How to Host a 1920s Murder Mystery Party

Introduction

Why 1920s murder mystery parties are so popular

Step back into the glamour and intrigue of the Roaring Twenties with a 1920s murder mystery party. Combining elegant costumes, fascinating characters and an interactive storyline, it's a unique way to celebrate birthdays, corporate events, family gatherings and special occasions. Guests don't just attend the party, they become part of the mystery, making every event memorable and full of laughter.

Who is this guide for?

This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of planning and hosting a successful 1920s murder mystery party. From choosing the right game and sending invitations to decorating your venue, preparing food, assigning characters and running the mystery, you'll find practical tips, expert advice and useful resources to help you host with confidence.

Whether you're hosting your very first murder mystery party or looking to create an even more immersive experience, this guide is designed for you. It's ideal for home hosts, party planners, corporate event organisers, schools, community groups and anyone wanting to create an unforgettable Roaring Twenties celebration.

What is a 1920s Murder Mystery Party?

A 1920s murder mystery party is an interactive event where every guest takes on the role of a unique character in a thrilling whodunnit set during the glamorous Roaring Twenties. As the story unfolds, players uncover clues, question suspects, reveal secrets and work together to solve the crime, creating an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, suspense and memorable moments.

Why the Roaring Twenties make the perfect setting

The Roaring Twenties is one of the most popular themes for murder mystery parties thanks to its fascinating blend of glamour, prohibition, jazz music, gangsters, flappers and hidden speakeasies. The era naturally lends itself to mystery, intrigue and larger-than-life characters, allowing guests to dress up, embrace the atmosphere and immerse themselves in a world of secrets and deception.

Great Gatsby vs Gangster themes

While both themes capture the spirit of the 1920s, they create very different party experiences. A Great Gatsby-inspired event focuses on elegance, luxury and high society, with lavish costumes, champagne and extravagant décor. A gangster-themed party leans into organized crime, bootlegging, rival gangs and smoky speakeasies, creating a darker and more dramatic atmosphere. Both styles work exceptionally well for a murder mystery, so the best choice depends on the type of experience you want your guests to enjoy.

The Great Gatsby is a classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, first published in 1925. Set during the Jazz Age, it tells the story of the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his lavish parties as he pursues a lost love. The novel has become one of the defining works of 1920s literature and captures both the glamour and the darker side of the era.

The 1920s became known as the Roaring Twenties because it was a decade of economic prosperity, jazz music, glamorous fashion, lively nightlife and changing social attitudes. Following the end of World War I, many people embraced a more carefree lifestyle, making the decade famous for speakeasies, gangsters, flappers, dancing and extravagant parties, perfect inspiration for a 1920s murder mystery party.

In both cases you will play our Tracy Gang 1920s game but the vibe of your event will be different.

Understanding your 1920s Murder Mystery Party

Before you start planning your event, it's helpful to understand how a murder mystery party is structured and what your guests can expect. Unlike a traditional dinner party or themed celebration, a murder mystery places everyone at the center of the action. Guests become characters, uncover clues, question suspects and work together to solve the crime, creating an experience that's both entertaining and highly memorable.

How a murder mystery party works

Each guest is assigned a unique character. Throughout the party, players interact with one another, share information, uncover clues and try to determine who committed the murder. The presenter guides everyone through the different stages of the game, introducing new clues and helping the story unfold until the dramatic final reveal. No acting experience is required and guests simply enjoy stepping into character and having fun.

• Guests arrive and are welcomed by the presenter.
• Guests receive their character information.
• The presenter delivers an opening storyline and sets the scene.
• A terrible and tragic murder occurs and one of your team is murdered.
• The presenter explains how the game works.
• Players are put into teams.
• The mystery begins.
• Teams gather clues through discussion and investigation.
• Information is shared between participants.
• Players reveal clues and exchange information.
• The investigation continues as guests mingle and question one another.
• Evidence, secrets and motives gradually emerge.
• Additional clues and plot twists are introduced throughout the game.
• Problem-solving and collaboration uncover new leads.
• Guests work together to eliminate suspects and solve the mystery.
• Unexpected twists keep everyone engaged.
• Teams discuss their theories.
• Each team presents their final accusation.
• The murderer is revealed.
• Awards, prizes and a team debrief conclude the event.
• Guests celebrate, take photos and continue socialising.

How interactive guests should expect the game to be

Murder mystery parties are designed to be highly interactive, but participation happens naturally through conversation rather than formal acting. Guests spend most of their time mingling, asking questions, making accusations and piecing together the mystery. Some players love fully embracing their character with dramatic accents and costumes, while others prefer a more relaxed approach. The beauty of a well-designed murder mystery is that everyone can participate at their own comfort level while still playing an important role in the story.

How long a typical murder mystery party lasts

Most 1920s murder mystery parties run for between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the number of guests and whether you include a meal. Smaller cocktail-style events can often be completed in around two hours, while dinner parties and larger celebrations typically take closer to 3 hours. Allowing plenty of time between clue rounds gives guests the opportunity to socialise, enjoy the food and drinks, and fully immerse themselves in the mystery without feeling rushed.

Organizing your 1920s Murder Mystery Party

Choosing the right date

A 1920s murder mystery can be held anywhere, anytime. Of course Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the prime days. If alcohol will be included then Friday and Saturday are best and I have been to many fabulous Sunday mysteries but you have to remember that people often have work the next day. Perhaps a Sunday afternoon is best with an early finish.

You can purchase, download and play your 1920s murder mystery in a couple of hours but I suggest planning your event at least 6 weeks out so you have plenty of time to get organized.

Setting a realistic budget

You should consider budgeting for the following items:

• Your Tracy Gang 1920s game
• A professional presenter if you are not going to run it yourself
• Venue hire
• Decorations
• Costumes
• Food and drink

Choosing your guest list

Invite friends, colleagues, neighbors family and loved ones. Something to consider are kids. Parents with young children often won't be able to stay until the end of the game. It is important for your presenter to know if people have babies at home because you don't want them making that person the killer only to announce that an empty chair is the murderer.

Inviting Your Guests

Your game comes with digital invitations that you can download and email to your gusts. You should send your invites as early as possible so people can set the date aside.

The invitations include all the vital information like the event, date, time and location of the venue. Costume suggestions are clearly included and the invitations will help get your guests excited about the mystery to come.

Make sure you collect RSVPs so you can plan catering and check in with your guests 1 week before the big night.

Selecting the perfect venue

The 1920s is a classic venue theme and many towns have a 1920s style venue. If you want to keep things easy or keep the cost down you can definitely have your 1920s party at home.

Look for an art deco style building with lots of old world charm. Some things to be mindful of with your venue:

• Guests need enough light to read, but you want your venue to be dimly lit
• Ensure the venue doesn't have piped 1920s music that you can't turn off as your guests need to be able to hear
• Have enough open space to freely move (and maybe dance the Charleston) but you don't want a huge venue for your group size

Planning for decorations

In short, think dark, dingy and hiding from the law while still having a great time. The basic color palette is black, white and red.

Visit our ultimate 1920s decorations page for our full guide on setting the scene.

Encouraging costumes

Costumes are never essential but they do make the event better. A guest in costume is a different person and they take on a whole new persona. Encourage your guests to dress up if you can.

Sometimes, you don't want to impose on your guests or maybe you are a work group and everyone is dressed for the office. In that case, get feather boas and cheap gangster hats from Amazon and make the arrival of your guests a fun part of the event as you dress them in boas and hats.

• Feather Boas
• 1920s Hats

Visit our ultimate 1920s costumes page for our full guide on creating a great look.

Enjoy this amazing 1920s music playlist from Spotify:

Set the perfect mood for your 1920s murder mystery party with our recommended 1920s Murder Mystery Spotify Playlist. Featuring over 13 hours of jazz classics, swing music and vintage favorites from the Roaring Twenties, it's the ideal soundtrack for a Great Gatsby or gangster-themed evening.

• 1920s Murder Mystery Spotify Playlist

Who do I get to run my 1920s Murder Mystery Party Game?

There is no doubt that getting the right presenter will totally enhance your party experience. Murder mystery games from Go Murder Mystery are designed to be super easy to run yourself or we have a list of professional presenters you can hire.

Benefits of a DIY murder mystery party

If you or a friend are the presenter for the night you will have a wonderful time. The run sheet we provide means that you just work through step by step and keep the action going.

Benefits of DIY:

• It is free!
• It is fun
• One of your friends has a chance to really take the spotlight

Which friend should I pick as my 1920s presenter?

Your friend should be:

• Loud
• Confident
• Organized
• Good with people
• Able to gain and hold attention
• Not going to waffle or give long winded speeches

Your game comes with lots of supporting materials and we have our ultimate murder mystery presenter guide for a full guide on running an outstanding event.

Should I get a professional presenter?

A paid presenter will bring many benefits. The main one is that they have done it before and have the experience required to deal with any curve balls.

Benefits of a hired presenter:

• It reduces your stress because the night is taken care of!
• They know how to work with your group
• They have refined a routine that works really well

To hire a professional presenter you can use our murder mystery presenter search feature to find presenters in your country.

What sort of game should I get?

Downloadable vs Boxed Games

Not sure whether to choose a downloadable or boxed murder mystery game? Downloadable games are available instantly and are perfect for last-minute parties, while boxed games include professionally printed materials delivered to your door. Read our complete guide to the differences here: Downloadable vs Boxed Murder Mystery Games.

Virtual and hybrid options

Our games do come with a virtual option so that you can play them online over Teams or Zoom etc.

Are you ready to get going with your 1920s murder mystery adventure?

Click the game image below to place your order.

Further information for your 1920s murder mystery party:

• 1920s Murder Mystery Party Costumes
• 1920s Murder Mystery Party Decorations
• 1920s Murder Mystery Party Food & Drinks