SQL Server 2005 officially launches November 7, 2005 with a big launch event in San Francisco, California.  But just because you can't get to San Francisco doesn't mean you have to miss out on everything.  Microsoft is doing a variety of events around SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005 all around the country in November.  Personally, I'm already registered for the SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005, BizTalk Server 2006 launch event in Seattle.  Go find one in your area at the Microsoft Events web site.