All about Thanksgiving Eve

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 (unless you have to work on Friday or you're one of those poor saps who trudges through shopping malls on Black Friday).

Most bars will have something special planned -- from the obvious (turkey bowling at Brothers!) to the oh-why-the-hell-not (Maxim models at Aqua).

One thing's for sure, Thanksgiving Day will provide you with the best hangover remedy imaginable. Here's a quick sampling of what to expect next Wednesday, from downtown Minneapolis to the deep suburbs.

Who's going: Clubgoers whose ears perk up when they hear the phrase "sexiest party to hit Minneapolis" (it's on the flyer).

The party: Editors of men's magazine Maxim will be on hand searching for prospective models. Clubgoers will get a peek, too, with the night's runway show.

Info: 10 p.m. Wed. 400 1st Av. N., Mpls. $12. 18-plus for women. 21-plus for men. 612-232-3232. www.aquampls.com.

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.

Info: 10 p.m. Wed. 923 Washington Av. N., Mpls. Free 612-332-2686. www.clubhousejaeger.com.

Who's going: An LGBT 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.

Info: 6 p.m. Wed. 901 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. Free. 612-767-6900. www.lemeridienchambers.com.

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?).

Info: 9:30 p.m. Wed. 14917 Garrett Av., Apple Valley. 952-432-1515. www.bogartsplace.com.

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 in St. Louis Park.

Info: 9:30 p.m. Wed. 1623 Park Place, St. Louis Park. $5. 763-450-9999. www.tobykeith.com/minnesota.

The party: This well-manicured restaurant near Lake Calhoun will boast a DJ, drink specials and giveaways throughout the night.

Info: 8 p.m. Wed. 3118 W. Lake St., Mpls. Free. 612-920-7777. www.trygs.com.

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.

Info: 9 p.m. Wed. 788 Grand Av., St. Paul. 651-291-2525. www.wild-onion.net.

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.

Info: 9 p.m. Wed. 501 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. $10. 612-338-6424. www.nomadpub.com.