By Michelle Talsma Everson, February 2020 issue.

Whether

you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Singles Awareness Day, or anything in

between, it’s time to have some fun. You can only get dinner and see a movie so

many times.

To

help, we’ve rounded up some of these unique date ideas — perfect for a romantic

night out or a get together with your BFF. We hope you find something that

makes you want to swipe right!

Get

Messy

Who

doesn’t love to get messy and color outside the lines? Phoenix is home to

Pinspiration, the world’s first DIY, Pinterest-inspired art studio and

wine bar and designated Splatter Room. Couples can take part of a Bachelor-esque

date night by donning goggles and protective clothing and go wild with

splatter paint in the splatter room. The Splatter Night Date package includes

one large or two small canvases, a glow in-the-dark upgrade, chocolates, and

champagne for $99. For more information, visit pinspiration.com or

call 480.636.8010.

Cosmic

Cocktails at From The Rooftop

Downtown

Phoenix's newest rooftop bar is celebrating Pisces in a big way. From The

Rooftop at Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix is hosting an evening of guided

stargazing, tarot card readings, Pisces-inspired cocktails and music from 6:30

p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on February 26. Bring your favorite Pisces and enjoy

360-degree views of Phoenix at FTR's second Cosmic Cocktail event of the year.

Visit cambriahotelphoenix.com to learn more.

Mystery

in the Museum

Every

season the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) unleashes another

Mystery in the Museum. Guests will enjoy an evening filled with curious

puzzles, brainteasers and riddles. Will you be able to crack the code? Cash bar

throughout the evening and light bites to follow. Visit smoca.org to learn

more, including specific dates and times.

Channel

your Inner ANIMAL

Scorpius

Dance Theatre brings ANIMAL back to Phoenix audiences. An original show

created by Scorpius’ Director, Lisa Starry, it is inspired by her love of

animals and passion for their well-being. ANIMAL explores the relationship we

have with animals, as well as their social interactions, physicality and

movement. Overall, a lighthearted and entertaining show, Starry is also

taking the opportunity to provide awareness and support for animals

in our community and globally. A portion of ticket sales will benefit local animal

charity, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. ANIMAL is being presented at

the Madison Center for the Arts on February 7 and 8. Learn more at

www.scorpiusdance.com.

See a

Show

Join

the greatest rock and roll jam session in history now through February 16 at

The Phoenix Theatre Company. “Million Dollar Quartet” follows the

story of Elvis Presley, Jonny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis when they

cross paths for a night of musical magic. Audiences get a behind-the-scenes

look when the rock and roll legends produced an impromptu record that changed

music forever. The Phoenix Theatre Company offers more than just a show with

cocktails at the ArtBar + Bistro. Enjoy a Real Wild Child, a blend of

Jack Daniels, Mas Mole bitters and ginger beer or The Million Dollar

Margarita. Visit phoenixtheatre.com to learn more.

Foodie

Fest

Presented

by Davisson Entertainment, the PHX Vegan Food Festival returns for its fifth

anniversary. New this year, the festival will be offered from day until night!

The PHX Vegan Food Festival will showcase more than 100 of the state’s most

beloved vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, food trucks and vendors, as

well as some out of town favorites. Restaurants, bakeries, food trucks and food

and beverage artisans will be selling their delicious creations. In addition,

product vendors will be showcasing and selling their vegan-friendly

offerings. There will also be a Zen Zone featuring yoga classes and three

stages featuring a full day of live and local music, presented by The Listening

Room Phoenix. The event is held at Margaret T. Hance Park on February 29. Visit

www.phxveganfest.com to learn more.

Seek

the Spirits

Arizona

is underrated when it comes to its beauty and history and Spirit of Arizona

Tours will show you why. The new company launched last year with 10 different

tours across the state, from historic day trips to Jerome and Tombstone to the

eerie Murders and Mysteries tour in Phoenix. You hop on a 14 passenger bus and

experience a private tour - and it’s BYOB. The owner, Jarrod Riddle, is a Mesa

native and has been a historian and tour guide for nearly a decade - previously

working for Arizona's most well-known tour companies. For more information,

visit spiritofarizonatours.com.

Art

on the Wild Side

Taking

place through May 31, this art exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo will feature three

different artists: Lucy Dickens, Anne Peyton and Joye DeGoede. Through this

rotating exhibit, guests can engage in the Zoo’s mission to care for the

natural world while being inspired by nature and animals. Art is available for

purchase and Zoo admission is required to visit the Savanna Gallery. Visit

phoenixzoo.org to learn more.

Bonsai!

The

Farm at South Mountain is hosting the perfect pre-Valentine’s activity to share

with your plant enthusiast lover or friend. Enjoy a beautiful outdoor class on

Sunday, February 9 from noon until 2 p.m. and get your hands dirty while

learning the secrets of an ancient art form of bonsai. This beginner’s plant

workshop will focus on utilizing succulents to create a living piece of art and

includes all materials needed to create two kokedamas to take away. Expert

plant care and maintenance will also be covered. Visit

www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com to learn more.

Get

Your Kicks

Looking

to have fun while sweating and learning valuable safety skills? At EVKM Self

Defense & Fitness, located in Tempe, you and your date can learn how to

punch and kick while practicing how to handle yourself in potentially scary

situations. EVKM teaches the art of Krav Maga, which was developed by the

Israeli military, and is a popular activity for couples to learn together. No

need to be intimidated to jump right in, there are beginner-only classes that

are perfect for an action packed date night together that might one day save

your life. Visit evkmselfdefense.com for more info.

Visit

the Titanic

Titanic:

The Artifact Exhibition takes you on a journey back in time to experience the

legend of the Titanic. The galleries in this fascinating exhibition feature

real artifacts recovered from the ocean floor, 120 of which have never been

seen in Arizona, along with reconstructions of the ship’s interior and personal

stories of the passengers and crew.  Learn the real story of how one of

the greatest engineering marvels became the most famous maritime disaster of

the 20th century. Find out more at TitanicAZ.com.

Trivia

Night @SMoCA

Local

comedian Anwar Newton hosts an evening of movie, TV and music references that

will test everyone’s pop culture IQ at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary

Art (SMoCA). Drop some knowledge on the SMoCA team to win prizes and become

trivia champions. Attendees’ first drink is on the museum. Visit smoca.org to

learn more, including specific dates and times.