10 fabulous February date night ideas

    A snapshot of the Sleeping Beauty performance at Phoenix Symphony Hall. Photo courtesy of Ballet Arizona.
    Scene from “Sleeping Beauty” at Phoenix Symphony Hall. Photo courtesy of Ballet Arizona.

    Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, but who says you have to wait until Feb. 14 for a date night with your honey? Book the sitter and make reservations today! Here is RAK’s roundup of some date night favorites around town.

    date night ideas
    Try something new! Photo: Facebook.com/Arizona Cocktail Week.

    Arizona Cocktail Week (Sat-Sun Feb 13-21). Want to indulge and try some of the best cocktails from local mixologists? Several venues around town offer interactive tastings, special happy hours and cocktail competitions to help you and your sweetheart settle on the right drink. 602-633-5357 or arizonacocktailweek.com.

    Ballet Arizona (Thur-Sun Feb 11-14). Want to top off dinner with a special performance? Ballet Arizona is showcasing “Sleeping Beauty” at Phoenix Symphony Hall. Tickets are $25 to $159. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N 2nd St, Phoenix. 602-381-1096 or balletaz.org.

    Comedy at Tempe Center for the Arts (Sat Feb 13). Enjoy a laugh or two with your significant other. The Tempe Comedy Concert Series presents “Love and Marriage” featuring Tony Vicich. Comedians also entertain questions from the audience. $10 to $25. Tempe Center of the Arts, 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. 480-350-2822 or tca.ticketforce.com.

    Desert Botanical Garden (Jan 1-May 8). Bright lights illuminate the desert sky with Bruce Munro’s Sonoran Light exhibit. Eight large, light-based installations use a dazzling array of glowing fiber optics. $25. 1200 Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix. 480-481-8188 or dbg.org.

     Chocolate heart captured at the Glendale Chocolate Affaire. Photo courtesy of Austin Appel.
    Chocolate heart captured at the Glendale Chocolate Affaire. Photo courtesy of Austin Appel.

    Glendale Chocolate Affaire (Fri-Sun Feb 5-7). Who can say no to a festival of chocolate—especially in the month of February? There are 35 specialty chocolate vendors, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides and a variety of entertainment. Free. Murphy Park, 5800 W Glenn Dr, Glendale. glendaleaz.com.

    Harry’s Place Lounge at Tempe Mission Palms Hotel (Fri only Jan-March). Love to listen to live music? Harry’s Place Lounge offers musical acts, great drink specials and a lovely view of Hayden Butte. Harry’s Place Lounge, 60 E Fifth St, Tempe. 480-894-1400 or missionpalms.com.

    Theater Works Performance of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” (Fri-Sun Feb 12-14). You don’t need to travel to Broadway in New York City to enjoy a musical. Theater Works offers its own take on dating, marriage, in-laws and babies at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. $36. McMillan Theater, 8355 W Peoria Ave, Peoria. 623-815-7930 or theaterworks.org.

    Vow Renewal at Fountain Park (Sun Feb 14). Married couples have the opportunity to renew their vows in the park. Enjoy live music, food trucks and photographers to catch your special moment. Free. Fountain Park, 12925 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills. 480-837-8168 or loveinthehills.com.

    Crowds and vendors gathering outside the Waterfront. Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/Scottsdale Waterfront Fine Art and Wine Festival.
    Crowds and vendors gather outside the Waterfront in Scottsdale. Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/Scottsdale Waterfront Fine Art and Wine Festival.

    Waterfront Fine Art and Wine Festival (Fri-Sun Feb 12-14). Take a leisurely stroll on the Waterfront and peruse the artwork of local artists. Wine-tasting tickets are $3 or $10. Downtown Scottsdale, 7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale. 480-837-5637 or thunderbirdartists.com.

    Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. Staycations are the perfect way to relax and unwind. At the Westin Kierland, try a fun and lively dinner at deseo, which features lovely Nuevo Latino cuisine. Linger over dinner, then relax on the hotel property. Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, 6902 E Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale. 480-624-1000 or kierlandresort.com.