and teamwork—bonus points for dips and lifts!
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Judges or the audience rate couples on creativity, coordination, and style.
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Between rounds, offer quick dance lessons for newcomers.
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End with a group dance where everyone joins in for one big 1920s swing-off.
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Award a “Best Lindy Hoppers” trophy or small keepsake.
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Prohibition Bootlegger Race
Credit @funwithmons
Description:
Turn your yard or living room into a wild bootlegger chase! Players race to “smuggle” bottles past guards without getting caught. Great for teams or individuals.
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How to Play:
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Create two zones: “Warehouse” (start) and “Speakeasy” (finish).
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Place empty bottles or small props in the warehouse.
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Assign one or two “police officers” to patrol the space.
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Players must sneak from warehouse to speakeasy carrying bottles without being tagged.
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If caught, they go to “jail” (a chair or corner) for 30 seconds.
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The team that successfully smuggles the most bottles wins.
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Play multiple rounds with different routes or sneaky obstacles.
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Add jazz music and dim lighting for extra suspense!
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Gatsby Casino Night
Credit @themonarchogden
Description:
Recreate the glitz of Jay Gatsby’s mansion with a mini casino. Guests can play poker, blackjack, or roulette with fake 1920s-style money.
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How to Play:
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Set up tables for card games or roulette wheels.
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Give each guest an equal stack of play money at the start.
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Dealers (hosts) explain simple rules for blackjack or poker.
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Players bet, bluff, and win tokens throughout the night.
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Offer cocktails and snacks between rounds for authentic speakeasy charm.
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At the end, the player with the most money wins a small prize or title like “King of the Casino.”
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Encourage flapper cheers and gangster slang for full immersion.
Slang Guessing Game
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Credit @werkmija
Description:
Learn to talk like a 1920s flapper or mobster with this hilarious slang guessing game. Perfect for laughs and learning vintage lingo!
How to Play:
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Write down 20–30 slang words from the 1920s (e.g., “bee’s knees,” “cat’s pajamas,” “giggle water”).
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Divide guests into teams.
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One team reads a slang term aloud while the other guesses its meaning.
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Give hints if needed and award a point for correct guesses.
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Use props or charades for added humor.
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For wrong answers, have guests perform a silly “Charleston step” penalty.
Over 10,000 party lovers downloaded our theme ideas — you’ll love them too!
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Keep the pace fast and lively to match the jazz vibe.
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End by crowning the “Slickest Slangster.”
Flapper Charades
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Credit @makeupbyhlutea
Description:
A 1920s twist on the classic charades game! Players act out era-specific words, songs, or movies while everyone else guesses.
How to Play:
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Prepare cards with 1920s themes like “jazz band,” “The Great Gatsby,” or “Prohibition raid.”
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Split guests into two teams.
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One player picks a card and acts it out without speaking.
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The team must guess correctly within one minute to score a point.
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Use gestures, facial expressions, and dramatic moves for comedic effect.
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Rotate players and increase difficulty with more obscure clues.
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Play several rounds and keep score.
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Finish with a grand applause for the most expressive performer.
Hi, I’m Maggie Culp, the founder of PartyVibesFun.com, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, United States! With a passion for creating unforgettable celebrations, I specialize in turning any event into a fun and vibrant experience. From birthday parties to themed gatherings, I’m here to help you bring your party ideas to life with ease and excitement. Whether you’re looking for unique games, creative themes, or party planning tips, I’m dedicated to making sure every moment of your event is filled with joy. Let’s create memories together and make your next party the talk of the town!
Over 10,000 party lovers downloaded our theme ideas — you’ll love them too!