Very inexpensive drinks + free appetizers + good conversation + the chance to check out new bars in downtown Lansing = Downtown Social Hour.

On the first Wednesday of the month, from 5–7 p.m. at a rotating location in downtown Lansing, you’ll find Downtown Social Hour, organized by Downtown Lansing Inc.

First, there are great drink specials. I like to fancy myself to be a bit of a wine snob. (Please ignore the bottles of Two-Buck Chuck in my wine rack.) Wine snob that I am (cough), I have yet to find any of the $3 wine specials to be undrinkable. While you might not find your favorite new adult beverage, you will have a few red and white options to choose from. For $3, who can complain? Beer drinkers have it even better — just $2/glass! Occasionally there are additional drink specials, like the $5 martini on tonight’s menu. Whatever you order, please don’t be a jerk. Tip like the drink is full-price. The wait staff work even harder than usual with events like this and they’ve probably been extra busy cleaning up after all of the free appetizers you’ve been enjoying. (Tonight the waiter was so awesome my friend gave him a hug goodbye.)

Second, you get to chat up new people. Or not. I’m a shy introvert and there are months when I just want to visit with a friend. There are others when I go with a big group. Occasionally I’ll sit with people I’ve just met or invite someone who is sitting alone to join my group. Sometimes I get brave after a couple glasses of wine. There are no rules, it’s whatever you make of it.

Third, this is your chance to check out many bars in Lansing’s downtown. You’ll be able to impress your friends and out-of-town guests with your extensive list of recommendations. If you don’t find many occasions to frequent the local bar scene, this is a great chance to get out and mingle over a cocktail.

As an added bonus, there are prizes! If you attend regularly and get your attendance card punched by a member of the Downtown Lansing Inc. staff, you’ll be entered in a drawing for goodies. (I once went home with a Silver Bells in the City ornament.)

To find out which bar is hosting each month, follow Downtown Social Hour on Facebook.

[TIP: I have an hour-long commute, so I don’t arrive until social hour is at least half done, and sometimes the appetizers are running low. Some restaurants keep refilling the buffet, others don’t. If you’re really interested in the food, make sure you arrive in a timely fashion.]

If faces start to look like these, it’s time to call a cab.