Summer is winding down, but it’s not over yet! Call the babysitter and get another date night (or two) on the calendar before these warm summer evenings turn into chilly fall nights. We’ve got lots of outdoor options for you this month! Whether you and your sweetheart love live music, getting out in nature, catching a game, or hanging out poolside; we have you covered. Get excited for a date night exploring Indy WITHOUT the kids!
Looking for year-round date nights in the Indy area? We have 100 ideas!
Wine Wednesday
Daniel’s Vineyard
9061 N 700 W, McCordsville
Head out to Daniel’s Vineyard on Wednesdays in September for an evening filled with great music. Musicians hit the stage at 5 pm. In addition to live music, from 4-6 pm you can enjoy half-price pizza for Happy Hour. Another bonus? $5 glasses of wine! This is a beautiful location to catch a romantic sunset.
Dive In Movie
Murphy Aquatic Park
753 S CR 625 E, Avon
Murphy Aquatic Park invites you to float in the pool while you watch the movie JAWS on Friday, September 9. Registration will include two drinks and a cash bar and concessions will also be available. This is a 21 and older event making it perfect for a fun and different date night! Tickets are $20 and the event begins at 7 pm.
Cheer on the Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
500 S. Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Colts will host the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 25. Kickoff is at 1 pm. This Mom’s Night Out Guide has great info for creating the best experience at the game!
Catch a Live Show
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis
Calling all Parrotheads! Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre wraps up the summer with a seaside escape to the fabulous music of Jimmy Buffett in Escape to Margaritaville, now on stage. Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and many more. There are 49 shows scheduled through October 2. Beef & Boards shows also include their fabulous buffet.
Brews and Gardens
Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens
2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis
Enjoy a beautiful evening in the Sunken Garden at Garfield Park Conservatory with the Garfield Brewery. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. This is a family-friendly event and runs from 5:30-8:30 pm.
Satisfy your Adult Sweet Tooth
Whistle Stop Inn
375 Illinois Street, Indianapolis
What could be better than ice cream for date night than boozy ice cream? The Whistle Stop Inn has upped the ante in terms of bar food (Hello, fried pizza rolls!) and that has extended that to some fun desserts as well. Whiskey ice cream is a fun alternative to your typical dessert or drink. Within walking distance to Lucas Oil Stadium, this is the perfect place to add to any game day. If liquor-infused desserts aren’t your thing, they also have a unique cotton candy cheesecake that is fun and playful.
Give Duckpin Bowling a Try
Pins Mechanical Co.
856 Carrollton Avenue, Indianapolis
Pins Mechanical Co. is located in the Bottleworks District and is an absolute blast. Our favorite night to go is on Tuesdays when games are half-price. You do not need to rent shoes, making the outing even more affordable. This upscale bar has festive drinks, pinball, and a variety of other fun bar games to play while you wait for your lane. Be sure to head upstairs for giant beer pong, giant Jenga, and outdoor seating.
Hoosier Hardwood Festival
Boone County Fairgrounds
1300 E 100 S, Lebanon
The Hoosier Hardwood Festival will be at the Boone County Fairgrounds from September 9-11. This unique festival is something completely different for your next date. With events such as the Lumberjack Show, chainsaw carving artists, and the best logger competition, there is something new for everyone to experience! There will also be live music along with food trucks and a beer garden. Use the code IndyKids for a $2.00 discount on tickets.
Night Hike
Eagle Creek Ornithology Center
6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis
On Friday, September 9 from 7:30-9:30 pm, you can head out for a night hike at Eagle Creek. Be sure to bring your flashlights or headlamps to light your way through the forest. This is a guided two-mile hike that will depart from the ornithology center. Sunset is at 8:03 pm, so much of the hike will be in the darkness, providing a unique way to experience the night sky and the way nature changes as the sun sets.
Indy Night Market
Indianapolis City Market
222 E Market St, Indianapolis
On September 23 and 24, you can head to the City Market for a fun event in the evenings. The market will be hosting a food, art, and cultural festival. The Indy Night Market aims to bring to life Indy’s food scene—including farmers, restaurants, chefs, and food entrepreneurs—in one place in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Admission is free.
