Girls of most ages are invited to gather in downtown Red Bank this Thursday for the latest in a series of Girls Night Out events designed to spotlight the town’s most engaging shops and eateries. (Photo by Susan Ericson)

It happens but twice each year in Red Bank — and it happens for the final time here in 2015, when on Thursday, October 15, more than 40 borough-based restaurants, retailers, entertainment venues and service businesses invite women from all around the greater Green to the latest in an ongoing series of Girls Night Out events.

Presented once again by Red Bank RiverCenter and sponsored by Riverview Medical Center, the fall edition of GNO offers up the opportunity to take advantage of shopping/ dining/ drink specials and discounts from participating merchants; enjoy live streetside music; and win prize packages — with a reminder that “the more stores you visit, the more chances to win.”

It all begins at 5 pm with event check-in available at either of two locations: Monmouth Street Emporium (27 Monmouth Street) or Two River Theater (21 Bridge Avenue). There’s no fee, and each participant receives a free tote bag (featuring coupons, raffle ticket, and fun grab-bag items) plus a printed guide to the evening’s offerings.

From there, participants can explore the self-guided tour at their own pace, stopping in at vendors that range from realtors to restaurants; salons to sweet shops; banks to boutiques; jewelers, galleries, yoga studios and more. It’s an eclectic menu that encompasses some of the borough’s longest-established institutions (Danny’s Steakhouse, Queen Vacuum and Homecare) and some of its most exciting newcomers (10th Ave. Burrito, ChikyBoom). The more businesses each woman visits throughout the night, the higher her chances of winning thousands of dollars worth of prizes. All those who pre-register (by noon on October 15) will also be eligible to win a $50 Red Bank Gift Card.

Take it here for a full rundown of participating merchants, plus check-in details and pre-registration response form.