The night before Thanksgiving is one of the nation's most restless. People flock back to their hometowns to feast with family, but on the evening prior of to turkey day there's an inherent drive to get the hell out of the house and party down.
After scathing the far corners of the internet, here are some of the best ways to spend Thanksgiving Eve in Cincinnati:
"The Wednesday Before" Pendleton Event:
Businesses in Pendleton want you to stop by to "Drink. Dance. Repeat." Spread between Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey, Nation Kitchen and Bar, Lucius Q and 3 Points Urban Brewery, there will be entertainment provided by Think$avy, PXVCE, Triiibe LLC, DJ Prymtime and DJ HD. 7 p.m.- 2 a.m. Multiple locations throughout Pendleton.
Tap takeover by Jackie O's Brewery, Sacred Beast will offer drink specials to help warm you up for the feast ahead, though be sure to sample the elevated diner food in the restaurant as well. 7 p.m.- 2 a.m. Sacred Beast, 1437 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine.
Thanksgiving Eve with Old Flame Records & Friends at Rhinegeist:
Live music from local acts Moonbeau and Carriers, the taproom will donate a portion of all proceeds to nonprofit organization Fall Feast, which helps to provide a Thanksgiving meal, coats, haircuts and health checkups to our neighbors in need. At least once, Rhinegeist and its partners help you drink with a clear conscience. 9 p.m.- midnight. Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
Blue Wisp Big Band 39th annual Thanksgiving:
Cincinnati's premiere big band will perform their annual pre-turkey day concert at Caffè Vivace Coffee House & Jazz Lounge. Tickets are $18 and there's a $10 drink minimum charged per person. 7-8 p.m. Caffè Vivace Coffee House & Jazz Lounge, 975 East McMillan St., Walnut Hills.
Noah Smith concert and food drive:
Country musician Noah Smith will play at Oakley Square to benefit the Oakley Food Pantry. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Bring a canned food donation, it's en vogue this time of year. 8-11 p.m. 20th Century Theater, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley.
The family restaurant Cooking With Caitlin (CWC) will switch up the dining routine on Thanksgiving Eve and operate as a dance club bar, offering drink specials and an opportunity to boogie down. 8:30 p.m.- 2 a.m. CWC, the Restaurant, 1517 Springfield Pike, Wyoming.
Help cut the tension with your extended family and sing a duet on stage in front of strangers. Karaoke is the great equalizer, along with booze. 9:30 p.m.- 1:30 a.m. The Drinkery, 1150 Main St., Over-the-Rhine.
Thanksgiving Potluck at C & D Northside:
Maybe you can't attend a family feast this year, so whip up a side dish and stop by the quaint neighborhood bar for a potluck style Thanksgiving. Turkey is already provided, so don't get too ambitious. 4:21-11:21 p.m. C & D Northside, 1714 Hanfield St., Northside.
Shiny Old Soul at Northside Tavern:
A little bluesy and a bit jazzy, Shiny Old Soul describes its music as "Cosmic Roots" and they're playing their pre-Thanksgiving show in beloved watering hole Northside Tavern. 9 p.m.- midnight. Northside Tavern, 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside.
Beer Hall Trivia at Mecklenburg Gardens:
Test your knowledge of all things trivial in the company of German food enthusiasts. Also, great beer will be all over the place. Ja, das ist gut. Brink Brewing Co. will tap a keg of Moozie Stout, the winner of a gold in the US Open Beer Championship. 8-10:30 p.m. Mecklenburg Gardens, 302 E. University Ave., Clifton.
Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Video Archive:
Fans of the cult classic musical madness that is the Rocky Horror Picture Show sure know how to party. So, even if you're a "virgin" (those who haven't participated in a live shadow cast screening of the film) the crowd commentary should be enlightening. It should serve as a great inspiration to take your overly conservative uncle down a notch before Thanksgiving. The Denton Affair, Cincinnati's most devoted fans of the film, will perform alongside the screen. 8-11 p.m. The Video Archive, 965 E. McMillan, Walnut Hills.
Customer Appreciation Event at Fibonacci Brewing Co.:
The folks at Fibonacci Brewing Co. want to show their customers how thankful they are for their business. Pizza from Angilo's Pizza in Mt. Healthy will be on the table, presumably next to a few glasses of beer. 6-10 p.m., Fibonacci Brewing Co., 1455 Compton Road, Mt. Healthy.
Restless Leg String Band at Stanley's Pub:
Maybe you'd like to prepare for a day of heavy feasting by hootin' and hollerin' along with the maniacally quick tempoed bluegrass of Restless Leg String Band, a local outfit that's been playing together for five years now. 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. Stanley's Pub, 323 Stanley Ave., Columbia-Tusculum.
Thanksgiving Eve 2018: Latin Edition at La Gozadera Cincy:
This is the late night destination for anyone looking to experience a more picante Thanksgiving Eve. With music by Aikon from Peru and DJ Daniel from Dominican Republic, expect Reggaeton, Bachata and Salsa all night. 10 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. $5 cover. La Gozadera, 700 Race St., Downtown.
Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts trivia at Listermann Brewing Co.:
Wands at the ready! Listermann Brewing Co. presents a night of trivia related to Harry Potter and the wizarding world, so check to see if your Remembrall has turned red or not and sign up for your chance to win prizes. Renegade BBQ is serving up food and, of course, there will be plenty of local beer (though we doubt there'll be any butterbeer at this muggle brewery). 7-9 p.m. Listermann Brewing Company, 1621 Dana Ave., Norwood.
