EVENT: THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS

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EVENT: THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS.

It's (gonna be) May. Make no mistake: winter may have come, but it’s nowhere to be found these days. The gentle, balmy breezes and afternoon rain showers of March and April have given way to a confident May spring — these days, it’s warmer than ever, with barely a cloud in the sky to shield adventurers from the bright rays of the sun. As the mercury rises in the thermometers around town, so does the activity levels around the grassy banks of Golden Park in the center of town. The construction’s slow-going, but by the end of the second week, it’s clear this is no ordinary block party in the city of Cadelle. Anticipation is buzzing all around town, and anywhere you go, you might find yourself faced with inquiries from excited locals wanting to know your plans for the upcoming weekend. After nearly a year of low-key family-friendly festivals, it may seem practically impossible to imagine anything but happening in this saccharine city… but clearly, something big is coming. Luckily for curious citizens, the answer comes bright and early on a warm Saturday morning as the sounds of drums and bass echo through the city. It’s time for Eden, and make no mistake: this is definitely not the kind of shindig recent arrivals to the city might be familiar with. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the city’s community centers, where special programs will be available throughout the day, or to a private sitter (though finding one last minute might be a challenge this time of year) because this celebration isn’t exactly what one would consider wholesome family fun. No, Eden is something altogether very different — though, to be fair, it typically doesn’t happen here. It’s a festival that usually happens in one of Cadelle’s neighboring cities, a summer experience that typically means a weekend’s getaway to a city that’s a little less … shall we say, predictable? But the recent rain storms and other weather calamities have left many of the area’s better venues in ill repair, meaning a last minute change of venue was an unfortunate requirement. Good thing Mayor Drake’s entertainment budget can accommodate such things, right? Should you come out to explore this brave new world, be sure to heed the warnings of the festival organizers’ brightly colored posters: pack lightly, and come prepared to Embrace Your Eden! ▸ During the day, music pumps from speakers lining sidewalks and the edges of the park’s grassy slopes. It’s unapologetically loud, the sort of volume that can hardly be ignored — better instead to embrace it and let it carry you away. Maybe you want to dance to the beat? There's more than enough space on the park slopes to move to the music. Or maybe you’d rather dive into the nearby Blue Springs, hoping that the sound might be a little muffled underwater? It’s the perfect weather for it either way, with blue skies and barely any clouds to mar the view. Be sure to claim your favorite spot, though! ▸ If you’re not quite content with lounging, there are plenty of pop-up shops, booths, and tents available to peruse, with everything from free food and drinks (yes, we said free) to unique clothes, art, and home decor for purchase. If there’s something you’ve been craving or trying to find that’s not quite as wholesome as Main Street in Cadelle might like to offer, you’re likely to find it here… and if you can’t, well, there’s always the tents in the back. You know the ones. They’re in a little darker… dare we say, shadowy place? Of course, you shouldn’t go there, but maybe you’re feeling particularly brave. ▸ Throughout the weekend, different themed parties are held in various venues around town. The Ballroom Hotel, for example, hosts a masquerade-themed cocktail party on the first night of the festival. It’s a popular spot for those that prefer a little more personal space, or for those who like to enjoy a quieter nightcap after a day of summer fun. If you’re looking for somewhere a little more lowkey, try the back patio at Paco’s, where free margaritas and an oversized salsa bar spice up the night for anyone who’s willing to show a little skin. ▸ The end of Eden is marked with Night Lights, an explosion of day glo paints and bodies pressed together in one seamless party. When the lights go down, it’s a chance to get brave and do things you might not dare to do by morning light — and we don’t just mean with a paintbrush. Come dance, mingle, make a new friend... or "friend". Nobody's judging. Of course, all good things must come to an end. Eden only lasts but one short weekend, and once it’s gone, the city’s left to pick up the pieces in its wake. For those that opted to skip the festivities — or even for those that went all-out — the administration is more than willing to compensate anyone who might be willing to help clean up the mess. After all, it might take more than just a little magic to keep our city beautiful… Feel free to sign up for clean-up duty. Or don’t. It’s your Eden.. Coachella, basically. Glastonbury. Your favorite grungy, questionable-safety festival has come screaming into town, and it's high time to make some summer fun. Feel free to play around with any of the concepts presented, or do something totally wild and new — it's up to you! If you'd like to invite the entire city to your own private rooftop party or plan something intimate for two, be our guest. Just clean up after yourself... or don't. Whatever. It's your party. If you have any further questions specific to this event, we encourage you to ask away on our QUESTIONS COMMENT here in this post. If you have general questions, or prefer a more private venue, our GENERAL INBOX (and SCREENED INBOX) is always available for you. In addition, if you've got an idea for a future event, feel free to drop us a line at our EVENTS SUGGESTION POST. Go get weird. We'll be here.