Today's category is ARTS AND MUSIC.
We have lots of ideas for getting around the Phoenix area and enjoying the artsy scene.
Arcosanti Architecture Tour
Take a free tour of Paolo Soleri's intuitive melding of architecture and ecology at Arcosanti in Meyer, AZ. Your visit may include viewing the unique architecture and philosophy of the grounds as well as a stop in the cafe. As another option, you can also Soleri's architecture at Cosanti in Paradise Valley.
Japanese Friendship Garden ($5/adult) Opens again for the season Oct 1st.
3.5 acres of serene and gorgeous gardens, bridges, plants, a large koi pond, and a tea garden. The perfect romantic setting for date night.
Desert Botanical Garden ($22/adult)
A must-see for visitors and Valley residents alike. Go on a self-guided tour, attend an event, or take a class together. If you hurry, you can snag a groupon for year's membership for only $45!
40 Favorite Murals in Phoenix. Create your own driving tour of Phoenix's mural art with this list and your GPS.
Museums
Phoenix Art Museum ($15/adult)
Mesa Contemporary Arts (free)
Musical Instrument Museum ($18/adult)
Find a new museum. Go here for a very long list of museums in Arizona--there are tons listed you never knew existed. Promise.
The Nash The home of Jazz in AZ--live music Fridays - Sundays every week.
Crescent Ballroom This is a hip restaurant/lounge created by chef Chris Bianco of the famed Pizzeria Bianco. You'll find free live music every day and delicious food. Go here for the schedule. Stop in on Saturday nights for flamenco.
El Pedregal. Check the event calendar for concerts, cultural, and charity events.
Westgate. Free live music in a relaxed, outdoor atmosphere every Friday and Saturday night.
For more live music listings go here and here. For concert listings try here or here.
Artwalks
Visit one of the state's many artwalk nights. Go somewhere close to home or take a little drive and visit another town. Many of these events include other entertainment or activities so check out their individual websites to get all the info. Also, some of these are on break for the summer but are starting up again soon.
THURSDAYS
Every Thursday - Scottsdale. Take a walk through Old Town Scottsdale and experience an ecclectic arts scene and unique atmosphere. There are plenty of other things to see in Old Town Scottsdale as well, including amazing restaurants, sculptures, fountains, and more. Make it a special night with a horse-drawn carriage or trolley ride. Scottsdale Artwalk was rated one of the top 10 artwalks by MSN Travel.
FRIDAYS
1st Fridays - First Fridays in Phoenix has become the largest monthly event in Arizona. In addition to a vast array of art galleries open for viewing, there are several other locations that are open late and for free. You will find live music, free admission to museums, and free trolleys to get you where you want to go. I would recommend if you go that you get some advice from a volunteer or trolley driver on which route to take. Some of the routes are more edgy than others--if that's for you, great--if not, you might want to stay away from those routes.
If you want to head out of town on a first Friday, try an artwalk in Flagstaff or Sedona.
1st Fridays - First Fridays in Phoenix has become the largest monthly event in Arizona. In addition to a vast array of art galleries open for viewing, there are several other locations that are open late and for free. You will find live music, free admission to museums, and free trolleys to get you where you want to go. I would recommend if you go that you get some advice from a volunteer or trolley driver on which route to take. Some of the routes are more edgy than others--if that's for you, great--if not, you might want to stay away from those routes.
If you want to head out of town on a first Friday, try an artwalk in Flagstaff or Sedona.
3rd Fridays - Phoenix, Artlink president Mike Oleskow explains the difference between Phoenix's two art walk events: "First Fridays is youthful and festive. Third Fridays is maybe geared a little bit more to the serious art collector." One is large and crazy, one is more mature, and relaxed.
3rd Fridays - Chandler. Every third Friday, find a new theme each month such as Zombie Walk this October.
4th Fridays - Head to Prescott for the weekend and enjoy the artwalk as part of your stay.
SATURDAYS
1st Saturdays - Gilbert: The season runs from October thru March, generally held the the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month plus a few extra dates thrown in for fun. Check the website for schedule. Other cities hosting artwalks this week are Tucson, Glendale, and Jerome.
2nd Saturdays - Bisbee
3rd Saturdays - Gilbert
ANYTIME
Self-guided sculpture tour around Fountain Hills
Walking art tour through downtown Avendale.
Theater
There are lots of live theater options around town, here is a list of a few calendars in the Phoenix area: Herberger (Phoenix); Phx Theater; Orpheum (Phoenix); Gammage (Tempe); Theater Works (Peoria); Arizona Broadway Theatre (Peoria); Mesa Arts Center; Tempe Center for the Arts; Hale Centre Theatre (Gilbert).
Do you have any ideas for enjoying Arizona's arts and music scene for date night? Share here in the comments or on our facebook page.
This is just the first post in a five week series. Check back next Tuesday for more date night ideas in Arizona!
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Hi there! Comments, ideas for things to do, and other insight appreciated.