The Fratty Reason Why We Celebrate Thirsty Thursday
College students across America attend classes, study, and work hard all week long; and, oftentimes, by the time Thursday hits, they're ready to let loose. Enter Thirsty Thursdays: a cultural phenomenon that has swept the country — and the world — so much so that Urban Dictionary states, "Every Thursday of every week during the semester is Thirsty Thursday." In fact, there is now even an internationally recognized official Thirsty Thursday, falling on July 6 in 2023 (via National Today).
Thirsty Thursday was most likely born in a less-than-classy frat house basement or favorite campus dive bar. And, even today it is known as a weekly opportunity to party, consume — sometimes copious amounts of — alcoholic beverages, and celebrate an early start to the weekend. Whether it's doing tequila shots while cheering on the school sports teams, shot-gunning beers with friends, or even engaging in precarious keg stands while the frat cheers you on, there are endless ways for students to get into Thirsty Thursday festivities. However, Thirsty Thursday is no longer just for fraternities.
Thirsty Thursdays have expanded beyond campus limits
Thirsty Thursday may have been started by college students, but today it's often celebrated by everyone, from 9-5 office workers to sports teams. The minor league baseball team the Asheville Tourists, for example, have been celebrating Thirsty Thursday since 1983, a nod to the city's rich beer heritage. Today it serves 27 beers on tap on Thursdays. The event has also spread to other minor league teams (via MILB).
A quick Google search yields thousands of results featuring bars and restaurants, from independent hole-in-the-walls to chain eateries, that offer Thirsty Thursday specials; and they are not just reserved for of-age college students. Anyone who wants to get a jump start on the weekend can participate.
We're all for having a beer, a glass of red wine, or a cocktail — responsibly, of course — to unwind after a long work day or a ball game; and, thanks to its fratty origins, we have a weekly excuse to enjoy. Cheers!