10 Things to Do in Phoenix at Night

Phoenix is a city with an active nightlife, where you will find a wide variety of proposals to enjoy the night and experience the charm of the city.

Lorena Morales

Lorena Morales

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Phoenix at Night

Noche iluminada en Phoenix |©Trey Ratcliff

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is a city with natural wonders and a vibrant nightlife that enchants visitors from all over the world. Besides being the most populated city in Arizona, it is only 4 hours away from the Colorado Canyon, making it an interesting starting point to get to know this region of the United States.

From trendy bars and clubs where you can listen to live concerts, to night visits to museums, walks full of mystery or balloon rides, there are many things to see and do in Phoenix at night, and end your days in a very special way.

1. Embark on a night walk through the mysteries of Phoenix

Nights on the streets of Phoenix|©Jamie Collins
Nights on the streets of Phoenix|©Jamie Collins

Phoenix is a city that invites you to immerse yourself in the mysteries of its streets, so one of the best excursions in Phoenix is to take a walk through the most haunted places of the city, to learn the chilling stories of its past.

Among the sites you can't miss are the San Carlos Hotel, which has witnessed many unexplained phenomena over the years; the Rosson House Museum, a Victorian mansion famous for its ghostly apparitions; and the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park Cemetery, whose visit during the night could give you more than a fright.

You can take this tour on your own or join a tour with an expert paranormal guide who can tell you the city's darkest secrets. Taking a guided tour is a great way to explore these hidden corners of Phoenix, as the guide will tell you all the details of these disturbing events.

Book a ghost tour

2. Take a nighttime stroll through the Roosevelt Row Arts District

Roosevelt Row Arts District|©Valley Metro
Roosevelt Row Arts District|©Valley Metro

Roosevelt Row Arts District is an ideal Phoenix neighborhood to explore on foot, especially if you are an art lover. You will be amazed by the diversity and creativity of the works displayed in its street murals and art galleries. Among these are the MonOrchid, known for its interesting collections; and Modified Arts, which also often organizes events.

The Roosevelt Row Arts District street where you will see the best murals is known as 1 ½ Street and is located near The Churchill building. About 12 local artists have painted their art in this alley. Remember to dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear to better enjoy the walk.

In the Roosevelt Row Arts District you will find a variety of bars and restaurants where you can go after your tour. You can enjoy dinner at some of these restaurants, such as Cibo Pizzeria, known for its wood-fired pizzas; and The Lost Leaf, a bar and art gallery that offers craft beers and live music.

One last suggestion is that, if it coincides with the day of your visit, go to First Fridays, an event in which art galleries open their doors to the general public, and you can enjoy live music and special activities. It takes place every Friday night.

3. Cycle under the stars through downtown Phoenix

Bike by night|©cobalt123
Bike by night|©cobalt123

If you want to experience Phoenix in a unique way, I recommend you join a bike tour at night to enjoy the most beautiful views of the illuminated skyscrapers and see what life in the city is like when the sun goes down.

During the tour, you will see some of Phoenix's most iconic landmarks, such as Chase Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks' stadium, and the Phoenix Art Museum, one of the city's most important museums. You can also stop by Roosevelt Row, a neighborhood famous for its street art and art galleries, where you can admire the modern architecture of the CityScape shopping center.

The best way to take a night bike tour is by joining a guided tour, because this way you can enjoy a safe and fun experience. You can also do it on your own, as the city has a public bicycle service that you can use by the hour.

If you decide to embark on this two-wheeled night tour, don't forget to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, as Phoenix can be quite hot even at night. This tour is ideal if you plan to stay two days in Phoenix and want a different activity after sunset.

Book a bike tour

4. Experience the Desert Botanical Garden at night

Desert Botanical Gardens|©Devon Christopher Adams
Desert Botanical Gardens|©Devon Christopher Adams

Desert Botanical Garden is an ideal place for you to take a night tour, thanks to its combination of natural wonders, lighting and art. The illuminated paths of Desert Botanical Garden are very beautiful to walk, with its cactus and exotic plants that surprise.

In this garden you can admire its luminous sculptures, as well as its light and sound shows. There are also live music concerts, while refreshing drinks are served. Without a doubt, visiting it is one of the most interesting activities to do with children in Phoenix, since they will be able to learn a lot about the flora of the region.

The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Phoenix's Papago Park, and covers about 20 hectares. I recommend that you visit the garden's website and check out the events taking place so you don't miss the ones that interest you.

Please note that the tour of the garden can take about an hour, but this may vary depending on your interest and the events taking place on the day of your visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to plan to go on a weekday, or in the morning if it is a weekend day.

Details of interest

  • Location: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008. USA.
  • Hours: daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Price: from $15 per person. Children under 3 years old are free.

5. Explore Phoenix's unique music scene

Sign at Rebel Lounge|©Paulann Egelhoff
Sign at Rebel Lounge|©Paulann Egelhoff

If you're looking for a night full of live music and good vibes, you're in the right place: this desert city's bars and clubs are full of talented musicians, as Phoenix boasts one of the most exciting music scenes in the southern United States.

Your first stop may be at The Rebel Lounge, a bar with an intimate atmosphere that's perfect for enjoying emerging local bands and well-known artists. It also offers an exclusive selection of beers and cocktails. Another highly recommended place is Crescent Ballroom, a club with two different stages, rock bands and DJs, which is also a great option for dinner.

You can also visit Valley Bar, a bar located downtown that will transport you to another era. Finally, a great last option is to go listen to live music on weekends at the Musical Instrument Museum, one of the city's iconic museums.

It's definitely a great idea to go out to the bars or clubs to enjoy the music that has made Phoenix famous, especially in the months of March and April in Phoenix, when the weather is warmer.

Details of Interest

Musical Instrument Museum

  • Location: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050. USA.
  • Hours: the museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and concerts start at 7 pm.
  • Price: from approximately 22 € per person.

Buy tickets for the Musical Instruments Museum

6. Delight your palate with the gastronomy of Arizona

Torta Ahogada|©Cristina Jocson
Torta Ahogada|©Cristina Jocson

One of the best ways to get to know the city is to try its native cuisine after a tour of Phoenix. In the evening, it's time to find a place to dine, so it's a great opportunity to enjoy the cuisine of Phoenix and Arizona.

Arizona cuisine has been heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine, and cuisine from around the world, but has retained the spirit of a cuisine all its own. In Phoenix you will find restaurants of all kinds, offering everything from home-cooked meals to the most elaborate dishes.

Some of the typical dishes of Phoenix are hot artichoke cream, fried fish, torta ahogada, which is made with French bread and pork; and chimichanga, a kind of fried burrito. You can't miss the tacos and burritos either, especially if you like Mexican food.

Also famous in the city are the pizzas at Pizzeria Bianco, which has managed to stand out with its selection of local ingredients and careful preparation. That is why you should reserve a table in advance to enjoy these world-renowned pizzas, but they are truly worth the wait.

7. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunset

sunrise balloon ride|©Jill *****
sunrise balloon ride|©Jill *****

If you visit Phoenix, you will have the opportunity to fly over the Arizona desert at sunset in a hot air balloon. Without a doubt this is a unique experience, where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, saguaro cacti and the vast desert landscapes of Arizona.

In addition, in this night hot air balloon ride in Phoenix you will see the city illuminated from above, and appreciate its rivers and surrounding lakes. It is an ideal experience for those who seek more adventurous experiences and enjoy natural environments.

Many of these night balloon rides treat you to a champagne toast or cocktails during the trip, or as a celebration after landing. They also usually give you a certificate of participation in the flight that you will keep as a souvenir of the experience.

And if you are lucky enough to visit Phoenix in the month of February, you can attend the Festival of Hot Air Balloons held every year in the city.

Details of interest

  • Duration: about 3-4 hours.
  • Price: from 237 € per person, approximately.

Book your balloon flight

8. Visit the Art Museum exhibitions at night

Phoenix Art Museum|©Daniel Greene
Phoenix Art Museum|©Daniel Greene

Every Wednesday and some Fridays, the Phoenix Art Museum is open late, making it a great place to enjoy the evening. The nighttime atmosphere will certainly add a magical touch to your experience, and you will be able to explore the museum's exhibits in a more intimate setting.

The Phoenix Art Museum is one of the best museums in Phoenix, with its 20,000 carefully selected pieces spanning different periods and artistic techniques. These include works of American, Latin American, Asian and European art.

If you visit the museum at night, in addition to touring the collections, you can attend the museum's regular events such as lectures, artist talks, live performances and other interactive activities. On the museum's website you can consult the calendar of events to make sure you don't miss anything.

If you are interested in a guided tour, you can join at 6 pm and 7 pm on Wednesdays and some Fridays. These tours are in English.

Details of interest

  • Location: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
  • Hours: The museum is open Wednesdays from 10 am to 9 pm, and Thursdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Some Fridays it offers interactive guided tours at 6 pm and 7 pm.
  • Admission fee: general admission to the museum is about 22 €, but on Wednesdays there is no fixed price, so you can pay whatever you want.

9. Enjoy the night at Desert Ridge Marketplace

Desert Ridge Marketplace|©Michael Baxter
Desert Ridge Marketplace|©Michael Baxter

If you're looking for a place in Phoenix to shop, dine and see a show, Desert Ridge Marketplace is your destination. As you pass through its grand entrance arches and fountain, you'll be amazed by the explosion of color, music and energy.

Inside the mall you'll find a myriad of trendy stores, electronics stores, bars, restaurants, movie theaters, children's play areas and plenty of entertainment offerings such as painting studios, theaters, skate ramps, arcade games and more.

You can also enjoy a variety of events, such as concerts, fitness classes and art performances, which are offered often, especially if you visit Phoenix in the summer or spring. Or you can simply sit in a coffee shop and sip ice cream, or dine at one of the restaurants, where you'll find a selection of dishes from around the world.

Interesting details

  • Location: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050.
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sundays from 12 pm to 6 pm.

10. Spin the roulette wheel at Talking Stick Resort and Casino

Talking Stick Resort|©Crain National
Talking Stick Resort|©Crain National

Talking Stick Resort and Casino is a premier entertainment destination in Phoenix, located in the setting of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation, about 35 miles from the city. This resort and casino combines classic gaming tables, slot machines and poker rooms with unique activities and events.

Talking Stick Resort and Casino offers renowned live entertainment, concerts and special events on the main stage. It features bars, restaurants and lounges offering everything from fine dining to more casual options, where you can also enjoy live music.

The Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Phoenix is a complete tourist destination for those who enjoy gambling, but also for those who are looking for quality culinary experiences and exclusive shows. In addition, this casino is one of the most sought-after places to celebrate Christmas in Phoenix.

Details of interest

  • Location: 9800 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
  • Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.