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As couples dance and Clara sings a lullaby to her baby, the men shoot craps. Despite Serena’s objections, Robbins joins the game. Porgy arrives in his goat cart, soon followed by Crown and his woman, Bess. The game becomes rowdier as Crown becomes intoxicated on the liquor and “happy dust” supplied by Sportin’ Life. Crown disputes Robbins’ roll and they start fighting. Crown kills Robbins with his cotton hook, then runs away. Everyone scatters to their homes before the police come; only Porgy will hide Bess from them.

Scene 2: Serena’s Room.

Robbins’ body lies on the bed while money is collected in a saucer to pay for his funeral. The Detective and a policeman arrest Peter as a material witness until Crown is caught. Serena laments her husband’s death and Bess leads the group in a spiritual.

Scene 3: Catfish Row, a month later.

The fishermen sing a rowing song as they repair nets; Porgy joins in with a happy song. “Lawyer” Frazier, discovering that Bess has been with Porgy since Crown ran away, sells Porgy a “divorce” of Bess from Crown to make the new liaison “legal.” Mr. Archdale, whose family used to own Peter’s parents, comes to inquire about Peter; he promises to post Peter’s bond.

Sportin’ Life offers Bess some “happy dust,” which she refuses; Porgy intimidates him into leaving. Porgy and Bess declare their feelings for each other. The crowd gathers in holiday attire for a picnic excursion; Porgy convinces Bess to go along.

Scene 4: Kittiwah Island.

During the picnic, Sportin’ Life makes fun of biblical literalism and is denounced by Serena. As everyone hurries to catch the boat going back to town, Crown emerges from the thicket and prevents Bess from returning.

As day breaks, the fishermen leave for their boat. Peter returns, still wondering why he was jailed. Porgy and Serena pray for Bess, who has been delirious since she got back from Kittiwah. The strawberry woman, the honey man (Peter), and the crab man sing of their wares. Bess finally wakes and tells Porgy about Crown’s intention to come for her. She declares that she loves Porgy and wants to stay with him. Clara worries about Jake and the fishermen in the oncoming hurricane.

Scene 2: Serena’s Room, dawn of the following day.

At the peak of the storm, the people gather to pray, especially for the missing men. Crown bursts in, tries to reclaim Bess, and ridicules the prayer session. Clara gives her baby to Bess and rushes into the storm to search for Jake; Crown follows.

Scene 3: Catfish Row, the next night.

The storm has ended; people wonder what has become of Clara, Jake and the others. Bess sings to Clara’s baby at the window of Porgy’s room. Crown tries to sneak into Porgy’s room, but Porgy stabs then strangles him.

Scene 4: Catfish Row, the following afternoon.

The Detective and the Coroner try to find out who killed Crown, but everyone pleads ignorance. They question Porgy, then force him to go identify Crown’s body. Afraid that his guilt will be revealed, Porgy resists. After they leave, Sportin’ Life gives Bess some “happy dust” and tries to get her to go to New York with him. She refuses, but he leaves more “happy dust” on the doorstep and bides his time.

Scene 5: Catfish Row, one week later.

Porgy is released from jail, where he was sent for contempt of court when he refused to identify Crown. Having won at craps while in jail, he brings presents for everyone. When he is told that Bess has gone to New York with Sportin’ Life, he vows to go there to find her.