Fun ways to spend those long summer evenings

Food on brown wooden table with chairs and plates. Photo: Pexels

The sun hasn’t quite gone down yet, the sky is peachy orange or pale pink, and the air has a certain haze to it. That’s right, the season of long summer evenings is in full swing. And finding ways to spend time when it’s seemingly forever light outside is all part of the charm. But if you’re already out of ideas for this year, we’ve got a couple of suggestions for you down below. Use this time wisely – it’ll be winter again before you know it.

Spend Time in the ‘Pool’
Lucky enough to have a pool, or a hot tub? If not, don’t worry. Even if you don’t have one, you can buy a small paddling pool and spend some time luxuriating in the warm outside air and the weightless feeling around you.

Set it up in a flat, private space, wear your favorite swimwear items, pour yourself a yummy drink, and then spend a good half hour out there watching the sun go down. The water will help to keep you cool, and as that elusive evening breeze moves in, you’ll be able to truly cool off from the day behind you.

Host a Proper Streaming Night
Whether you’ve got a new box set to binge or you want to watch a bunch of horror movies back to back, this idea will align neatly with your plans. Why not host a big streaming night for your friends to come along to? Make up a creamy crack dip with bacon and cheese, make sure there are plenty of dipping chips available on plates (with a few raw vegetables for a healthy option!), and buy some special drinks for the occasion too.

Take the Cinema Outside
Tired of evenings indoors? If you’ve got the garden space, you can invest in a projector and a screen to show it all on. Wait until it’s a bit darker outside, put up an awning or gazebo to sit under and keep the screen safe, and set up some fairy or candle lights. Once you’ve done this, invite a couple people around for an outdoor cinema night. Put on your favorite movies, or have a theme night featuring the best animated classics, and watch late into the night while it’s warm and cozy outside.

Go Adventuring with a Pet
If you’ve got a dog, or even a cat, take them out in those later evening hours while there’s still a bit of sunlight. A late one down the dog park or through your neighborhood, your pet by your side with a few treats in your pocket – it can be magical. And it’s good to get a bit of late day exercise; it can help you cool off, give you a healthy outlet from heat frustrations, and it’ll help you meet other lovely pet owners looking to do the same thing.

Long summer evenings don’t have to be boring, or overbearing with the heat! Make it fun with ideas like these.

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Experience the ultimate Americana getaway at Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride

Alpine Swim Club at Madeline Hotel & Residences. Photo: Madeline Hotel & Residences, used with permission.

There is no place quite like Telluride, Colorado in the summer. The historic mining town offers a lifetime’s worth of outdoor activities, from hiking, bicycle trails and fishing to camping, natural mineral hot springs and stunning scenery. (Madeline Hotel & Residences, 2022)

This 4th of July weekend, Telluride’s only Forbes five-star resort, Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, is hosting their Second Annual Alpine Cookout on July 2. Celebrating the spirit of Southwestern cuisine, the event will draw visiting culinary icons such as Salt Lake City celebrity Chef Viet Pham, Texas all-star Chef Dean Fearing, Phoenix famed chef Mark Tarbell and Santa Fe legend Mark Kiffin, who will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef Bill Greenwood on a specially curated menu, including Chef Pham’s famed Pretty Bird signature hot chicken sandwich.

The luxury mountain retreat is also debuting a new one-of-a-kind adventure just in time for the long holiday week. Soar and Raft with Red Tail Flights and embark on a unique experience to explore Telluride by air and water. See Moab, Canyonlands, and Arches National Park from above and raft through the famed Westwater Canyon. The day begins with a private scenic flight from Telluride Airport over national parks to a thrilling rafting trip on Westwater Canyon, which is rated “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trips” by National Geographic. The Madeline culinary team will provide a delicious chef-prepared picnic. 

Additionally, the Wellness Oasis Poolside Pop-up with Free People Movement and Telluride Yoga Festival is taking place Thursday June 23, Friday June 24, and Saturday June 25. It promises to be an immersive wellness journey as Madeline’s Alpine Swim Club transforms into the wellness oasis of your dreams.

Last call for Camp Broadway registrations

campbroadway
Camp Broadway is set for Monday July 29 through Friday August 2. Photo: Las Casas Foundation, used with permission.

Broadway’s original summer camp will shine its spotlight at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2. Camp Broadway, in partnership with Las Casas Foundation is the only dramatic camp in San Antonio that immerses young aspiring artists in a week of theatrical training and rehearsals with professional actors from Los Angeles and New York. (Las Casas Foundation, 2019)

Open to all skill levels, Camp Broadway is a five-day summer camp from 9a.m. to 5p.m., designed to immerse children ages 10 to 17 in an authentic Broadway rehearsal process. No previous theatre experience is necessary to enroll in the camp.  After a week of training, the program culminates in a special on-stage performance for family and friends with professional actors at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre.

For $600, Camp Broadway enables theater-loving children to develop their confidence, character, and presentation skills through ensemble performance.

Mainstage package includes 5 days (40 hours) of instruction and activities including:

  • Intensives in singing, acting and dancing taught by Broadway professionals
  • A memorable lunch on stage of the Majestic Theatre and talk back with industry professionals
  • Camp Broadway swag – including official t-shirt, labeled bag and pencil
  • A collectible Mainstage program patch
  • Professional ‘Cast of Characters’ head shot
  • Healthy lunches, snacks and water

Mainstagers and their families also receive:

  • Access to the ‘Call Board’ with exclusive sneak peeks and all the need-to-know details to get ready for Broadway
  • End-of-day information to prepare for the next day’s activities
  • A keepsake playbill from the Mainstage Finale performance
  • Complimentary admission to the Family Finale show at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Registration for this camp is available online. Camp Broadway San Antonio features a sibling discount for families with multiple children who want to enjoy a turn in the spotlight. A special discount for military families is also available.

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
226 N. St. Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX  78205
(210) 226-5700