Midsummer nights’ parties at Outdoor Retailer

New products? Face-to-face with sales reps? Testing out cool gear?

Sure, those are all noble reasons to attend Summer Market, but we all know you’re looking forward to the nightlife and events to shake off your busy days on the trade show floor.

Each O.R. Daily issue (www.outsidebusinessjournal.com/ordaily) at the show will have your complete event listings, but here’s a peek at some of the marquee evening events to prepare for:

»After running, paddling and getting your gear-testing fix at the Open Air Demo, Tuesday, July 30, it’s time to clean up for the evening and head to the Gallivan Center for the inaugural Outsiders Ball, spearheaded by The Outdoor Foundation. The party with a purpose gets underway a 6 p.m., with interactive sessions, fundraising and idea generation on how to get more youth outdoors through the support of youth-led, retailer-endorsed community projects. The dance floor then opens up at 9 p.m.

»On Wednesday, July 31, spend the evening outdoors at the Industry Party near The Pavilions @ OR on the Street Scene with beer, food, music and social networking from 6 to 8 p.m. We also got late word on some good bluegrass music to be heard Wednesday night from Grammy-nominated The Infamous Stringdusters at The Depot (400 W. South Temple) starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Patagonia booth (#13027) for $20 which includes a free organic cotton T-shirt from Patagonia.

»Thursday evening, Aug. 1, is always a big party night and we’ll be jealous if you scored tickets to the Americanarama Festival of Music, featuring the legendary Bob Dylan along with Wilco, My Morning Jacket and Ryan Bingham. The event, which starts at 5:30 p.m. at the USANA Amphitheatre, isn’t show affiliated, but is a nice coincidence for fans.

Closer to downtown, the Teva party will entertain as always at Club Elevate. This year, the company celebrates its 30th anniversary with headliner Con Bro Chill. Check out the YouTube videos for what’s in store with this eccentric band. Doors open at 9 p.m.

»Finish off the week, Friday night, Aug. 2, by first hitching a ride over to the Olympic Park in Park City for the Psicobloc Masters Series (starting at 7 p.m.), where some the best climbers in the sport will compete head-to-head custom wall approaching 5.14 in difficulty and 50 feet above the water.

At 9 p.m. Friday, make your way back to SLC for the All Star Industry Jam at Club Elevate, featuring a battle amongst industry-led bands strumming, drumming and singing their hearts out.

»Saturday night, Aug. 3, you’re free! Remember the show starts and finishes a day early. So rest up and get up early on Sunday to enjoy the Utah outdoors.