Need a new idea for date night? Fort Wayne has plenty.

If you’re looking to break away from the typical date night but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few unique ideas for a night (or afternoon) out in Fort Wayne!

Get creative:

The Wixporium on West Jefferson offers the chance to create your very own candle. Visitors are guided through the process, from picking scents and vessels to pouring wax.

Painting with a Twist on West Jefferson offers classes throughout the week where an instructor guides you through a painting, or you can pop in during their designated Pop In and Paint hours for a less structured experience. The “twist” at Painting with a Twist is their beverage selection. Guests can purchase alcoholic beverages to sip on while they work on their masterpieces. Painting With A Twist also offers paint-from-home kits, if an at-home date is more your style.

Indigo Studio, with locations in both downtown Fort Wayne and Columbia City, offers a wide variety of arts and crafts for customers who are looking for their next hobby.

To try your hand at glass blowing, The Glass Park on Fairfield Avenue is the place to go. By appointment only, you can take an Intro to Glassblowing class and learn how to use a torch or furnace. 

For a multitude of creative options, check out all the Build Guild has to offer. From cooking classes to woodworking, the Build Guide offers workshops on all sorts of DIY hobbies.

Make your own food (or sweet treat):

To create something you can eat, Saisaki in downtown Fort Wayne offers sushi-making classes, where you can learn how to make sushi rolls.

Or if you’re in the mood for something sweet, consider taking a cookie or cake decorating class from Country Kitchen SweetArt just off of Coliseum. They regularly host classes or can be booked for private classes.

Visit these one-of-a-kind activities in Fort Wayne:

The Rage Room on Spy Run Avenue offers a unique way to destress. Adult visitors at The Rage Room can pick from a variety of packages that offer them a chance to take a bat, or another “weapon” of choice, to breakables in a closed-off room. They also offer Paint Splatter Sessions, available for anyone 4 and up, where visitors can throw paint at a canvas or their friends. Appointments must be booked 24 hours in advance.

Just off of Coliseum or inside of Mitchells on West Jefferson, Deadeye Dick’s Axe Throwing & Bullseye Bar offers axe throwing.

Looking for some nostalgia? A visit to Teds Beercade should do the trick. Located on the lower level of Teds Beerhall, this bar/arcade offers the same food and drinks as Teds Beerhall, but with the added attraction of over 30 vintage arcade games from Double Dragon Arcades.

Enjoy local entertainment:

The Fort Wayne Ballet is hosting a special date night show called “Love Notes.” Running from February 9-11, this show features a variety of pieces, some classical ballet, some more contemporary, and even a musical theater piece. Executive Director Jim Sparrow says this is a great introductory piece for anyone who’s never been to the ballet before. If you miss “Love Notes,” don’t sweat it, the Fort Wayne Ballet performs a variety of shows throughout the year.

For movie lovers, the Fort Wayne Cinema Center offers a range of movies– from big box office names to locally created films. They also offer insightful programming that aligns with their film lineup, like Q&As with directors or lectures from local experts.

Allen County is home to a couple of comedy clubs, so if you’re looking for a laugh, check out the lineups at The Summit City Comedy Club and the Fort Wayne Comedy Club. 

You can find a more participatory show and dining experience at The Murder Mystery Dinner Show, where anyone in the room can end up being part of the show. 

If trivia is more your speed (trivia isn’t exactly a “show” but it is entertaining and educational!), numerous Fort Wayne spots, like Summit City Breworks, the 07 Pub, and Hop River Brewing Company host trivia nights throughout the week.