19 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix at Night
Let’s face it: night-time entertainment can be a bit dull sometimes.
If you’re looking for something to do that doesn’t involve sitting in a bar or going to the same movie theater again, we’ve got the perfect way to liven up your night in Phoenix!
So don’t stay home watching the television all night – let’s explore some of Phoenix’s best nighttime adventures!
1. Catch a Live Sporting Event
Who needs to hibernate when you’re in Phoenix? When the sun goes down, the city wakes up with a myriad of options to keep you entertained all night long.
One of the most exciting things to do is to make your way to the Gila River Arena and enjoy the uniquely electric atmosphere of a live sporting event.
With a capacity for 19,000 spectators, it’s home to the Arizona Coyotes, boasting young stars like Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther.
And it doesn’t stop there; you can catch all the latest events on local basketball, MMA and even motorsports if you’re into street racing vibes.
2. Night Hike in the Desert
Step out of the blistering Arizona sun and into the desert night on this guided night hiking tour!
Under cover of darkness, explore the expansive park uninhibited by the crowds of the day. Be awed by millions of stars brightening up Arizona’s velvet night sky.
Keep your eyes peeled as you traverse this diverse ecosystem – you never know what kinds of wild critters await!
Plus, with the professional desert guides at hand to offer knowledge of the area, you’ll come away with stories to last a lifetime.
3. Test Your Wits at an Escape Room
Feeling like being a detective for the night? Head to Puzzle Effect and put your skills to the test!
With its puzzles and clues, room escapes are one of the trendiest and coolest things to do at night.
But don’t be fooled by how easy it may seem – the puzzles in rooms like Curse on the Emerald Sea and Grim Stacks are sure to challenge your analytical skills, as well as your teamwork abilities.
Push yourself out of your comfort zone and conquer these mind-bending challenges all within 60 minutes – how’s that for an adrenaline rush?
4. Tempe Town Lake
For those who want to add a little adventure to their evening kayak outings, the City of Tempe offers a glow-in-the-dark experience on Tempe Town Lake.
This man-made reservoir is the perfect setting for a peaceful paddle under the stars.
The city provides all the necessary equipment, so all you need to bring is a sense of adventure!
5. Desert Botanical Garden
If you need an escape from the dry daytime heat of Phoenix, take a tour of the Desert Botanical Garden after dark.
Here, you can take in some of the most beautiful night-time views of desert flora and fauna.
All it takes is some snacks and a flashlight to explore all the nocturnal activity going on.
And if you’re lucky, you may even spot “the Queen Of The Night” – an orchid cactus that only blooms for a few hours out of each year!
6. Bikini Lounge
Bikini Lounge is the place to immerse yourself in nostalgia. With its tapa print wall coverings, tiki art and vibrant neon bar signs, it’s an Instagram dream come true.
Sure, cheap drinks entice the regulars and hipsters alike – but the real draw are the lively DJ nights and pool table challenges.
After all, what could be more proof of your life being on point than winning at 8-ball while groovin’ to a beat? It’s the perfect antidote to any weeknight blues.
7. Interactive Comedy Show
You know nighttime in Phoenix is about to be lit, especially if you’re headed to the National Comedy Theater for some interactive comedy!
This 90-minute comedic experience will get your funny bone vibrating like a tuning fork.
Packed with improvisational games and witty performances, it’s just like the hit show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”.
Feel free to bring along your best suggestions and sassiest one-liners – you’ll get a chance to yell them all out while you bust your gut laughing.
8. The Van Buren
Hit all the right notes tonight with a visit to The Van Buren. This live music venue delivers stellar sounds with performances by talented musicians across various genres.
Big names and up-and-coming artists come together, and up-close views of the stage will be sure to thrill your senses while you enjoy some top-notch tunes.
With a bar that’s stocked with all your favorites and great acoustics that’ll have each note ringing through loud and clear, an evening at The Van Buren is sure to be a showstopper!
9. Roosevelt Row
If art is your thing, head on over to Roosevelt Row. This vibrant arts district is known nationwide for its street art, independent studios and galleries.
Trust us when we say that you don’t want to miss out on it!
Every night there’s bound to be a great selection of street performers or live musicians, so you know the entertainment going to be happenin’ till the wee hours.
And once a month, there’s First Fridays, where all the galleries and studios are open to visitors – an awesome way to get a real insight into the city’s best art establishments!
10. Watch a Drive-In Movie
Ready for a movie night with a twist? With the perfect mix of vintage drive-in vibe, up-to-date technology and idyllic Arizona nightscape, this is just the thing for an unforgettable movie experience.
At Digital Drive-in AZ, you’ll enjoy crystal clear visuals from the 24′ x 40′ cinema-grade screen, and audio so good that you won’t even need your car speakers.
Whether you’re cozy cuddling with your loved one or enjoying some family fun in a classic drive-in movie style, Digital Drive-in AZ will certainly leave you smiling.
11. Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum is the perfect place for an evening of culture and enlightenment, plus there’s the added bonus that it’s open late at night on Wednesdays!
Offering not just a rotating calendar of exhibitions, but also permanent collections of art from all over the world, it truly is a cultural experience.
There are modern and contemporary pieces so you can be sure to find something that you’ll appreciate.
The museum also offers lectures, tours and other program events so you can pick something you feel passionate about.
With so much to discover and learn, the Phoenix Art Museum is certainly an unbeatable destination for anyone looking for something to do at night.
12. CityScape
With its epicenter planted firmly in Downtown Phoenix, CityScape is the ultimate destination for daytime and nighttime fun.
Who needs a movie when you can hop, skip and jump to bars and eateries offering unbeatable happy hour deals?
Of course, if friendly competition is your thing, 810 Billiards & Bowling has you covered, with some of the baddest vibes around.
And then there’s Pigtails – this cocktail bar has been pumpin’ out drinks from dusk till dawn since the days of yore!
So, no matter what time of day it is, head on over to CityScape and experience life in the desert like a true local.
13. The Bat Cave
Dare to go beyond your comfort zone? See Phoenix like never before by visiting the “bat cave” on the north bank of the Arizona Canal.
Step onto a deck specially-built for observation, as you catch up to 20,000 little flying creatures journeying out on their nightly mission.
The spot isn’t marked heavily and is definitely a hidden gem in Phoenix, so keep your eyes peeled!
14. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Visit the Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour to truly transport yourself back in time.
Known for innovative cocktails and delicious bar snacks, this former Prohibition Headquarters will surely have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Nosh on bite-sized comfort foods like nachos and pizzas as you tell tales of days gone by in one of Phoenix’s premier nightlife destinations.
This is a place that’s sure to turn any ordinary evening into an unforgettable story!
15. Haunted Ghost Tour
Prepare to be spooked! If you’re in Phoenix looking for a little something more than the average tour experience, then you’ve come to the right place.
On this one-of-a-kind Haunted Tour, your expert historian will take you on a guided journey into the depths of Phoenix and its notorious true-crime history.
With stories that are just as entertaining as they are creepy, you won’t want to miss out on this unforgettable night as you explore some of the most haunted locations in Phoenix!
16. Try Your Luck at a Casino
Feel like making your night a little wild? With three Gila River Resorts & Casinos located within close proximity to Phoenix, you’re in luck!
Whether it’s playing the slots or dining in sophisticated restaurants, there are plenty of ways to make your night unforgettable.
So if you feel like living it up with some fun and games, make the most of your evening by stopping at one of these desert destinations.
17. Go Night Golfing
If you’re looking for a night out that’s a bit out of the ordinary, grab your clubs and head over to TopGolf.
This 18-hole course offers golfing under the stars with a lively atmosphere and plenty of competition among friends.
TopGolf also has a restaurant and bar with unique food and drinks to keep the night going long after the putts have been made.
18. Explore Downtown Phoenix
With its colorful vibes and thriving culture, there are boundless ways to explore and make the night your own.
You can wander around the streets and peek into shops that tickle your curiosity, sit down for some delectable cuisine, or lounge with friends at the city’s many hip bars.
Whatever you do, you’ll surely create an all-night experience that is sure to stay in your mind for days on end!
19. Watch Stand Up Comedy
If you’re looking for giggles and a bit of fun on your night out, head over to Stand Up Live.
There’s certainly no shortage of stars that serve up laughs: locally, nationally or even internationally renowned comedians can be seen here.
Draw your own conclusions from the outrageous tales they have to tell, divided with hearty laughter.
With so many different styles of humor to explore – ranging from high brow material to lively satire – there’s something for everyone who loves a good joke.
Gather together some friends who appreciate silly humor and head down for an outstanding evening of entertainment.
