St. Patrick’s Day, New Year’s Eve and Halloween are all occasions when the masses throw a few back and enjoy good friends and good times. But one of the biggest times to party is not a specific day, but the day before a specific day.
More clearly, the evening before Thanksgiving has become one of the biggest party days of the year.
“In recent years, I’ve seen it grow,” Nick Soto, also known locally as DJ Image, said. He is spinning at the annual Thanksgiving Throwdown at the Clarendon Grill this Wednesday. “New Year’s Eve is the night everybody goes out, but the night before Thanksgiving has become more of a reunion night.”
The Thanksgiving Throwdown is in its 14th year. It tapped in early to the trend that Thanksgiving Eve was the one evening to not stay at home.
“It’s become one of the biggest nights of the year,” Kristen Kwolek of the band Kristen and the Noise, said. The band also is performing at the Clarendon Ballroom.
“I remember back in the day it was corner bars. Now it’s definitely grown,” she said.
The popularity of Thanksgiving Eve could be attributed to at least three factors: The driving force is it’s a good chance to see old friends, particularly those who are off at college or have moved away but are back in town for the holiday.
Whereas the chaos of Christmas can be stressful and time consuming, the night before Thanksgiving is a free-for-all once you get off the freeway or out of the airport.
“It always felt good to see friends come back,” Soto said. “It feels like a reunion type of night.”
Vinoda Basnayake, a partner in the Nightlife Agency, has been actively arranging parties for eight years.
“It’s one of our favorite party nights of the year,” Basnayake, whose Nightlife Agency is holding a Thanksgiving Evening Bash at Midtown Lounge in D.C. Wednesday, said. “It’s no surprise it’s one of the biggest nights. It goes along with that Thanksgiving spirit.
“Everyone wants to go to the place where their friends are at,” Basnayake added, noting is isn’t so much the destination but who it is you spend the evening with that is important the night before Thanksgiving. “It’s unique in that aspect.”
That Thanksgiving is a day off for most also lends to a late night for the evening before. Most evenings before holidays are popular party nights.
“I can tell you that from personal and professional experience,” Soto said.
The third piece to the mix that makes the night before Thanksgiving the popular evening it is: It allows for a few hours away from all of that family time.
“People do look to get out of the house for a few hours,” Kwolek said.
With Thanksgiving finally here and the holidays about to get into full swing, don’t miss out on the last big night to party.
“I can only imagine it’s going to be a crazy, crazy night,” Soto said. “I’m telling all my friends and relatives to get there early.”
Get your pre-turkey party on
Chances are, all of your favorite watering holes will be busy the night before Thanksgiving. Here’s a few bigger parties where you can meet up with old friends — or make new ones.
Thanksgiving Throwdown at the Clarendon Ballroom: In its 14th year, enjoy entertainment from DJ Image and Kristen and the Noise. Tickets are $5 in advance, and cost more closer to the event. From 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more info, visit www.hiballevents.com.
If the ballroom isn’t for you, head over to the Clarendon Grill for the Thanksgiving Jam with DJ 2Nutz. For more info, visit cgrill.com.
Thanksgiving Eve Bash at Midtown Lounge: The Nightlife Agency has made celebrating the night before Thanksgiving a tradition, and is at it again at this hip D.C. club. Visit www.nightlifeagency.com for guest list info.
Gobble Gala at Front Page D.C.: No cover, with entertainment from the band Element K. Lots of specials. Visit www.frontpagerestaurant.com for details.
Thanksgiving Eve Party at McFadden’s: Lots of specials here: half-price burgers from 5 to 10 p.m., $2 drafts and $3 well drinks from 8 p.m. to midnight. Visit www.mcfaddensd.com for more info.
