While Phoenix may steal the spotlight as the largest capital city by population, Glendale has plenty going for it too. Located just over nine miles northwest, if you plan to move into one of the Glendale apartments or are planning a visit here, there’s no need to go to Phoenix for nightlife. In fact, there’s a long list of things to do right here on a Saturday night, including these.
Head to the Westgate Entertainment District
The Westgate Entertainment District offers fun day and night, popular for alfresco dining with outdoor patios and palm trees, but after dark, it’s one of the best places in town to be. In fact, in Fountain Park on Friday and Saturday evenings, free live music is hosted.
Westgate is home to the Stir Crazy Comedy Club when you’re looking for a good laugh, the Carousel Arcade Bar (a retro arcade with arcade games and fair food like funnel cakes and cotton candy), AMC Theatres for a movie night, Dave & Busters, As You Wish Pottery for working out your creative muscles, and the LumberjAxes Axe Throwing Bar.
Axe-throwing has become a popular competition across the country and beyond, with “axe-perts” provided for your group. You’ll get instruction and enjoy a festive atmosphere that includes music, log cabin type decor, tasty libations, and more.
Catch a Sporting Event or a Big-Name Artist
While you might think that Arizona’s major sports teams play in Phoenix, like the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes and the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, their home stadiums are actually in Glendale. When there’s a game on a Saturday night, it’s one of the best things for any sports fan to enjoy here.
The Coyotes have played at Gila River Arena since moving from Phoenix in 2003. It also hosts live, big-name music concerts, with some of the past artists on stage here including Katy Perry, Elton John, Britney Spears, Toby Keith, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Justin Timberlake, Motley Crue, and many more.
The Cardinals play at State Farm Stadium which is adjacent to Gila River Arena and also hosts the annual college football Fiesta Bowl. It’s considered an architectural icon and has even been named among the world’s most impressive sports facilities, with its roll-in natural grass field and retractable roof.
Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Show at the Drive-In
Glendale even has a drive-in movie theater. Enjoy a fun, nostalgic night at one of the few left in the entire country. You can even wear your pajamas and bring your own snacks or take advantage of the snack bar. For families looking for a Saturday night out, the kids are sure to love it and there’s even a small playground they can enjoy until the movie starts.
The Shout Bar
One of the best date nights can be had at the Shout Bar. It’s a mix of hilarity and great music, with a Dueling Pianos cabaret show that includes two pianists playing ’50s-style rock ‘n roll. It’s a very lively atmosphere and there’s tasty food to go along with it while the illuminated fountains that encircle the venue provide an enchanting ambiance.