The kids are back in school, and that means one thing: time for parents to schedule a night out. Here are a dozen fun August date-night options around the Valley. Which ones will make your list?
Tuesdays in August: Trivia Tuesday. Love playing games and learning about pop culture, history and literature? Answer questions in this Jeopardy-style trivia event while sipping a drink. 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Free. Linger Longer Lounge. 6522 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-265-0600 or lingerlongeraz.com.
Thursdays and Saturdays in August: Flashlight Tours. Enjoy nighttime nature and temperatures in the desert. Flashlight tours are a great way to learn about our local landscape. 7 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays through Sept. 3. $10 – $22. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org.
Aug. 1-27: “A Group Effort.” Experience the visual arts with this exhibit by Arizona artists featuring glass, painting, sculpture and other media. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Free. Vision Gallery. 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. 480-782-2695 or visiongallery.org.
Aug. 3-20: “West Side Story.” Watch a live retelling (a 1950s Manhattan version) of “Romeo and Juliet” in an intimate theater. Showtimes vary Wednesday-Saturday. $15 – $28. Hale Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. 480-497-1181 or haletheatre.com.
RELATED: Themes still relevant in Hale Centre Theatre’s “West Side Story”
Thursday, Aug. 11: Adult Fans of Lego Night. The second Thursday of every month, Legoland Discovery Center at Arizona Mills mall hosts an adult night — this month with a Pokémon and video game theme. Ages 18 and up. 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11. $22. 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 135, Tempe. 877-526-3960 or legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona
Saturday, Aug. 13: The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show. Solve a murder mystery while dining on a four-course meal in an interactive setting. 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. $54.95. Four Points by Sheraton, 2532 W. Peoria Ave., Phoenix. 866-496-0535 or dinnerdetective.com.
Tuesday, Aug. 16: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets. What better way to relax than taking in a baseball game? Grab your spouse, head to the concession stand (hot dogs are $1 on Tuesdays in August) and enjoy some downtime as you watch the D-backs. 6:40 p.m. $14 – $225. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St.,Phoenix. 602-514-8400 or dbacks.com.
Thursday, Aug. 18: The Gypsy Kings. Catch the sounds of flamenco, rumba and salsa with the legendary band Gypsy Kings. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. $24. Celebrity Theater, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. bandsintown.com.
Friday, Aug. 19: Coffee Chemistry. Celebrate the kids going back to school with “Science with a Twist” at the Arizona Science Center. At this adults-only event, you can enjoy old-school computer games, a “School Picture Day” photo booth, a latte art competition, coffee sampling, grade-school trivia and a “What’s the Buzz about Nitro Coffee?” presentation. 6 – 1o p.m. Friday, Aug. 19. $12. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org.
Friday, Aug. 19: Cosplay Alien Party. If want something a little more out there, check out the adult takeover of the i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa. This adults-only party promises a DJ and dancing, cash bar, appetizers, hands-on activities and prizes. 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19. $25-$30 per person; $45-$55 per couple.150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. 480-644-4332 or ideamuseum.org
Saturday, Aug. 20: Pokémon Play Date for Adults. Who says play dates are only for kids? Indulge in food trucks, catch more than 20 Pokémon on site, play retro board games and enjoy photo booths, a DJ and dancing at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. $15 or $20. 7 – 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org.
Ongoing: Postino Wine Cafe. Looking to people watch while you sip on wine and eat your bruschetta? Positino’s offers a happy hour featuring $5 glasses of wine. Find a cozy corner and people-watch with your honey. Locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Times vary. Postinowinecafe.com.
Related: Around Arizona: Family-friendly events in August.
