Arts and Entertainment

What do you and your special someone feel like doing tonight? Are you in the mood to relax, sip on a Dark and Stormy and listen to some cool jazz? How about some belly laughs from the local comedy club? The Opera? Nope? Then you probably just want to let your hair down and “express yourself” on a packed dance floor.

Whatever mood you’re in, here are the most awesome Arts & Entertainment date ideas that’ll keep you both happy and…entertained!

Summer Lovin’!

Drive-In Movie Night!

 

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You already know we love Netflix and a good night in, but we also love going to the drive-in. The Twilight Drive In has gone out of their way to continue to show movies while flattening the curve! They’re allowing 1 vehicle per 20-foot stall. Link in bio for how to secure your spot. Photo by @jeremyjudelee #curiocityvancouver #communityoverCOVID

A post shared by Curiocity Vancouver (@curiocityvancouver) on Mar 26, 2020 at 12:30pm PDT

The drive-in is back! In the new age of social distancing, many cities are bringing back the Drive-In movie as an alternative to the local multiplex theatre. Even Cadillac Fairview has gotten involved, transforming mall parking lots into drive-in theatre programs. If you’ve never experienced throwing your blankets and pillows in the back of a pick-up or spreading out on the hood of a car eagerly anticipating the setting sun, you’ve been missing out! Grab your guy or girl and load up on coffee and chocolate…you have to make it through 2 or 3 flicks tonight! Get there early to pick a primo spot and pick up your concession snacks. The passion pit of yesteryear is back and there’s no better spot for a steamy summer date night!

Feelin’ VIP?

 

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Venn are you going to ask them out? Meet at the #CineplexVIP lounge — a great movie is the perfect conversation starter! – – – Creative direction by @studiowyse. Photographed by @barryandkirn / @fuzereps. Illustrations by @leeandracianci. Food styling by @michellerabin. Props by @lasercath. Nails by @nailsbyshay6.

A post shared by Cineplex (@cineplexmovies) on Jan 15, 2020 at 2:49pm PST

Cineplex VIP experience is next-level date night at the movies. Valet parking, a modern bar/restaurant lounge with an upscale feel, beer and wine at the concession counter, and that’s before you even enter the theatre. Luxury leather recliners with pop-up food trays welcome you when you enter. Wait staff will happily take your food and drink order from a fairly extensive menu of pub-style grub. I have to say, the food has been really good on our VIP date nights. It’s pricier than the regular admission fee, but if you are looking for something different and there is a good film on offer to make it worthwhile, I highly recommend this night out.

Netflixin’

If staying in is more your style these days, snuggle up on the sofa with some takeout along with snacks for grazing on throughout the night. Netflix or Amazon Prime have a great selection of classics and rom-coms from around the world. Try something new or watch an old favourite.

Our picks for classic rom-coms you both will enjoy:

♥ Dirty Dancing
❤ Pretty Woman (or any Julia Roberts movie)
❤ Love Actually (save it for December)
❤ Sleepless In Seattle (or any Meg Ryan movie)
❤ There’s Something About Mary
❤ Pretty In Pink
❤ Roxanne
❤ Moonstruck
❤ Say Anything
❤ Bull Durham
❤ The Princess Bride
❤ Serendipity
❤ She’s Gotta Have It
❤ Clueless
❤ Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Nightclubs

Shake off your daily routines with a high-energy night out on the town with your best guy or gal. If you’re into flashing light shows and packed dancefloors, a nightclub is the spot for you. Whatever your jam, you can find a space tailored to what you rave – or should I say – crave.

World-renowned artists like Tiga and Deadmau5 hail from Canada. Plus, the scene continues to develop and highlight phenomenal homegrown talent. Many clubs feature house DJs as well as guest artists from around the globe. There’s a nightclub for every taste that’ll flood the space with your favourite sounds from house to techno, from latino to hip-hop.

Expect lineups on Fridays and Saturdays at some of the more popular spots, especially during the summer. Most clubs have dress codes, keeping you looking like someone your date wants to be hanging out with.

If you’re celebrating your date’s birthday or special milestone, make it a party and include a bunch of friends. Consider pre-booking a VIP table with bottle service where, first of all, you’ll skip the entrance line. Then, you’ll hang out at your own reserved table for the night and get personalized service.

Some spaces are eateries by day, transforming into hip hangouts by night. Many venues also host live concerts so your nightlife choices are varied.

Check out recurring club nights on different days of the week, such as karaoke nights and happy hours. Many clubs also host seasonal events such as Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties.

Theatre

Take your seats as the curtain rises on a live theatre performance, whether it be a classic play or a spectacular musical. All types of theatre can be found in most communities so why not take in a show for your next big outing together?

Large-scale musicals are an easy entry into the world of live theatre. These shows are usually quite lavish with elaborate sets, costumes, lighting and you may already know some of the music. Mirvish Productions is the big showstopper in Toronto with four large houses located in the downtown core.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may want to take in a Fringe Festival performance. The Fringe theatre movement began in Edinburgh in 1947 and, since then, annual Fringe Festivals have popped up all around the globe. They are a vehicle for independent theatre artists to present their work in front of an audience. Any artist can usually submit their show to the Fest and tickets are normally inexpensive to buy.

You can try immersive theatre in which the show is sometimes performed in an alternative space and where the audience plays an active part. Or, the plot thickens as you may prefer to take in a modern or classic drama in a standard traditional theatre setting.

A Little Shakespeare Anyone?

Shakespeare in the Park productions are mounted all across the country during the summer. They are usually held outdoors and are often free or Pay What You Can. Make sure to bring some bug spray and a cozy blanket to snuggle up in. Taking the Shakespeare indoors, The Stratford Festival in Stratford, ON is North America’s largest classical repertory theatre company. Their annual season of world-class stage offerings focuses on the great plays of Shakespeare.

If George Bernard Shaw is more your style, head to Niagara-on-the-Lake to take in performances at the annual Shaw Festival. Check out our Wineries listing to really make a day of it in the Niagara Region.

While in Charlottetown, you may want to catch a production of the Canadian classic Anne of Green Gables The Musical at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Fun fact – this show has the distinction of being the Guinness World Records holder for being the world’s longest running annual musical theatre production.

Made in Québec, Loved by the World

For a unique theatre experience, you won’t want to miss a show by the touring circus/theatre group Cirque du Soleil. Hailing from Montreal, Cirque du Soleil shows are spectacles that will have you both dazzled by their uniqueness and beauty. These highly theatrical presentations are marked by innovation, jaw-dropping acrobatic performances, vivid costumes and original music. Not to be missed, these stunning productions are truly magical.

While we’re on the topic of Québecois gems, you will not be disappointed by any show staged by the playwright, actor, film and stage director, Robert Lepage. His visionary and ground-breaking productions will spark your imagination and leave you, quite frankly, amazed!

As you can see, there are definitely a lot of live theatre options out there. Whichever one you end up taking in, you and your date are sure to have a memorable evening and lots to talk about. Just remember that most traditional theatres are dark on Mondays.

Symphony Orchestras

For a slightly more refined evening, bump it up and treat your date to a symphony orchestra performance. There is nothing more impressive than being in the same room as up to a hundred or more professional musicians collaborating to bring a composer’s musical creation to life. The skill level, coordination and passion poured into an orchestra’s performance is truly astounding and the epitome of teamwork.

A resident or guest conductor is usually at the helm of the orchestra. Programmes range from works by the classics such as Bach, Beethoven and Mozart to more contemporary pieces by Philip Glass, Igor Stravinsky and Steve Reich. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, many orchestral seasons offer Pops programs. These concerts may feature show tunes, soundtracks from iconic films or even an album by your favourite pop star.

Mix with fellow music lovers as you both enjoy a glass of wine at intermission. Make it a complete night out by dining at an eatery in the vicinity of the theatre beforehand. Unwind afterwards by sharing the highlights of your experience in the coziness of a neighbourhood lounge.