Down and Derby invites your inner middle-schooler to come out and skate this Friday night

​Once in the not-so-distant past, the skating rink was the premier teenage hot spot. Down and Derby brings back those glorious days this Friday night, with a massive re-creation of what made skating rinks so cool in the first place -- as a place to both socialize and to show off your best moves (some of them even on the floor).

The folks from Beauty Bar will take over the EXDO Event Center at 1399 35th Street on January 20 and turning the space into a giant roller disco for what could become a monthly bash.

Party-goers are invited to BYO skates -- but Down and Derby will also have over 800 pairs on hand to rent for just five bucks each. Those attending this updated edition of skate night are encouraged to dress in line with the '70s roller-disco theme -- but if you don't have short-shorts or a tank top handy, local boutique Derbyville will be there with a pop-up shop to outfit skaters.

The eighteen-and-up skating event will feature DJs Mike Disco and Craig C. behind the turntables all night long, and offer prizes for best costume -- or, if you're prepared, a little limbo throwdown. "People need to start stretching -- or maybe they should have a week ago for this contest," jokes Beauty Bar's Max Martin.

It was important to make the party accessible to the eighteen-and-up crowd, Martin says, adding that Down and Derby is all about making people feel comfortable to show up, skate and just have a good time.

Doors open at 9 p.m., and tickets are available for $5 to $10 in advance online; they'll go up to $10 to $15 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Down and Derby website.

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For photos from last month's Down and Derby, check out the Westword slide show.

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