Date Night Inspiration

words by annie brown

Ahh Summer. Nothing sparks romance like long, balmy nights and bare limbs. Something about the rising mercury seems to bring out our inner Casanova and date night is suddenly back on the agenda after hibernation season.

Sure, the old dinner-and-a-movie scenario will suffice but January in Canberra is choc-full of after-hours delights that will take date night from blah to hurrah!

Late Night Opening: The National Portrait Gallery
For a touch of culture and a free entry as a bonus, The Portrait Gallery will keep its doors open until 8 pm on selected Friday evenings throughout Summer for a range of fascinating performances. This week’s theme is ‘Creatures of the Night’ and features Alice Cottee and her band Dollface performing swinging jazz while Miss Kitkas models roam as creatures we might bump into during the night. Grab a glass of bubbles and enjoy a night of vintage glamour sure to add some date night spice! Find out more HERE.

Salsa Class: Subsdance
Want to woo your lover with your sultry dance-moves but have an on-going case of left-foot-itis? Never fear, all that can be cured with a sexy beginners salsa class at Subsdance in Kingston. The one-hour class will bring out your inner Latin goddess and is an excellent workout to boot! The best part is, after working up an appetite you can most definitely justify a delicious dinner and cocktail at one of Kingston’s fabulous restaurants. Even better, take a stroll down by Kingston foreshore and watch the sun disappear over the water. Bliss.
Salsa over HERE for more info.

Arboretum After Hours
If sweeping views, pumping live music and delicious food and drink is your perfect idea of a Friday evening with your lady or man love, the National Arboretum is here to answer your romantic prayers. This Friday, January 20 is your last chance of the season to get involved. Chill out to tunes of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s from Craig and Carly while enjoying a tipple on the North desk, the prime possie for spectacular views of the Can! More deets HERE.

Ben and Jerry’s Openair Cinema
Grab your picnic blanket and head on down to the open-air cinema at Patrick White Lawns overlooking Lake Burley Griffin from 12 January to 19 February. Featuring new blockbusters as well as cult classics, you will be sure to find a flick that satisfies both the lads and the ladies! With delicious eats and a fully-licensed bar, as well as comfy bean loungers for hire, all you need to bring is yourselves. Minimal effort but maximum brownie points! Hot tip: book early for the Valentine’s Day screening of Dirty Dancing and make sure you don’t sit baby in the corner.