7 Fun Things to Do in Scottsdale at Night

Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night or a family-friendly outing after dinner, you’ll quickly discover there is no shortage of exciting nighttime activities and attractions to enjoy in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

Stay busy with these seven unique adventures to try when the sun goes down during your Scottsdale vacation! 

1. Indulge in Local Ice Cream

Scottsdale can still be warm in the evenings, which is why it’s always a good idea to cool off with a refreshing treat after dinner. 

Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor is a retro-style restaurant and sweets shop that has remained virtually unchanged since the 1950s when it was built.

Sweet Republic is another popular ice cream shop located in Central Scottsdale, serving up unique artisan flavors like brown butter pecan and coconut cashew curry. 

2. Learn How to Country-Western Dance 

Your vacation to the “West’s Most Western Town” would be incomplete without line dancing or two-stepping at a country-western bar. 

Handlebar J is a historic restaurant located 15 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale that offers live music and dancing on Wednesdays through Sundays, starting at 7:30 PM. 

Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, located just 20 minutes from North Scottsdale in Cave Creek, is another popular spot for country dancing. You can two-step on the dance floor to good music on the weekends or watch bull riding events on Wednesday and Friday nights. 

3. Experience the Sonoran Desert in the Moonlight 

Are you searching for a fun, nighttime activity to entertain the kids during the summer months? The Desert Botanical Garden, located near South Scottsdale, hosts Flashlight Tours from June to September. Families will love spotting the desert critters and creepy crawlies that emerge when the sun goes down! 

Or, if you’re looking for a romantic date night activity in Scottsdale, Arizona, check out the Night Lights Tour at Taliesin West—offered exclusively on Friday nights. 

Taliesin West was the desert home of Frank Lloyd Wright and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Night Lights experience includes a tour of the open-concept property, rooftop views at sunset, and a fire-breathing dragon statue. You also can see the breathtaking McDowell Sonoran Preserve sparkle under the stars.

4. Race High-Speed Go-Karts 

Did you know that Phoenix, Arizona is home to the only full-time indoor/outdoor racing track in the United States? At Octane Raceway in Central Scottsdale, you can experience high-speed kart racing and fly up to 45 MPH on a challenging 1/3-mile course. 

After your race, Octane Raceway also has a full arcade, mini bowling, and other fun attractions to experience with your friends and family. 

5. Visit a Scottsdale Museum 

Scottsdale has tons of amazing museums and historic places to explore, and many have extended evening hours so visitors can enjoy the exhibits at night. 

For example, you can visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art on Thursdays until 7 PM to explore the rotating art galleries and exhibits featuring modern art, architecture, and design. 

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, a museum dedicated to the history of the American West, is another museum you can’t miss visiting during a trip to Scottsdale. Since the exhibits are only open until 5 PM, this is a great activity to enjoy before a nice dinner at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants.

And, although it’s not technically a museum, OdySea Aquarium offers discounted $25 admission tickets every day after 4:30 PM until the aquarium closes for a unique nighttime experience.

6. Watch a Live Performance 

One of the best things to do in the evenings is sit back, relax, and enjoy a show. The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, located in Downtown Scottsdale, is the perfect destination to watch live music, dance, and theatre performances. 

You can also visit ASU Gammage, a 3,000-seat world-class theatre located in the city of Tempe, just a short drive from South Scottsdale. You can get tickets to big-name Broadway shows like “Hamilton” or “The Lion King,” and watch other award-winning shows at this theatre. 

7. Experience Nightlife in Old Town Scottsdale 

Old Town Scottsdale is known for the buzzing atmosphere in Scottsdale’s Entertainment District. With dozens of popular venues like Maya Dayclub and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row within a one-mile radius, you’ll never run low on entertainment options.

However, Central Scottsdale is home to its fair share of nightlife, too. TopGolf Scottsdale is an upscale entertainment venue equipped with a high-tech driving range, and you can order gourmet appetizers, food, and drinks while you play. 

Within walking distance of TopGolf is Talking Stick Resort and Casino, one of Scottsdale’s most popular venues. Talking Stick Resort has everything you need for a memorable night, from dynamic table games and slot machines to live entertainment and world-class dining.

Check out this list of free things to do in Scottsdale if you’re looking to have a great time that’s also great on your wallet.

Rest Comfortably After Your Night Out in Scottsdale, AZ 

Whether you’re interested in adventuring through the vibrant city in Downtown Scottsdale or stargazing in the Sonoran Desert, you’re bound to experience something unique during your evenings in Scottsdale. 

After a busy night out, you’ll likely crave a comfortable, peaceful place to unwind and rest. Our vacation rental homes in Central Scottsdale are equipped with spacious rooms, stylish finishes, and upscale amenities to make your stay comfortable and memorable. 

Contact our team to book a luxurious vacation rental in Scottsdale to stay in during your trip!