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9 Fun Things to Do in Scottsdale at Night

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Colorful lanterns at night

9 Fun Things to Do in Scottsdale at Night

Things To Do | September 7, 2021 | SWSS Staff

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, AZ. Keep the night alive when the sun goes down in the desert with an unforgettable adventure from this list of things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona, at night.

Key Takeaways

  • Savor Local Dining — From sweet ice cream shops to sophisticated speakeasies, Scottsdale offers a range of unique post-dinner dining experiences to check out after the sun goes down.
  • Experience Vibrant Entertainment — Whether you want to check out a buzzy nightclub, go two-stepping at a country-western bar, or watch a live performance at one of the top-rated theaters in Greater Phoenix, you’ll never run out of unique evening entertainment options in Scottsdale!
  • Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun — If you’re traveling to Scottsdale with kids or teens, check out family-friendly evening activites and events, like stargazing in the moonlight, exploring OdySea Aquarium after dark, or racing go-karts at Octane Raceway.

Best Things to Do in Scottsdale at Night

1. Indulge in Refreshing Ice Cream

Friends holding ice cream cones together.

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. Here are a few of our favorite spots for ice cream in Scottsdale:

  • 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. It’s an Old Town Scottsdale classic!
  • Sweet Republic is another popular ice cream shop located in Central Scottsdale, serving up super-unique artisan flavors, such as Brown Butter Pecan and Coconut Cashew Curry.
  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creamsis a relatively new addition to the Scottsdale ice cream scene. This popular ice cream shop scoops up delicious, made-from-scratch flavors, such as Gooey Butter Cake and Brambleberry Crisp, at its two locations in Old Town Scottsdale and Scottsdale Quarter.

Book Your Next Vacation in Scottsdale

Find your perfect getaway with unparalleled luxury in Scottsdale! Choose from our premier rental properties and secure your spot for an indulgent Arizona retreat.

2. Learn How to Country-Western Dance 

Your vacation to the “West’s Most Western Town” would be incomplete without learning how to line dance or two-step at a country-western bar. Here are a couple of our favorite country-western bars in and around Scottsdale, where you can spend a night out on the dance floor:

  • Handlebar J is a historic restaurant located 15 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, offering 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. 

Related: Find more places to hear live music in Scottsdale here.

3. Experience the Sonoran Desert in the Moonlight 

Starry night sky over cactus silhouettes in the Sonoran Desert.

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

And, no trip to Scottsdale would be complete without a stargazing experience! Scottsdale enjoys cloud-free, clear skies and is surrounded by mountains that block light pollution, making desert viewpoints and parks like McDowell Mountain Regional Park exceptional spots for stargazing!

4. Race High-Speed Go-Karts 

Did you know that Phoenix is home to the only full-time indoor/outdoor race 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 offers a full arcade, mini bowling, and other fun attractions to experience with your friends and family. Octane Raceway is one of the best things to do with teenagers in Scottsdale

Book Your Next Vacation in Scottsdale

Find your perfect getaway with unparalleled luxury in Scottsdale! Choose from our premier rental properties and secure your spot for an indulgent Arizona retreat.

5. Visit a Scottsdale Museum

Scottsdale boasts several amazing museums, and many offer extended evening hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the exhibits after dark. Here are a couple of our favorite options:

  • The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art(SMoCA) is open on Thursdays until 7 PM and features rotating art galleries and exhibits, showcasing 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 dinner in Scottsdale.
  • OdySea Aquarium offers discounted $25 admission tickets every day after 4:30 PM until the aquarium closes at 7 PM. Or, for a unique happy hour experience, grab tickets to Fish & Sips from 5 PM to 9 PM for a kid-free evening with live music, animal encounters, and alcoholic drinks.

6. Watch a Live Performance 

One of the best things to do in the evenings is sit back, relax, and enjoy a show at one of the following venues in Scottsdale or Greater Phoenix:

  • The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, situated in Downtown Scottsdale, is the ideal destination to experience live music, dance, and theatre performances. 
  • ASU Gammage, a 3,000-seat world-class theater located in Tempe, is 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 high-energy 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 best casinos. Talking Stick Resort has everything you need for a memorable night out, from dynamic table games and slot machines to live entertainment and world-class dining.

Read More: 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, or our guide to indoor activities in Scottsdale for hot or rainy days.

8. Sip Cocktails from a Swanky Speakeasy

People clinking glasses of grapefruit cocktails in celebration.

Want to spend a classy night out on the town in Scottsdale? If so, consider checking out one of the best speakeasies in Scottsdale. These one-of-a-kind cocktail bars embody the secrecy and mystery of prohibition-style cocktail bars from the 1920s. Here are a few local favorites:

  • Tell Your Friends, located in North Scottsdale, is a sophisticated hidden speakeasy that captures the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, specializing in signature cocktails, martinis, and small plates.
  • The Madam, located at the newly renovated Scottsdale Resort & Spa, is hidden behind a bookshelf and offers an intimate experience with only eight guests permitted inside at a time.
  • The Goose, located next to Marguerite Lake at McCormick Ranch, features an extensive list of classic cocktails, as well as liquor flights, food, and red and white wines by the glass.

9. Admire Local Artwork on the Scottsdale ArtWalk

On Thursday evenings, head to the Scottsdale Arts District in Old Town Scottsdale for the Scottsdale ArtWalk. During this free event, art galleries and museums in this walkable neighborhood open their doors for an exclusive nighttime-only experience, accompanied by live entertainment.

Rest Comfortably After Your Night Out with Stay With Style Scottsdale

Whether you’re interested in exploring the nightlife in Downtown Scottsdale or stargazing in the Sonoran Desert with the whole family, you’re bound to make unforgettable memories checking out one (or more!) of the best things that Scottsdale offers at night from this comprehensive guide.

After a busy night out, you’ll likely crave a comfortable place to relax and unwind. Our vacation rental homes in Central Scottsdale are the perfect destination for relaxation, with spacious rooms, stylish finishes, stunning views, 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!

Book Your Next Vacation in Scottsdale

Find your perfect getaway with unparalleled luxury in Scottsdale! Choose from our premier rental properties and secure your spot for an indulgent Arizona retreat.

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