The Ladies of the Roaring Twenties: Flappers, Jazz, and Secret Nights Out During Prohibition

How Women Danced, Drank, and Defied the Rules in the 1920s

The 1920s was a decade of change—and no group embodied that more than the women who dared to break the rules. Known as flappers, these bold, stylish ladies redefined what it meant to party, especially during the dry years of Prohibition.

With alcohol outlawed, many might have thought the fun would stop. But the flappers had other ideas. They took to the secret clubs, underground bars, and jazz halls, proving that no law could curb their spirit.

Flappers: Fashion Rebels and Party Pioneers

Flappers were young women known for their short bobbed hair, knee-length fringed dresses, and a fearless attitude. They smoked cigarettes in public, danced the Charleston, and openly challenged traditional expectations of femininity.

Their style wasn't just about looks—it was a statement of freedom and rebellion against the old rules that had kept women “in their place.”

Secret Speakeasies: The Ladies' Playground

Prohibition pushed drinking underground, and women were at the heart of it. Speakeasies weren't just for men—many flappers frequented these hidden bars, where they could sip illicit cocktails and enjoy live jazz.

Because women weren't expected to drink openly, their presence at these clubs was both scandalous and thrilling. They mingled with gangsters, jazz musicians, and socialites, creating a unique, electrifying atmosphere.

Signature Cocktails and the Art of Disguise

Bootleg booze was often rough, so bartenders mixed it with fruit juices, soda, and sweet syrups to mask the taste—giving rise to classics like the Gin Rickey, Sidecar, and Bee's Knees.

For the ladies, these cocktails weren't just drinks—they were an accessory to the night's adventure, served in delicate glasses that added to the glamour and mystique.

Dancing the Night Away

The Jazz Age was fueled by music that encouraged freedom of movement and expression. Women led the way on the dance floor, popularizing dances like the Charleston and the Black Bottom.

These energetic dances were the perfect way to shake off the restrictions of the day—and embrace the exhilarating sense of possibility that defined the era.

Living the Legacy Today

At MrSmith's, we celebrate the spirit of the 1920s ladies who danced, drank, and defied the odds. Our immersive events bring the glitz, glamour, and daring energy of the flapper era right to Fort Perch Rock.

Want to step into their shoes for a night? Explore our Prohibition-themed immersive parties and experience the roaring spirit firsthand.