It can be hard to keep a relationship exciting during quarantine, when restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease limit what restaurants are open, shut down many professional sports, closed shops, and limited theaters. Rather than have another take-out dinner, new and seasoned couples can try these ideas online to get the feel of a night on the town in their own homes.
1. Dance the Night Away with a Group Virtual Day Party
Virtual day parties offer the vibe of a nightclub with the ease of staying home. For one event series, Virtual Day Parties, their parties include four hours of live-streamed music by two top DJs, held via Zoom. Participants can talk to individual partiers through direct messages or talk to everyone at the party in a chat room. Pour a drink, make your favorite appetizer, and get ready to move! Try the Virtual Day Parties series every Saturday at 5 p.m. CST, of their Virtual Voices Series on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. CST. Register for either event for free at Eventbrite.
2. Test Your Knowledge with Virtual Trivia Events
With bars closed, several websites and events offering virtual trivia have popped up to fill the void. One such website, Sporcle, offers virtual trivia events several times daily via Zoom. Participants can choose a game that quizzes them on all topics, or specific categories, such as baseball, 2000s music, the Broadway show, “Hamilton,” 80s movies, 90s pop culture, or Harry Potter, to name a few. These events are hosted live by trivia hosts. Form a small group, or large group with friends, and play against people from throughout the world!
Check out the trivia options at https://www.sporcle.com/.
3. Have a Magical Evening
Aim to be amazed? Experiencing a live magic show, virtually, might be just the ticket. Dennis Watkins, a mentalist and magician who has performed throughout the United States, regularly offers a new virtual magic show on Friday and Saturday nights. A seasoned performer, Watkins’ shows range from magic-focused to a mentalist show to a performance that focuses on sleight of hand. In addition to his shows, performed for large and intimate crowds, Watkins offers virtual magic events, workshops, and team events.
See https://denniswatkins.net/ to book a virtual show.
4. Clown Around
Improv comedy troupes throughout the country are now performing and offering classes online.
In improv comedy, performers invent a scene’s plot, characters, and dialogues, on the spot, with each of the performers playing off of the others.
Anyone in need of a laugh can check out the Washington Improv Theater, based in Washington, D.C., whose members live stream a weekly show on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. on YouTube. These weekly shows also include an interview with a noteworthy area resident. They also stream additional shows, including the Harold, a long-form improv style, held on Tuesdays.
If you’ve always had a funny side, Washington Improv Theater also offers its free introductory workshops online, and virtual seven-week-long summer classes. Try something new and tap into your inner entertainer!