Thanksgiving eve parties in Miami to check out before the big feast

One of the oldest neighborhood bars in Miami sure knows how to throw a pre-turkey bash. The epic block party starts at 4pm with a four-hour happy hour and extends through the night with other drink specials, food from the Latin Fixin's truck to sop up all the booze and numerous live performances and DJ sets from the likes of the Jay Valor, Bryant Del Toro and others. Wed 4pm till late; free.

La Cocina’s annual celebration of the day former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro kicked the bucket is an odd one, but it’s also very fun. Raise a glass to freedom while doing your part to support Cuba Decide, an organization helping the people Cuba stay online and connected (donations will be accepted). The event, which kicks off at 5pm, will domino tables for folks who want to play, various DJs, Pata Sucia punch and Fidel Castro piñatas. Free Havana Club rum shots for everyone at 10:29pm. Wed at 5pm.

Our favorite Little Havana rooftop bar brings the party every night of the week but Wednesday should be an even bigger event with DJ Rae and Maure spinning starting at 8pm. Arrive early to catch the sunset with a cocktail in hand and claim a couch—it’s going to be a long night. Wed, 8pm.

When you can’t bear the idea of staying home with your family but past the point of partying till late on a Wednesday night, there’s Public Square. The South Miami restaurant hosts its monthly wine night just before Thanksgiving (talk about timing!). Guests are invited to sample four types of vino and enjoy complimentary appetizers throughout the night. Wed 6:30–8pm, $20. RSVP suggested.

Comedienne Brittany Brave keeps things fun and funny with her monthly stand-up showcase at the Lincoln Eatery. This November, the writer, producer and performer takes the stage alongside Ari Teman, Jay Moreno, Connie Fernandez, Carmen Zita and host Luis Diaz. Wed at 7pm; $15.

The Midtown superclub’s self-anointed Wild Wednesday is, well, poised to be just that. Head to the Hyde Midtown spot for $10 Tito’s Mules and Salavale’s El Diablos all night, DJ-spun tunes, surprise dance performances and plenty of tableside activity. Dinner is served till midnight should you get hungry. 5pm–midnight.

It's business as usual at the riverfront bar, where drink specials and late-night parties are the norms. Happy hour (4 tp 7pm) is a steal with $1 lagers and $3 glasses of wine to pair with the Wharf’s delicious standard fare: The Chicken Spot, Sake Room, Spris Artisan Pizza and La Santa Taqueria. Wed noon–3am; free.

The Coral Gables bar dubs its pre-Turkey Day event Drinksgiving and it's standing by its claim with several drink specials, including complimentary champagne for ladies after 8pm and happy hour pricing for all from 5 to 7pm. DJ tunes kick off at 8pm. Wed, 5pm–till late.

Stop in for a happy hour and stay late for live music. Calle 23's Wednesday happy hour runs from 5 to 7pm and includes $7 signature cocktails, $5 wines and $4 beers. Don't miss the special band taking the stage at 8pm. Wed 5pm–till late.

This Little Havana club shines in the music department, and this Thanksgiving eve is no different. DJ Jorge Charun mans the turntables tonight, setting the mood for the free salsa lesson at 9pm. Not much of a dancer? Here's your chance to learn. Wed 8pm–1am.