You and your girls can have a great night out without blowing your paycheque on alcohol. In fact, a lot of these activities go down better without the tequila shots. You’ll need coordination to dance and reflexes for paintball in order to have the best time. Edmonton’s got plenty of ways to enjoy a dry night out, so set a date with your besties for a different kind of fun.
Storytelling is a human activity dating back millennia. You don’t need to be a writer to attend and appreciate the stories; you and your friends can simply listen to the wild tales spun by others at Edmonton Story Slam. There’s nothing stopping you though, if you want to come up with a few of your own yarns and have the courage to step up to the mic. All donations go to the winner, but your $5 cover will support the Edmonton Story Slam Society.
They’re not a regular café, though their hot drinks are every bit as delicious on a cold day. They have more than 400 board games to choose from and knowledgeable owners who will save you the hassle of reading the rules card. The Hexagon Café makes for an easygoing, casual night out when you want to catch up with the girls without committing to a serious activity.
If all the artsy-cultural stuff isn’t for you and your besties, then paintballing might be the ticket to a great night out. They’ve got two of the largest indoor fields in Alberta, and supply all the equipment and staff to supervise and show you a good time. Ever accommodating, they take special bookings as well, so whenever you want to play, they can accommodate – even if it’s three o’clock in the morning.
There’s a reason this restaurant crops up on everyone’s list. It’s a phenomenal place to eat. The Melting Pot features a Girls’ Night Out with cheese and chocolate fondues. They strive for the best interactive dining experience and an intimate atmosphere. Adding fun to the excellent gastronomy, they host events like the New Year’s Masquerade Ball and various fondue fundraisers to support community causes.
Looking for an excuse to put on your best jewellery and get dressed up? Live theatre is the perfect place, and the actors always appreciate a well-dressed audience. You’ll get to experience a wonderful show of new plays and old classics, like Frankenstein and Carmen Angel. It’s a great night out for you and some theatre-loving friends.
If you’ve never done an escape room before, you’ve got to try this. You’ll be tested with puzzles, logic and hidden clues to escape a room using only the objects inside. The more friends you can bring to help find solutions, the better. They have theme rooms with great backstories: Back to the Future, National Security and, if you’re feeling brave, The Ring-inspired Samara.
If you like free-form and three-dimensional painting, try Crankpots. Bring the gang to this collaborative workshop, where resident artists give you tips and advice on how to go about creating original art, starting with plain ceramic bisque. Just pick your piece and your paints, and away you go. They accept walk-ins, as well as pre-bookings, so if it’s a last-minute get-together with the girls, don’t worry - they can fit you in.
With local artists guiding you to creating an awesome piece of art, you and your girls will have fun for two hours. Paint Nite events take place at various restaurants and bars throughout the city, including Ed's Rec Room, and alcohol is entirely optional. So, if you’re looking to create a work you’ll be proud to hang at home, foregoing that bottle of Merlot is probably a good idea.
Cooking classes might seem a little redundant after having cooked meals for an entire week, but there’s something about cooking with the girls and learning a new recipe that makes this four-hour class great for bonding. And, with private classes custom-tailored for girls’ night and the freshest available ingredients, you’re in for a delicious and fun time.