· By Cristofer Caballero
The Thursday Tradition: A History of College Parties and Why the Weekend Starts Early
At colleges and universities across the country, Thursday night holds a special place in the hearts of students. It’s the unofficial kickoff to the weekend—a night dedicated to celebrating, socializing, and letting loose after a long week of classes. But how did Thursday become the new Friday in college culture? And why is it so deeply ingrained in the party traditions of campus life? At TWST (The Weekend Starts Thursday), we embrace this time-honored tradition and its spirit of fun and camaraderie. Let’s take a dive into the history of partying in college on Thursdays and explore how this day came to signify the start of the weekend for students.
Originally, many students were simply looking for an excuse to blow off steam before the weekend officially began. The alliterative name "Thirsty Thursday" caught on, becoming a fixture in bars, fraternities, and student lounges alike. At the same time, colleges and local bars started offering discounts on drinks or hosting special events on Thursday nights, knowing full well that students were eager to unwind before the weekend frenzy.
The movement was driven in part by bar owners and nightlife entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to fill their establishments on an otherwise quiet night. For students, Thursday provided a perfect solution: a way to celebrate the (almost) end of the school week while still keeping Friday relatively free for recovery or more casual hangouts.
The idea of a "soft Friday" schedule meant that students could party Thursday night without the pressure of an early class the next day. As a result, Thursday became the go-to party night for many, with students taking advantage of lighter Friday mornings. Even when students do have Friday classes, the relatively relaxed atmosphere means that Thursday’s social activities are still worth the potential grogginess the next morning.
Thursday parties hosted by fraternities and sororities are often seen as a way to "pre-game" for the weekend. Rather than waiting until Friday or Saturday, Greek life members—and their invited guests—start the festivities early, creating a campus-wide culture of celebration.
It’s also worth noting that Thursday parties offer a more intimate social setting than the often-wild Friday and Saturday night events. With many students still focusing on school during the early part of the week, Thursday nights can feel like a sneak preview of the weekend—a chance to gather with friends and classmates in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere before the bigger weekend parties.
In urban centers, bars, and clubs have long capitalized on this trend by hosting Thursday night events, knowing that for many people, the workweek feels all but over. The rise of remote work and flexible scheduling in recent years has only amplified this mentality. Thursday has evolved into a day of anticipation—a time when people start thinking about their weekend plans and kick things off early.
At TWST (The Weekend Starts Thursday), we embrace this culture wholeheartedly. We believe that the spirit of celebration, relaxation, and fun doesn’t have to wait until Friday night. Our brand was created to reflect the mindset of those who know how to balance hard work with good times. Whether you’re in college or have graduated to the workforce, the weekend starts when you decide it starts—and for many, that’s Thursday.
Thursday night parties, now immortalized in photos and videos, also serve as a form of social currency. Students document their experiences and share them with the world, further reinforcing the idea that Thursday is the new Friday. With each post, story, and TikTok dance video, the tradition of Thursday night partying gets passed on to the next generation of students.
However, as campuses reopened and life slowly returned to normal, the desire to reconnect and celebrate became stronger than ever. Thursday night parties have roared back, with students eager to make up for lost time. The post-pandemic era has seen a resurgence of Thursday night gatherings, with students embracing the opportunity to celebrate life, friendship, and freedom.
At TWST, we’ve seen this renewed enthusiasm firsthand. Our brand’s mission of kicking off the weekend early has resonated even more with people who now cherish the chance to gather and have fun after years of uncertainty. The return of Thursday night parties symbolizes a return to normalcy—and a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed, starting whenever you choose.
As long as college students are eager to celebrate the end of the week (even if it’s technically still the middle), Thursday night parties will remain a fixture on campuses nationwide. And at TWST, we’re here to celebrate with you. Our brand is built around the idea that the weekend can start whenever you want—and for many, that means Thursday.
So, whether you’re gearing up for your first college Thursday night or you’ve long since graduated but still embrace the early weekend spirit, TWST has you covered with apparel that reflects your party-positive mindset. After all, the weekend starts Thursday—so why not make the most of it?
At TWST, we believe that life is meant to be enjoyed—and the weekend doesn’t have to wait until Friday. So, grab your friends, throw on your favorite TWST gear, and let’s kick off the weekend early. Because here at TWST, we know the truth: the weekend really does start Thursday.
The Origins of the Thursday Party Tradition
The roots of Thursday night parties on college campuses can be traced back decades, with several factors contributing to its rise in popularity. One of the most significant influences was the introduction of "Thirsty Thursday" in the 1980s, a concept that quickly spread through campus cultures and college towns across the U.S.Originally, many students were simply looking for an excuse to blow off steam before the weekend officially began. The alliterative name "Thirsty Thursday" caught on, becoming a fixture in bars, fraternities, and student lounges alike. At the same time, colleges and local bars started offering discounts on drinks or hosting special events on Thursday nights, knowing full well that students were eager to unwind before the weekend frenzy.
The movement was driven in part by bar owners and nightlife entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to fill their establishments on an otherwise quiet night. For students, Thursday provided a perfect solution: a way to celebrate the (almost) end of the school week while still keeping Friday relatively free for recovery or more casual hangouts.
The Academic Schedule’s Role in the Thursday Party
Thursday parties didn’t emerge from the ether—they were helped along by changes in academic schedules. Over the years, many colleges have shifted to a structure where fewer classes are held on Fridays, or at least fewer major courses that students prioritize. Whether by design or coincidence, this schedule allows students to feel more relaxed about staying out late on Thursday nights.The idea of a "soft Friday" schedule meant that students could party Thursday night without the pressure of an early class the next day. As a result, Thursday became the go-to party night for many, with students taking advantage of lighter Friday mornings. Even when students do have Friday classes, the relatively relaxed atmosphere means that Thursday’s social activities are still worth the potential grogginess the next morning.
Greek Life and Thursday Parties
Greek life has also played a significant role in the rise of Thursday night parties on college campuses. Fraternities and sororities are known for their social events, and many Greek organizations traditionally hold parties or mixers on Thursday nights. These events serve as a way for members to unwind after a busy week of academics, extracurricular activities, and philanthropy efforts.Thursday parties hosted by fraternities and sororities are often seen as a way to "pre-game" for the weekend. Rather than waiting until Friday or Saturday, Greek life members—and their invited guests—start the festivities early, creating a campus-wide culture of celebration.
It’s also worth noting that Thursday parties offer a more intimate social setting than the often-wild Friday and Saturday night events. With many students still focusing on school during the early part of the week, Thursday nights can feel like a sneak preview of the weekend—a chance to gather with friends and classmates in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere before the bigger weekend parties.
The Rise of the "Weekend Starts Thursday" Mentality
The idea that "the weekend starts Thursday" didn’t originate solely from student life; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has taken hold across various segments of society. Even outside of college campuses, professionals and young adults have embraced Thursday as a day to start celebrating early.In urban centers, bars, and clubs have long capitalized on this trend by hosting Thursday night events, knowing that for many people, the workweek feels all but over. The rise of remote work and flexible scheduling in recent years has only amplified this mentality. Thursday has evolved into a day of anticipation—a time when people start thinking about their weekend plans and kick things off early.
At TWST (The Weekend Starts Thursday), we embrace this culture wholeheartedly. We believe that the spirit of celebration, relaxation, and fun doesn’t have to wait until Friday night. Our brand was created to reflect the mindset of those who know how to balance hard work with good times. Whether you’re in college or have graduated to the workforce, the weekend starts when you decide it starts—and for many, that’s Thursday.
Social Media and the Perpetuation of Thursday Parties
In the age of social media, the Thursday night party tradition has only grown stronger. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have allowed students to broadcast their Thursday night antics in real-time, encouraging others to join in on the fun. The “FOMO” (fear of missing out) effect is real, and when students see their friends out on Thursday night, it creates a snowball effect where more and more people join the action.Thursday night parties, now immortalized in photos and videos, also serve as a form of social currency. Students document their experiences and share them with the world, further reinforcing the idea that Thursday is the new Friday. With each post, story, and TikTok dance video, the tradition of Thursday night partying gets passed on to the next generation of students.
The Evolution of Thursday Parties in the Post-Pandemic Era
The global pandemic of 2020 put a pause on many aspects of college life, including the cherished Thursday night party. With students forced into lockdowns and social distancing, campus events came to a halt, and many wondered if these traditions would survive.However, as campuses reopened and life slowly returned to normal, the desire to reconnect and celebrate became stronger than ever. Thursday night parties have roared back, with students eager to make up for lost time. The post-pandemic era has seen a resurgence of Thursday night gatherings, with students embracing the opportunity to celebrate life, friendship, and freedom.
At TWST, we’ve seen this renewed enthusiasm firsthand. Our brand’s mission of kicking off the weekend early has resonated even more with people who now cherish the chance to gather and have fun after years of uncertainty. The return of Thursday night parties symbolizes a return to normalcy—and a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed, starting whenever you choose.
Why Thursday Parties Are Here to Stay
The tradition of Thursday night parties has become so deeply ingrained in college culture that it’s hard to imagine it disappearing anytime soon. It’s a tradition that has stood the test of time, and for good reason: it offers students a chance to break free from the stresses of academic life and enjoy themselves in a relaxed, fun setting.As long as college students are eager to celebrate the end of the week (even if it’s technically still the middle), Thursday night parties will remain a fixture on campuses nationwide. And at TWST, we’re here to celebrate with you. Our brand is built around the idea that the weekend can start whenever you want—and for many, that means Thursday.
So, whether you’re gearing up for your first college Thursday night or you’ve long since graduated but still embrace the early weekend spirit, TWST has you covered with apparel that reflects your party-positive mindset. After all, the weekend starts Thursday—so why not make the most of it?
The Legacy of Thursday Parties
Partying on Thursday nights in college isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations. From the origins of "Thirsty Thursday" to the rise of the "Weekend Starts Thursday" mentality, the Thursday party is a symbol of fun, community, and the desire to make the most of every moment.At TWST, we believe that life is meant to be enjoyed—and the weekend doesn’t have to wait until Friday. So, grab your friends, throw on your favorite TWST gear, and let’s kick off the weekend early. Because here at TWST, we know the truth: the weekend really does start Thursday.