7 date night options in April

    Japanese Friendship Garden
    Picture of a waterfall at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Photo: Facebook.com/Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix.

    All couples need downtime—a chance to enjoy dinner together or have some fun around town. Here are seven April date night options:

    Arizona Wine and Dine (Thurs Apr 7). The fifth annual festival features several posh Valley restaurants and couples can sample a preselected entree with an accompanying wine. This is a prime opportunity to sample upscale cuisine from several local Valley resorts—all in one place. Live music and unique cuisine? Sounds like a perfect date night! $75. Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale. 602-604-0729 or azwineanddine.com.

    I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Fri-Sat April 15-16). Catch an off-Broadway play without having to travel to New York. This play promises hysterical comedy and isn’t afraid to tackle the intense moments of dating, marriage, romance, in-laws and everything related to love. Free. Scottsdale Community College, 9000 E Chaparral Rd, Scottsdale. 480-423-6333 or news.scottsdalecc.edu.

    Japanese Friendship Garden. Looking for quiet time with your significant other? The Japanese Friendship Garden offers a refuge for couples seeking to reconnect, stroll the garden and gaze at the water. $5. 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix. 602-274-8700 or japanesefrienshipgarden.org.

    Of Mice and Men (Mar 31-Apr 17). Set in the 1920s, John Steinbeck’s classic tale explores friendship, loneliness and the journey of two friends who are carving out a path for themselves. Grab a drink in downtown Phoenix and then catch Arizona Theatre Company’s rendition of the play to cap off your night. $28 to $68. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E Monroe, Phoenix. 602-252-8497 or herbergertheater.org.

    Phoenix Film Festival (Apr 7-14). Remember the days of movie marathons with your significant other? Step back in the past and relive some of that nostalgia at the Phoenix Film Festival. Couples who enjoy watching movies together may discover a new favorite! $13. Harkins Scottsdale 101, 7000 E Mayo Blvd, Scottsdale. 480-513-3195 or phoenixfilmfestival.com.

    culinary
    Try delicious foods at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Photo: Facebook.com/Scottsdale Culinary Festival.

    Scottsdale Culinary Festival (Sat-Sun Apr 16-17). Do you enjoying pairing the great outdoors with culinary delights? This festival features 40 local restaurants, 30 craft breweries, cooking challenges, chef demos and a vodka lounge. $10. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 7380 E 2nd St, Scottsdale. scottsdalefest.org.

    VIVA (Sat Apr 2). Love to mix charity with a night out? Dress in your finest to have fun at an event featuring casino-style gaming, live entertainment, a silent auction and dancing. Proceeds benefit Valley Kids Foundation. $100. Scottsdale Waterfront Southbridge. 7144 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale. viva2030.splashthat.com.