The term “Blackout Wednesday” refers to the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, when bars across the U.S. experience their highest traffic of the year. It’s also called “Drinksgiving”, a nod to the heavy drinking culture associated with the holiday eve.
The tradition began decades ago as college students returned home for Thanksgiving break and met up with old friends at local bars. Over time, it grew into a nationwide phenomenon, rivaling New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day in terms of alcohol consumption.
Why It’s the Busiest Bar Night
Several factors contribute to the surge in bar activity:
- No work the next day: Thanksgiving is a national holiday, so most people have Thursday off.
- College reunions: Students home for break often reconnect with high school friends.
- Family stress relief: The holiday can be stressful, and many use the night before to unwind.
- Travel hubs: Bars near airports and highways see increased traffic from travelers.
According to industry reports, beer and cocktail sales spike by more than 60% compared to average nights.
Risks and Safety Concerns
While Blackout Wednesday is festive, it also comes with risks:
- Binge drinking is common, leading to blackouts (memory loss from intoxication).
- Drunk driving incidents rise sharply; in some years, Thanksgiving Eve has been one of the deadliest nights for alcohol-related crashes.
Police departments across the country increase patrols and sobriety checkpoints to counteract the surge.
Public Awareness
Health experts and local officials urge moderation, reminding people to:
- Plan a designated driver or use ride-sharing apps.
- Eat before drinking to slow alcohol absorption.
- Pace drinks and hydrate to avoid blackouts.
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