Since the NFL decided to let Indianapolis host the Super Bowl (as opposed to a warm weather city like Miami or New Orleans), it's now the Hoosier State's time to shine. By the way, did you know that Indianapolis has more residents than both San Francisco and Miami? While maybe not as glamorous a setting as South Beach, that doesn't mean there'll be a shortage of parties. All of the biggies -- ESPN, GQ, Maxim, Playboy and more -- will be heading out to the Midwest and throwing down. Here are our picks for the must-attend events should you find yourself in Indianapolis this weekend. For the most part, these are invite-only. But we trust you wily PAPERMAG readers to figure out a way to weasel in!
Friday
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1. The GQ and Lacoste Party
GQ and Lacoste's party at The Stutz will feature performances by Questlove and LL Cool J (Ed. note: LL Cool J!). Patrón is one of the sponsors so get ready to raise a margarita up to Ladies Love Cool James.
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2. ESPN The Magazine's "NEXT" Event
This event at Jobsite Supply Warehouse has a rumored performance by Drake, a celeb guest list that includes a rather interesting melange of people like Michael Douglas, Gene Simmons, Nick Jonas and Paris Hilton and a prime downtown location that makes it easier to party hop.
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3. The Playboy Party
Playboy will decamp from the mansion and head to The Bud Light Hotel. The party has a "Carnival Mystique" theme this year (but it basically doesn't matter because no one will be wearing much anyway). Sixteen Playmates will host the fête, which also features a performance by Ne-Yo.
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4. The Leather & Laces Party
Held at Regions Bank Tower, this party gives Playboy a run for its money with hosts Carmen Electra, Jenny McCarthy and JWoww. Though it's February in the Midwest, pale faces need not attend.
Saturday
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1. DirecTV's Super Saturday Night Party
Hosted by billionaire Dallas Mavericks' Owner, Mark Cuban, and Peyton Manning, this party at Victory Field at White River State Park will come on the heels of a celebrity flag football game. But should you think it'll just be a bunch of sports bros geeking out at the Super Bowl, don't fret: the two have tapped Katy Perry to perform.
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Note: This is the real Indiana State Fair, not the Maxim Party
2. The Maxim Party
This year's Maxim party will be, interestingly enough, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. But don't let the venue choice throw you off: Maxim has long been known to have the best Super Bowl party. In fact, the fairgrounds will provide ample space for what will become more like a mini-carnival than an intimate soiree. This year's event is 'Super Hero themed' so bust out your spandex (or long underwear?) and get ready for a kryptonite-esque Cristal bar and a performance by a surprise Grammy-winning artist.
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3. The Rolling Stone and Bacardi Bash
The first-ever Rolling Stone and Bacardi Bash is a worthy competitor to the myriad parties offering special music acts. From their perch at Crane Bay, they'll have performances by Lupe Fiasco, LMFAO, Cobra Starship and Gym Class Heroes. We also hear that this is Bacardi's 150th birthday so get ready for never-ending mojitos and cuba libres.
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4. The Bud Light Hotel Party
This party at, natch, The Bud Light Hotel (which, in case you were wondering, is not the actual name of a hotel in Indianapolis but is a Hampton Inn that the beer company took over for the week) does not mess around. They've basically booked a mid-aughts rap super group with performances by 50 Cent, Lil' Jon and Pitbull.
Sunday
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1. The Celebration Sunday Party
Though there are a few tailgate-style party options, for our money, Super Bowl morning should be spent recovering from the two nights prior and eating and drinking with friends. That said, if the hale and hearty out there have strength to continue the festivities post-game, here's one to check out at Indianapolis' chic Asian fusion spot, Sensu. It's hosted by Michael Strahan and Sports Illustrated model (and John Legend fiancée) Chrissy Teigen and Fabolous will provide the musical entertainment and, we assume, give the crowd a second wind.
Friday
1. The GQ and Lacoste PartyGQ and Lacoste's party at The Stutz will feature performances by Questlove and LL Cool J (Ed. note: LL Cool J!). Patrón is one of the sponsors so get ready to raise a margarita up to Ladies Love Cool James.
2. ESPN The Magazine's "NEXT" Event
This event at Jobsite Supply Warehouse has a rumored performance by Drake, a celeb guest list that includes a rather interesting melange of people like Michael Douglas, Gene Simmons, Nick Jonas and Paris Hilton and a prime downtown location that makes it easier to party hop.
3. The Playboy Party
Playboy will decamp from the mansion and head to The Bud Light Hotel. The party has a "Carnival Mystique" theme this year (but it basically doesn't matter because no one will be wearing much anyway). Sixteen Playmates will host the fête, which also features a performance by Ne-Yo.
4. The Leather & Laces Party Held at Regions Bank Tower, this party gives Playboy a run for its money with hosts Carmen Electra, Jenny McCarthy and JWoww. Though it's February in the Midwest, pale faces need not attend.
Saturday
1. DirecTV's Super Saturday Night Party
Hosted by billionaire Dallas Mavericks' Owner, Mark Cuban, and Peyton Manning, this party at Victory Field at White River State Park will come on the heels of a celebrity flag football game. But should you think it'll just be a bunch of sports bros geeking out at the Super Bowl, don't fret: the two have tapped Katy Perry to perform.
Note: This is the real Indiana State Fair, not the Maxim Party
2. The Maxim Party
This year's Maxim party will be, interestingly enough, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. But don't let the venue choice throw you off: Maxim has long been known to have the best Super Bowl party. In fact, the fairgrounds will provide ample space for what will become more like a mini-carnival than an intimate soiree. This year's event is 'Super Hero themed' so bust out your spandex (or long underwear?) and get ready for a kryptonite-esque Cristal bar and a performance by a surprise Grammy-winning artist.
3. The Rolling Stone and Bacardi Bash
The first-ever Rolling Stone and Bacardi Bash is a worthy competitor to the myriad parties offering special music acts. From their perch at Crane Bay, they'll have performances by Lupe Fiasco, LMFAO, Cobra Starship and Gym Class Heroes. We also hear that this is Bacardi's 150th birthday so get ready for never-ending mojitos and cuba libres.
4. The Bud Light Hotel Party This party at, natch, The Bud Light Hotel (which, in case you were wondering, is not the actual name of a hotel in Indianapolis but is a Hampton Inn that the beer company took over for the week) does not mess around. They've basically booked a mid-aughts rap super group with performances by 50 Cent, Lil' Jon and Pitbull.
Sunday
1. The Celebration Sunday Party
Though there are a few tailgate-style party options, for our money, Super Bowl morning should be spent recovering from the two nights prior and eating and drinking with friends. That said, if the hale and hearty out there have strength to continue the festivities post-game, here's one to check out at Indianapolis' chic Asian fusion spot, Sensu. It's hosted by Michael Strahan and Sports Illustrated model (and John Legend fiancée) Chrissy Teigen and Fabolous will provide the musical entertainment and, we assume, give the crowd a second wind.