Top Ten Nightlife Events of 2012 in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach County

Photo by Monica McGivern

This guy really loved 2012.

Folks, it's officially a wrap. We're just hours away from saying goodbye to 2012 and welcoming 2013 in with open arms. And as the nightlife editor, I would like to take you on a little trip down memory lane to visit some of my favorite events of the year. While I couldn't make it out to each and every party, (C'mon people, I'm only one person!) I'm hoping to cover some more ground in 2013.

See also:
- Fort Lauderdale Santacon 2012 (Slideshow)
- Five Wildest Moments at Block Locust Society's End of the World Swarm
- Fort Lauderdale Art Scavenger Hunt 2012 (Slideshow)

In no particular order, here's my list of the ten best nightlife events of 2012 around Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach County. And if you didn't make that cut, maybe you should throw a better party! I kid. I kid.

Photo by Monica McGivern

10. Hurly-Burly Burlesque at the Speakeasy Lounge, Lake Worth
Seriously, if ya'll missed out on this event, I don't even know what to say to you. It was absolutely insane! I almost couldn't put the evening into words because as I was quite speechless throughout the entire show. These guys really took the whole burlesque thing to a a new level. While it might have been a bit chaotic (and very hairy!), it was a wildly good time.

Photo by Ian Witlen

9. Swarm 7 at the Black Locust Society Warehouse, Fort Lauderdale
The Black Locust Society crew really knows how to throw an event. So, it's no surprise that I'm including them on the list. Honestly, it was a bit difficult choosing just one of their parties, but I had to keep it fair. While all the college bros and babes were out on the A1A, BLS transformed its warehouse into a way better version of Spring Break. Three words: beach ball drop.

Photo by Christina Mendenhall

8. Lea Vendetta's Calendar Release Party and Tattooed Beauty Contest at Dada, Delray Beach
Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the lovely Lea Vendetta, tattoo artist and former Ink Master contestant selected me as a judge for her tattooed beauty contest. I was more than excited to do it as she's such a sweetheart, and I have so much love for all the tattooed ladies out there. Held outside at Dada, the State Of and Ferocious Stones provided the soundtrack for the night, and we all froze our butts off while scoping out the beautiful contestants. Having over 20 entries, it was so difficult to crown just one!