We dug into our bag of tricks just in time for Valentine’s Day to bring you some Fort Wayne date night ideas for your significant other or group of friends. Want something new and different to do with your significant other or a group of friends? Here are some suggestions beyond the standard “dinner and a movie!”

Events

There’s a surprisingly wide range of events, shows and expos going on all the time. Check out the calendars to see what’s going on and which are open to the public:

• The Grand Wayne Center 
• Memorial Coliseum 

Sports and “sports”

There are fun options for the sports fan year-round in Fort Wayne. This time of year you can catch:

• Hoops with the Mad Ants 
• Komets hockey 
• Derby Girls roller derby 

Or show off your own sportiness by:

• Ice skating at Headwaters Park 
• Roller skating at Roller Dome North  or Roller Dome South 

Theaters

A play or musical can be a fun change. Check out what’s playing at these local venues:

• Embassy 
• Arena Dinner Theater 
• First Presbyterian Church’s Theater 
• Arts United Center (home to the Civic Theater and the Youtheater) 
• The University of Saint Francis Performing Arts Center 
• IPFW’s Department of Theater Productions 

Live Music

Find out which local and national acts are playing around town:

• Memorial Coliseum
• Embassy 

Check out local bars and restaurants, like:

• The Phoenix, 
• The Brass Rail 
• Club Soda 
• Columbia Street West 
• Mad Anthony’s Brewpub 

Art

Start off the evening by checking out some art — or an art film:

• FWMoA (open til 6 on Saturdays; 8 on Thursdays) 
• The Auer Center for Arts and Culture 
• Castle Gallery 
• Cinema Center 

Wineries

Just a bit of a drive and you can be sampling delicious wines. Check the wineries’ calendars — sometimes there’s live music and food trucks as well!

Two EE’s 

Country Heritage

Satek Winergy 

Need a Last Minute Plan?

For last minute planning take a peek at the “What’s Happening” section of Fort Wayne’s Downtown Improvement District. They list the latest on fun events going on right now or coming soon, plus lots of links to area dining options and entertainment venues.

A New Twist on Dinner & a Movie

Or for the budget-minded, lay down a tablecloth in your apartment and plan a picnic and movie night. You can always find something great at Redbox, Netflix, or Amazon on Demand!

Make date night — or any night — a little bit different and try something new!