20 Things To Do In Phoenix At Night

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The USA’s 5th most populous city and its most populous state capital, Phoenix, is a sprawling desert metropolis in Arizona. Outdoorsy types will find lots to explore as the city sits at the edge of the Sonoran Desert. Known for cattle, cotton, citrus, copper and its climate, Phoenix is also a fantastic city for museums, food, spas and golf courses.

Phoenix is a comfortable city to come out and play at night as the temperature drops after the sun goes down, and you can enjoy the city’s wonders without constantly worrying about staying cool. As it’s a large city with so much on offer, narrowing down what to do during your stay can be challenging. So, tick these 20 things to do in Phoenix at night off your to-do list. And you’ll be sure to enjoy your visit to the “Valley Of The Sun” around the clock.

Phoenix, Arizona

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things to do at night in phoenix
Downtown Phoenix at night.

20 Things To Do In Phoenix At Night

1- Hike Your Way Through Papago Park

things to do phoenix papago park famous rock
If you’re looking for outdoor places to go in Phoenix at night, try Papago Park.

Papago Park is a 1,500-acre (607 ha) city park with some of Phoenix’s best natural attractions.

The Phoenix Zoo is home to a vibrant collection of animals, while the famed ‘Hole In The Rock’ formation perfectly frames the city, offering the perfect view and photo opportunity.

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With golf courses open into the evening, trails lit until 11 pm, and the iconic ‘Hunt’s Tomb’ pyramid illuminated after dark, exploring Papago Park is one of Phoenix’s best things to do at night.

It provides the perfect opportunity to appreciate Phoenix’s great outdoors and natural beauty in the cooler night temperatures without leaving the city.

Papago Park is at 625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 85008. If you enjoy hiking, here are some tours to join:

2- Unwind In Style At The Duce

best views in phoenix at night
You won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for things to do in Phoenix at night.

The Duce is a wonderful destination that offers visitors the chance to experience the full range of Phoenix nightlife options in a single location.

The retro-chic warehouse has an art deco bar and a vibrant restaurant serving a range of American favourites and comfort foods.

With attractions like a restored vintage camper and a host of exciting events each month, The Duce ticks all the boxes if you want to dine, drink and be entertained.

The Duce is at 525 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, 85004.

3- Enjoy A Show At The Arizona Federal Theatre

cheap things to do in phoenix at night Rock band studio rehearsal. Male musician playing bass guitar before live concert
Watching a band play is one of the fun things to do in Phoenix at night.

The Arizona Federal Theatre is a 5,000-seater performance venue that opened in 2002.

Formerly known as the Comerica Theatre and Dodge Theatre, it hosts some of the city’s best live performances and events.

From Broadway spectacles to family-friendly shows, the Arizona Federal Theatre is the best place in the city to watch incredible live dramatic performances, events like concerts and stand-up comedy.

It even has events held by sporting bodies like the NFL and WWE.

Arizona Federal Theatre is at 400 West Washington Street, Phoenix, 85003

4- Study The Night Sky At The Gilbert Riparian Observatory

things to do in phoenix at night full moon over Phoenix
The Phoenix skyline at night during a full moon.

The Gilbert Riparian Observatory is a rotary observatory on a hill in the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.

Enjoy public and private viewings of the moon, comets, meteors, planets, and stars and make the most of the beautifully clear Arizona sky.

The observatory is open from 6.30 to 9.30 every Friday and Saturday night at 2757 East Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, 85234.

If you’re keen on astronomy, you may also like this Phoenix After Dark Desert Tour and Navigating the Night Sky.

5- Watch Some Baseball At Chase Field

Chase Field is a 48,500-seater outdoor stadium with a retractable roof that first opened in 1998.

The home stadium of Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks is the only place in the city where you can see a top-level ballgame during your stay in Arizona.

Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, a range of events – including bull riding, college sports, concerts, motorsports, and professional wrestling – means there is a good chance you will find something to enjoy during your stay.

Chase Field is at 401 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 85004.

6- See Top Level Basketball At The Footprint Center

things to do in phoenix at night under 18
Watching a basketball game is another of the things to do in Phoenix, Arizona at night.

First opened in 1992, the Footprint Center is a 17,000-seat arena that hosts some of the city’s largest indoor concerts and sports.

It is also the headquarters of the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns.

This makes it a must-visit place for basketball fans who have to get their fix during their stay in Phoenix.

The Footprint Center 201 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 85004.

7- Listen To Live Music At The Van Buren

fun things to do at night in phoenix guirtarist on stage with strobing lights
Going to a concert is another of the things to do in Phoenix Arizona at night.

The Van Buren is a live music venue that regularly hosts concerts and other musical performances in an intimate setting.

With both big names and emerging artists performing here, it is a fabulous opportunity to experience performances up close while enjoying some incredible music.

Add in The Van Buren’s well-stocked bar, excellent acoustics and friendly staff, and it is a can’t-miss destination for those who like to spend their evenings enjoying live music.

The Van Buren is at 401 West Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 85003.

8- Go For A Stroll Around Arizona Falls

arizona falls
Visiting Arizona Falls is one of the things to do in downtown Phoenix.

Arizona Falls is an artificial waterfall created by the Arizona Canal and used to fuel a hydroelectric station.

With a 20 ft (6.1 m) drop, artistic designs and a beautiful walking trail, strolling around the falls is a great option for an evening for fresh air.

Arizona Falls is at 5802 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, 85018.

9- Try Your Luck At Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass

things to do in phoenix az at night red table with roulette chips in the casino
Having a flutter at the roulette table is another of the fun things to do in Phoenix at night.

Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass is a casino with gaming tables and machines, eight restaurants, bars, a nightclub, a heated pool, and a selection of rooms and suites.

It’s an ideal spot for those who want to try their luck, treat themselves, or combine the two.

Gila River Resorts is at 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 85226.

10- Watch Ice Hockey In The Desert

Home to the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League, the Gila River Arena is a 19,000-seater indoor arena that allows you to enjoy the unique spectacle of an ice hockey match in the middle of the Arizona desert.

With other events, including concerts, lacrosse, MMA, motorsports, pro wrestling, basketball, extreme sports, and various other live performances, there is always plenty on offer here to entertain visitors.

Gila River Arena is at 9400 West Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 85305.

11- Catch Top Football Stars In Action

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The Phoenix skyline at night.

The State Farm Stadium is an outdoor stadium capable of seating over 72,000 people and home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.

If you visit Phoenix during the season, you can catch some of the best football players practising here.

With events like international soccer, college football, WWE Wrestlemania, major concerts, and motorsports, the stadium is the place to see Arizona’s most significant events.

There are even occasional rallies and speaking events.

State Farm Stadium is at 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 85305.

12- Explore The Desert On A Sonoran Desert Tour

things to do in phoenix at night desert sunset over a red rock boulder
A stunning red rock boulder stands over the desert near Phoenix.

While the city of Phoenix is beautiful, you can’t visit without exploring the deserts around the city.

There are 4WD hummer tours every evening, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy your stunning surroundings.

On a four-hour tour, your knowledgeable guide will tell you about the landscape, show you some of its unique wildlife that only comes out at night, and even refresh you, making this the best way to explore the Sonoran desert in style.

Here are some options:

13- Experience A Spectacle At The Arizona Wrestling Federation Arena

Arizona has one of the best independent wrestling scenes in the United States and the Arizona Wrestling Federation Arena is the perfect place for fans to see some of their favourite stars in action.

With regular events of the highest quality held here, check the listings when you arrive to see if you can get your wrestling fix during your stay in Phoenix.

Arizona Wrestling Federation Arena is at 3104 West Thomas Road, #1001, Phoenix, 85017.

14- Have Fun At The Arizona State Fairgrounds

things to do in phoenix arizona at night a portrait shot of a male gallinaceous bird in Arizona State Fair
A big rooster at the Arizona State Fair is one of the sights you might see when looking for things to do in Phoenix at night.

The Arizona State Fairgrounds is a permanent fairground originally designated in 1905 where the Arizona State Fair is held each October.

Other events include the Arizona National Livestock Show, Maricopa County Fair, and Maricopa Home And Garden Show throughout the year.

While there is no guarantee there will be an event during your stay, those held are always fun-filled spectacles, so it is worth checking the listings to see if anything is being held while you’re in town.

The Arizona State Fairgrounds is at 1826 West McDowell Road, Phoenix, 85007.

15- Let Loose At The Castles N’ Coasters Amusement Park

Castles N’ Coasters is an amusement park with wild west and ancient middle eastern themes covering 10 acres (4 ha) and offers a range of attractions to entertain visitors of all ages.

With 10 rides, including two rollercoasters, bumper boats, go-karts, mini-golf and an arcade, it is great for a fun night with the whole family.

Castles N’ Coasters Amusement Park is at 9445 North Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, 85051.

16- Bring Out Your Natural Side At The Desert Botanical Garden

things to do in phoenix at night free
One of the best views in Phoenix by car at night is the famous view of the city with Saguaro cactus.

The Desert Botanical Garden opened in 1939 and houses an incredible collection of over 50,000 plants, including more than 4,000 species, many of which are endangered, rare or threatened.

The garden houses plants from deserts in the surrounding area and further afield, including a huge range of agave and cacti.

Tours, lectures and workshops give you a first-hand view of the plant life in this climate.

Depending on when you visit, attractions like art exhibits, concerts, and light displays are held here as well.

Desert Botanical Garden is at 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 85008.

17- Sample The City’s Best Food At Binkley’s Restaurant

things to do at night in phoenix
Downtown Phoenix at night.

While no one restaurant can claim to be the best in Phoenix, Brinkley’s Restaurant has as good of a claim as any, popping up on most lists of the best places to eat in the city.

The culinary experience starts with snacks on the terrace and progresses to a feast in the dining room.

The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine produced using carefully sourced ingredients and is ideal for those seeking a fine meal.

It costs $240 a person and $200 for wine pairings.

Binkley’s Restaurant is open from Wednesday to Saturday at 2320 East Osborn Road, Phoenix, 85016.

18- Drink The Night Away At Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

things to do late at night in phoenix Martini cocktail with green olives
Drinking cocktails in an award-winning bar is one fo the things to do in Phoenix at night for adults.

The Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is a popular Phoenix bar with a long list of bar and cocktail awards.

With stylish décor, an extensive list of craft cocktails and other drinks, and a range of innovative bar foods, it is the perfect spot for those nights when you want to enjoy a drink or two.

Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is at 1 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 85003.

Love a good ghost tour? Check out these:

19.- Spend An Evening At The Wrigley Mansion

The Wrigley Mansion is a landmark building built for William Wrigley Jr, founder of Wrigley chewing gum, around 1930.

Designed in the Spanish Colonial style, it cost $1.2 million to construct and covers over 16,000 square feet (1,500 square metres).

Listed on the National Register Of Historic Places since 1989, it was converted into a fine dining restaurant and a collection of rentable spaces in 1992.

With some of the best cuisine in Phoenix on offer, you can enjoy a meal in the main dining room or privately rented rooms while enjoying the beautiful views before exploring this historic destination and its grounds.

Wrigley Mansion is at 2501 East Telawa Trail, Phoenix, 85016.

20- Soak Up The Sights On Roosevelt Row

things to do at night in phoenix az orange sunset with silhouette of a biplane flying over the city
Looking for things to do at night in Phoenix? Start with these 20.

Roosevelt Row is an arts district known nationwide for its vibrant collection of street art and independent studios and galleries.

The neighbourhood also has a wide range of street performers and live musicians on any given night.

With a range of incredible pieces and immensely talented people showing off their skills to entertain visitors, Roosevelt Row is ideal for fans of any art to spend an evening.

The large monthly art walk in the USA called ‘First Fridays’ is held on the first Friday of every month.

With the galleries and studios open to visitors, you can get a more in-depth experience of the city’s many art establishments than you would have ever thought possible.

Roosevelt Row Welcome Center is at 918 North 2nd Street, Phoenix, 85004.

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Steve Burden
Steve Burden is an avid traveller and experienced writer. As a former pro wrestler, Steve used to travel frequently for work throughout the USA and Europe. Having spent the last decade travelling all over the world in search of new sights and experiences, he has turned his love for travel into a new career helping others decide on the best places to visit, as well as what to see when they get there.