The day before Thanksgiving is a shitshow. This has probably been true since the days of the Pilgrims. All your friends are in town and you know your only obligation the next day is to wake up late and eat as much food as humanly possible. So why not spend Thanksgiving Eve drinking, dancing and awkwardly saying hello to people you haven't seen since 2006? Here are the best places in Miami to do just that.
For 15 years now, the annual '80s Prom has been Miami's undisputed champion of pre-Thanksgiving parties. Founded by Sweat Records' Lolo Reskin, '80s Prom has bounced from venue to venue throughout the years. This year, Wynwood's Gramps is the lucky one that will get to host some live '80s music courtesy of The State Of, dozens of poofy dresses and an Ozone-burning amount of hairspray. Dress code: do we really need to say it? Nov 22 at 9pm; $10.
Komodo Lounge, normally open Fridays and Saturdays, is hosting a special Wednesday night party in honor of the notoriously boozy Thanksgiving Eve. Those looking to avoid running into awful high school acquaintances might want to opt for this party, which should be brimming with models and socialites who couldn’t give a damn if you once cried in Mrs. O'Conner’s class. Nov 22 at 10pm; free.
E11even is a good spot to burn some calories pre-Thanksgiving. Your cardiovascular options are plentiful: take the stairs to E11even’s second floor a few times, do a yoga pose or two on the E11even rooftop and dance your heart out when Cardi B takes the stage that night to perform “Bodak Yellow” in what will surely be one big R-rated singalong. Nov 22 at 11pm; $20–30.
1 Hotel’s rooftop lounge Watr is throwing a special edition of its Funk Shui party. The “Jive Turkey” night features soulful tracks from the ‘70s and ‘80s, spun by none other than Biz Markie, who we’re sure will give you a good stuffing recipe if you ask nicely. Nov 22 at 9pm; free.
This is Jezebel’s first ever Thanksgiving and you can tell they’re excited. On Wednesday, guests can dance from 5pm to 5am courtesy of DJ Arkitekt. Cocktails are encouraged, especially the special Thanksgiving concoction Jezebel is calling the Mother-In-Law, which, unlike your actual mother-in-law, actually sounds good with ingredients like ginger, apple cider and maple syrup. Nov 22 at 5pm; free.
The music will be free and funky at Wynwood Yard. Jungle Boogie, Xperimento and Mr. Pauer will all be performing at the Yard on Wednesday among the space's various food trucks and full-service bar. Nov 22 at 8pm; free.
Bougainvillea's Old Florida Tavern
The South Miami mainstay Bougainvillea’s is throwing its annual Thanksgiving Eve block party on Wednesday. The beer will be pouring like a waterfall. Outside, expect live music from the 30Vice Band and Millionyoung. And good news, ladies: you drink free from 10pm to midnight. Nov 22 at 4pm; free.
If you like a little techno before your turkey, the Electric Pickle has one hell of a lineup for dance music fiends. Miami’s own Danny Daze will be spinning in a lineup of names he helped curate. Also on the bill: AAAA, Anshaw Black, Deroboter and Diego Andres. Nov 22 at 10pm; free.
Wynwood’s “Turkey Turn-Up” is going to be packed with DJs, over 20 food vendors and plenty of booze. The block party, taking place at Mana, is also free and open to the public. Nov 22 at 7pm; free.
Ball & Chain is opening up their pineapple stage to anyone with some courage and vocal cords. The venue is letting its professional musicians take a brief break while they have a good ol’ fashion karaoke night. DJ Danny Stern will be there to ensure things go smoothly.
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