College kids of the Valley, we've got both good news and bad news to drop on y'all — and as always, we'll get the bad news out of the way first.
The beginning of the fall semester (and thus, the school year itself) is less than a week away. For reals.
The silver lining in this possibly dark cloud, however, is that you've still got several days to cram in the last of your summertime fun or maybe get in a rager or two before the responsibilities of higher learning and a full classload start to bog you down, more or less.
For those of legal drinking age, we suspect that will include hitting up the 21-and-over nightlife offerings available in Tempe or Scottsdale, including any of the following “back to school” parties and events that are scheduled to take place this weekend. The 18-plus crowd won't be left out, however, as there will also be a couple of all-ages affairs happening as well.
But no matter where you decide to get in one last blast before reporting to class next week, be sure to avoid going too hard since you'll need plenty of mojo for the upcoming semester.
And if you're of drinking age, make certain you've got a designated driver or a safe way home. After all, Tempe Police will be out in force (as will cops from other cities and law enforcement agencies) and you wouldn't want to do harm to yourself or others. Plus, a DUI can be really expensive and you'll need what little cash you have for textbooks, ramen, and other essentials.
School of Rock
This Mill Avenue nightclub is planning an entire “Welcome Week” in honor of the start of the school year, which will kick off on Thursday, August 20, with an 18-and-over party that will be hosted by KISS FM's Julian on the Radio and include DJs and dancing. Doors open at 10 p.m. and the cover charges vary. State-issued IDs are required for entry into the event.
Red Revolver Lounge
A special “back to school” edition of Red Revolver's weekly 18-and-over night, Turnt Up Thursday, will go down at the Scottsdale spot on Thursday, August 20. The local party king and Twitter celebrity known as @ASULandlord will host the event, which will get cracking at 10 p.m. Cover charges vary.
Paris of Scottsdale
Just in time for the start of the school year, infamous all-ages affair Twist Thursdays will be making a return to the night scene. As before, the event is geared towards those 18-and-over who happen to be in the mood to shake a tailfeather up until 2 a.m. Transportation to and from both ASU campus in Tempe via a free party bus will be available for parties of 10 or more (e-mail [email protected] for details). Doors open at 10 p.m. General admission is $15 while anyone with a college ID can get in for $10. Fashionable attire is required for entry. The club's Snap Me Fridays party on August 21 will also boast a "back to school" theme aimed at college students. Local nightlife personality Hollywood Supa will host. Admission is free before 10:30 p.m., $5 until 11 p.m., and $10 thereafter.
Tempe Marketplace
It goes without saying that Olympics are a highly anticipated spectacle that celebrates athleticism, competition, and the triumph of the human spirit in grand fashion every four years. With all that said, however, the quadrennial event has a tendency a bit boring and tedious at times. Not so with the New Times' annual Beer Olympics, where costumes are encouraged and participants go for the gold in a series of gonzo contests (giant skee ball, ladder golf, head-to-head stationary bike races) and bar games (speed quarters, cornhole, flip cup relay). And while drinking is optional, there will be plenty of brews and booze available.
The one-night event – which will take place on Friday, August 21, at Tempe Marketplace – will feature both individuals and teams of up to four people competing in any of 10 different games for bragging rights and the chance to score awards and prizes. For instance, those successfully completing three events will be eligible for the Triathalon Award, while anyone who goes the distance and makes it through all 10 events could win the Decathalon Award and a trip for two to Sin City.
The team with the best costume will also win a prize. Hours are from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Entry fees are $20 per person or $70 per team. Full details are available here.
Civic Space Park
The celebrations won't be limited to the East Valley only, as Sun Devils who are located in downtown Phoenix can get into the spirit of things at two different shindigs at Civic Space Park, both of which are being organized by ASU's Programming and Activities Board and Devils After Dark. On Friday, August 21, the park will host an evening of food, music, giveaways, and other fun during the Fall Madness event from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. The annual Sparky's Carnival will take place the following evening on Saturday, August 22, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include live entertainment, games, prizes, and other midway-style activities. Both events are free.
C.A.S.A. SunBa
Five straight hours of revelry will ensue in and around the C.A.S.A. SunBar during its “back to school” block party on Saturday, August 22, which will encompass both the bar itself and a good portion of Sixth Street that will be fenced off for the occasion. As with any of the spot's previous block parties, you can expect drinking and dancing shenanigans to be in abundance. Australian house music DJ and producer Timmy Trumpet will headline the affair, which kicks off at 7 p.m. and runs until midnight. General admission is $18 while VIP access to the sky lounge (which includes a bottle of champagne) is $50.