Anybody else notice all the traffic on University Avenue lately?

Or how it’s a little tougher finding a decent parking spot anywhere? Credit for that is given to students of New Mexico State University who returned back to Las Cruces August 10^th, and back to campus yesterday, August 15^th. Included on students’ ‘Back to School’ to-do list is buying a new parking sticker, renting out textbooks, saying goodbye to summer break and welcoming in the semester with one fun tradition, First Thursday.

First Thursday is a night of socializing with friends, new and old, while toasting the start of the upcoming school year. It’s the beginning of the many gatherings to come this fall semester and the first-time students who were out of town all summer are finally able to reunite with their colleagues since May.

NMSU senior and C.T.F.M. (Clothing, Textile, Fashion, Merchandising) major Jonathan Mirabal stated, “First Thursday is a good way to bring business to local breweries and a great way for students to get connected with people their age”. Mirabal, also an advocate for NMSU WAVE, advises students who will be drinking tonight, to plan ahead if needing a ride home.

To participate in First Thursday, students like to spend their evening at local breweries and night clubs. Dublin’s, the Irish styled bar and grill, is one of the hot spots for tonight as they will be hosting their Back to School First Thursday Bash starting at 9:00 p.m. Entertainment for the night encompasses music from Perfect on Paper, Taller Than Trees, Maya Avalon, The Day Trippers and DJ Wild Wes.

“We are anticipating a very good night,” manager Tim Thibodeau said. “We will have live music and our drink specials will hopefully draw in the crowd.” Part of those drink specials at the Irish pub include $3 Blue Moon and $3 Cocktails.  

The Pecan Grill and Brewery, 500 S Telshor Blvd, is another popular hangout spot within the community. PGB will be helping NMSU students enjoy First Thursday by offering live music featuring Soul & Rhythm. It starts at 7:00 p.m. and is 21-and-over only after 9:00 p.m., which is when their One Night, One Party will kick off with the start of PBG’s happy hour.

PBG will be offering $4 Fireball, $3 House Pints, $4 Cucumber Shots, and many other drink specials.

“We hope it’s a fun and crazy night. We love when everyone comes back to town, it makes the place feel alive,”  PGB manager Jeanine Springer is anticipating the band performing, Soul & Rhythm, to bring in a good crowd. She is especially excited for their food special. Springer says, “We’re doing a fun food special, we’re making homemade house pretzels and queso for $3.00. We hope it will help students who are taking advantage of the drink special.”.

Azul Ultra Lounge at Hotel Encanto will be welcoming NMSU Students back with their idea of a First Thursday celebration. Doors will be opening at 5 p.m. for students 21-and-over. Azul encourages students to enjoy their drink specials and dance to music from DJ Robert Bailon all night long who will begin at 10 p.m.. Drink specials at Azul Ultra Lounge will be $3 Fireballs, $3 Jose Cuervo and $3 Domestic Pints.

Azul Ultra Lounge is anticipating a fun night for First Thursday. Manager Danny Hoben stated, “We want to welcome back the students in a fun way. Along with our drink specials we will be having giveaways of swag such as sunglasses, shirts and necklaces. We typically don’t have DJ’s on Thursday but made an exception since it is a big occasion. We’re hoping to get as many people here as possible.”

For the students who aren’t of age to enjoy the nightlife in its entirety or students who are not big fans of being out on the town, they can choose to stay on campus to attend the RGH Courtyard Bash part of the Crimson Kickoff.

The RGH Courtyard Bash will be taking place at the RGH Residence Hall Courtyard at 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. There will be a DJ, bounce houses and other outdoor games and activities allowing students to easily make friends and have fun. Crimson Kickoff events were designed to encourage students to be social with fellow Aggies and introduce first time students to the fun side of the college life.