For those on the island the evening before the Avalon Ball, there will be plenty to do on Friday night.

There are several hundred of us descending on island, so there is no one Avalon bar that can accommodate us. Solution? An island Bar Crawl. Below are some suggestions of several of the island's watering holes.

You can arrange a rendezvous with others attending the event, or just show up at the centrally located Avalon Grille, link up and fan out from there. Members of the board will be glad to meet anyone traveling solo.

The Catalina Island Museum will be open 5 - 7pm with free admission Friday night only. Cocktails will be available from a cash bar. Drop by, learn about the history of the island and say hello.

Here is a list of suggested bars. If you have others to suggest, feel free to post on the wall of our Facebook event for this gathering.

The Avalon Grille - 423 Crescent Ave. This upscale restaurant and bar is centrally located across from the Green Pier, and is a good place to rendezvous with friends. You can settle in there or set out to explore.

Luau Larry’s - 509 Crescent Ave

A fun, small, funky tiki-themed bar.

Pete’s Plaza Café - 128 Sumner Ave

This outdoor, informal restaurant is a great place for tacos and bison burgers, and also has a bar.

El Galleon – 411 Crescent Ave.

An informal restaurant and bar with Karaoke

The Bluewater Avalon – 306 Crescent Ave.�

An upscale bar and restaurant overlooking the water. It’s actually located on what remains of the pier where the Catalina steamers used to dock, brining people to dance at the Casino.

This collection is in no way comprehensive, and might not include your favorite bar. Hope to see you on the island!

photos: Margot Gerber