There's New Year's Eve. Halloween. St. Patrick's Day. A couple rungs down the party-of-the-year ladder lies Thanksgiving Eve. It can be one of the best nights of the year, mainly because it's the start of a very long weekend. Most bars will have something special planned. Here's a quick sampling of what to expect Wednesday.

AQUA

  • Who's going: Clubgoers whose ears perk up when they hear the phrase "sexiest party to hit Minneapolis" (it's on the flier).
  • The party: Editors of Maxim magazine will be on hand to search for prospective models. Clubgoers will get a peek, too, with the night's runway show.
  • 10 p.m., $12. 18-plus for women. 21-plus for men

CLUBHOUSE JÄGER

  • Who's going: New Wave, indie-music lovers who wouldn't be caught dead at Aqua.
  • The party: At Jäger, Wednesdays always belong to DJ Jake Rudh and his Transmission dance night, where you'll hear Bowie, Joy Division and Depeche Mode. Thanksgiving Eve is Transmission's biggest night of the year, so arrive early.
  • 10 p.m., free

LE MERIDIEN CHAMBERS

  • Who's going: A GLBT crowd that looks good and appreciates a cheap drink or three.
  • The party: The folks behind "The Big Gay Halloween Party" are back at Chambers for another "Mix" soirée. Held in the hotel's sleek rooftop lounge, the party will feature DJ Paris and happy-hour priced cocktails.
  • 6 p.m., free

BOGART'S

  • Who's going: Suburbanites who party hard south of the river.
  • The party: Yes, the place is named after Humphrey Bogart (weird). Yes, it's attached to a bowling alley (hilarious). But the club's Thanksgiving Eve party should be packed, thanks to cover band PopRocks (worst name ever?).
  • 9:30 p.m.

TOBY KEITH'S I LOVE THIS BAR & GRILL

  • Who's going: Country fans who like their beer served in Mason jars.
  • The party: One of the bar's favorite bands, Tim Sigler and company, will try to fill the 15,000-square-foot venue.
  • 9:30 p.m., $5

WILD ONION

  • Who's going: Grand Avenue's thirsty college types.
  • The party: DJ Josh Taylor said he'll pack the dance floor once again for this bar's loyal St. Paulites.
  • 9 p.m.

TRYG'S

  • Who's going: Bargoers too old for clubbing downtown but too young to stop partying.
  • The party: This well-manicured restaurant near Lake Calhoun will boast a DJ, drink specials and giveaways throughout the night.
  • 8 p.m., free

NOMAD WORLD PUB

  • Who's going: Music fans looking for an alternative to the club scene.
  • The party: Not interested in a cover band? This West Bank bar is promising a T-day Eve throwdown with indie rockers Communist Daughter and New Century Masters.
  • 9 p.m., $10