Summer Bucket List: Date Night Edition

Sure, dinner and a movie is a timeless date night, but sometimes you want to switch it up! 

Plan a surprise date night for your sweetie and enjoy those warm summer nights at the same time! We’ve packaged up some great ideas for date night (or day!) so keep reading to spark up some summer date summer ideas.

1. Watch a Live Music Performance 

Warm summer nights are perfect for kicking back to enjoy a good show under the stars. There are a handful of outdoor venues throughout Butler County that hosts FREE live performances of local musicians and bands. Grab your partner and get ready to dance the night away. View the schedule of performances in our Summer Concert Series here. 

2. Mosey Around a Farmers Market

There's just something about shopping at a local market that is truly magical. From fresh produce and flowers, to handmade jewelry and gifts, you never know what you may uncover at a local farmers market. 

• Fairfield Farmers Market: Every Wednesday from 4-7pm 
• Oxford Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 9am-noon
• West Chester Market: Every Saturday from 9am-1pm
• Hamilton Farmers Market: Third Saturday of every month from 8am-12pm
• Middletown Farmers Market: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 10am-2pm 

3. Have a drink at Urban Backyard 

WHERE: 501 Main St | Hamilton

Explore Hamilton's first food truck park and craft beer bar located in the heart of the Main Street District. Step up to the bar and sip on a brew from 16 local breweries, or try a cocktail crafted with spirits from local distilleries. Have a refreshing drink, play some corn hole and sing along to live music!

4. Sip, Stroll, Explore in a DORA District  

Explore with your partner and alcoholic beverages... legally. DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. The program allows people to order an alcoholic beverage from a participating establishments and explore the city while drinking — as long as it’s in the designated areas, in the DORA plastic cups, and as long as you're 21+ of course.

Where can you find these DORA Districts? 

1. FAIRFIELD

Fairfield's DORA District is especially popular for the city's Groovin' on the Green concert series. Look for the DORA stickers in the windows of participating restaurants serving DORA drinks, as well as establishments allowing beverages inside. You can get a DORA drink at local favorites like Richard's Pizza, La Piñata, and more!

2. HAMILTON

In Hamilton, your to-go alcoholic beverage can only be purchased from participating DORA establishments and must be in an official Hamilton DORA cup. Some of the participating restaurants include Neal's BBQ, Municipal Brew Works... and more! 

3. LIBERTY CENTER

The area within Liberty Center bounded by Liberty Way, Taylor Street, and Warehouse Row are considered within the program's boundaries. You can purchase a DORA beverage from places like Agave & Rye, Bar Del Mar, The Roosevelt Room...and more! 

4. MIDDLETOWN

In Middletown, you must buy a DORA cup, which is valid from noon-midnight at every establishment. The program's boundaries are marked by signs around Middletown. Participating businesses include, West Central Wine, The Swire Inn... and more! 

5. OXFORD

Oxford’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) goes into effect daily from 11 AM – 11 PM. Participating businesses include Church Street Social, Kofenya, Pickle + Pig....and more! 

5. Explore Pyramid Hill Sculpture Mark + Museum

WHERE: 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd | Hamilton 

Explore the culture and art at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park! This 300+ acre outdoor park features pieces dating as far back as 1500 B.C. and is a fan-favorite in the Greater Cincinnati area. Rent the Art Cart for a relaxing day and view 80+ monumental sculptures displayed in a landscape of rolling hills, meadows, lakes, and hiking trails!