Just 20 minutes east of Phoenix, you can leave the urban scene behind and enjoy a slower pace in the family-oriented city of Gilbert. The slowed pace and family-friendly atmosphere means you won’t find a slew of nightclubs open until last call like in the neighboring cities of Chandler and Scottsdale, but you’ll still find plenty to do within the city limits after dark.
Stargaze
- While you'll see hundreds of species of birds at the 110-acre Riparian Institute during the day, a nighttime visit reveals billions of stars. The Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory at the preserve houses a 16-inch-diameter state-of-the-art telescope and is open to the public each Friday and Saturday evening from September through June. The second Friday of each month, Skywatch presents the latest astronomical discoveries. Scouts and other youth groups may spend one or two nights camping under the stars at the Institute's outdoor facility, which accommodates up to 10 tents.
The Performing Arts
- Take in a concert or theater production at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts, which features performances in a 1,200-seat concert hall or in its intimate 186-seat theater. The center hosts a variety of productions ranging from appearances by world-renowned musicians to high school musicals and private events. The Hale Theatre presents a range of family-friendly shows that include classics like "Oklahoma!" and more contemporary comedies and musicals. The theater received an award as the Best Community Theater in the East Valley by the "Phoenix New Times" in 2013.
Out to the Ball Game
- At the Gilbert location of Big League Dreams Sports Park, watch a local league game at one of eight replicas of renowned U.S. stadiums, including Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field or even the Diamondbacks Stadium. Each 200-seat field carefully captures the unique atmosphere and landmarks of its famous counterpart. The park also has a 20,000-foot pavilion housing soccer, basketball and hockey games. Enjoy dining at an on-site restaurant, practice your swing at a batting cage or take the kids to burn off energy at the enclosed playground.
Raising the Bar
- While you’ll have to head out to the bigger neighboring cities to find all-night dance clubs, you’ll find some niche bars for unwinding after a long day. The Fox Cigar Bar has not only a 500-square-foot humidor featuring premium and hard-to-find cigars, but a classic bar setting with 14 craft beers on tap as well as 80 scotches, 20 cognacs and 400 fine liquors from around the world. Smokers and non-smokers each have separate sections separated by a solid wall at Crabby Don’s, which features beer by the bucket, a large bandstand, karaoke nights and a game room with billiards, arcade games and shuffleboard. Watch your favorite sports at one of the city’s many sports bars, including Champions Sports Saloon, located downtown. The saloon has nostalgic touches, from the simple neon sign on its Old West exterior to vintage Ms. Pacman, Galaga and pinball machines.
