As the days grow warmer and the sky a brighter blue, the inevitable summer season arrives with a whisper of possibilities and memories waiting to be made. Yet for most students, summer days are taken up by what they should do: internships or jobs to enhance their resumes, classes to get ahead in school, etc. So, in the spirit of living for those sultry summer nights, here’s the Top 5 nighttime events of 2011 you don’t want to miss.
Shecky’s Girls Night Out
This traveling shopping mall extravaganza is celebrating its 10thanniversary of the “girlfriend experience,” giving you and your friends an excuse to sample designers and drinks at the ultimate girls’ night out. They even give out goodie bags! Check out their website to see if they’re coming to a city near you: http://www.sheckys.com/events/. Tickets range from $15 to $35 depending on venue.
The Richmond Night Market
So it may be a bit of a drive for some, but the Richmond Night Market in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is worth the commute. This Asian-themed bazaar holds hundreds of booths selling authentic Asian food and cheap knick-knacks, and boasts events such as the famous fishball-eating contest. The night market is open weekend nights until Sept. 8. Check out its website or the Inside Vancouver blog for more details: http://www.summernightmarket.com/main/default.asp or http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2011/05/08/richmonds-summer-night-market-opens-may-13-2011/
Grand Canyon Star Party
No stargazing experience can compare to the 21stannual Grand Canyon Star Party, hosted by two local astronomy associations from June 18-25. These groups will offer free nightly astronomy programs and telescope viewing, giving visitors the opportunity to see Saturn as well as an astronomical (haha) number of stars. Check out http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm for more information.
Electric Daisy Carnival
Held from dusk until dawn, Electric Daisy Carnival was the largest dance music event in the country last year. Headliners include Tiesto, David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia. The festival was held in Orlando last week and will take place in Denver, Dallas, Las Vegas and even Puerto Rico throughout the summer. Check out http://www.electricdaisycarnival.com/ for tickets and more information.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2
Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, this is the sequel (or septquel?) of the century, and even better, it’s most likely showing in your town or city. Dress up, camp out, do it up…because “it all ends” on Friday, July 15. Be there at 12:01 a.m. for a night at the movies like no other.
