Last fall’s Girls’ Night Out was such a big hit, that the Downtown Millburn Association, at the urging of merchants, decided to bring it back for the spring, in the hopes even more people will come out the second time – especially if the weather cooperates.

Despite the cold rain in October, 700 people came downtown to shop, eat, drink, win raffle prizes and shop some more. For a town known for rolling up the sidewalks early, Millburn was hopping late into the night.

This time – on Thursday, May 3 – every single downtown business from Annie Sez on the east end to Gotham on the West end is participating with sales or specials, raffles, music and/or in-store refreshments, said Lisa Hackett, Downtown Millburn Executive Director.

“We have printed up an 'Insider’s Guide' because there’s so much going on, people really need to figure out a strategy for doing everything they want to do,” Hackett said. “Get out your walking shoes, there’s a lot of ground to cover.”

Girls’ Night Out starts at 5 p.m. goes until 9 p.m., and Millburn Mayor Sandra Haimoff will announce the winner of the first raffle at 9:15 p.m.

This time, the parking lot at Town Hall will be ground zero for the event – that’s where pre-registered shoppers will go to pick up their wrist bands and swag bags (while supplies last), and can get their pictures taken by Chris Jorda Photography. It is also where the first 500 pre-registered participants will receive Millburn GNO T-shirts. 

Hackett said downtown merchants have outdone themselves with their raffle offerings – from two VIP tickets to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (donated by Shala’s Boutique) and a $1,000 certificate toward a custom-made sofa from Contessa Designs to a $1,500 spin party at FlyWheel and a “Girls Brunch" for 14 people at Moonshine Modern Supper Club. Since it is wedding season, Red Carpet Boutique is raffling off a $1,250 bridal and beauty package.

The long list of raffle prizes also includes photography sittings, spa packages, yoga classes, hair styling, beauty consultations, paintings, gifts and more.

Merchants and restaurants will have their own festivities as well, from the live band Boys’ Night Out at Contemporary Art & Editions and designer trunk shows at Deborah Gilbert Smith to cigar rolling at Peter’s and celebrity sightings and drink specials at Martini’s Bistro & Bar to a wine tasting at unWined.

For pampering, Bhakti Barn yoga will hold a 10-minute “marma” pressure point treatments and a free yoga class 7:45 p.m. and will provide yoga classes for kids and teens during Girls' Night Out. Anthisi Skincare & Electrolysis will offer hand massages and Soleil will offer free tans and spray tans.

Besides, cigar rolling at Peter's, there will be other events targeting men who come downtown, including a pool table and cocktails at David Gary Gallery and drink and food specials at all the restaurants and bars in town.

Martini's, MoonShine and Charlie Brown's will all be open until 2 a.m. and the party at Creative Works will go til 11 p.m.

(For a full list of raffle prizes, GNO sponsors, and groovy goings-on downtown, as well as a map, see the attached Insider’s Guide to Girls’ Night Out.) To pre-register, click here.

“It’s amazing how everyone has gotten into this,” she said. “It’s going to be a great night to be in downtown Millburn.”