Hot summer nights evoke that magical blend of warmth, leisure, and endless possibility. The world slows down and calls us to get outside and enjoy!

Food can play a starring role in the charm of your summer nights. Here’s some food-and-outdoor-adventure pairings for delicious fun all season long.

Outdoors at Night – Summer Fun

1. Stargaze Party and Picnic: Find a clear spot away from city lights, lay down the blanket, and enjoy dark skies with loved ones. Pack a nighttime picnic of sweet treats, hot tea, and hot toddies.

2. Bonfire at the Beach: Northern California hosts beaches with public fire rings – find them in Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay State Beach for starters. Plan a bonfire with storytelling or pop-your-own open flame popcorn (DIY with an aluminum foil pouch). If s’mores are your thing, here’s an idea: Epicurean Group kitchens pre-make our s’mores before the event, making everything a lot easier in the dark.

Make-Ahead S’mores

Spread melted chocolate on a graham cracker, top with an organic marshmallow, and place on a baking sheet in a 400-degree oven for a few minutes to soften. Top with another graham cracker. Insert a stick.

3. Outdoor Movie Night: Set up a projector and screen or a simple white sheet and watch a favorite movie in the backyard. Pair the show with pies from your favorite local pizzeria and invite the neighbors.

4. Night Hiking and Geocaching: Plan a full moon hike or explore a familiar trail in a new way with a flashlight or headlamp. Familiarize yourself with the route in daylight. Safety first! Don’t forget the homemade gorp, or pack hot soup in a lightweight thermos.

If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, make sure to check out Summer Nights at Filoli Estate. Wednesday and Thursday evenings through September, guests of the historic Woodside, CA villa are invited to hike trails at twilight, attend garden talks, and meet friends for specialty cocktails. Epicurean Group hosts an Outdoor Brat Party both evenings.

Choose your favorite sausage and garnish it with our magnificent side dish and toppings bar ($17 p/p). Vegan dogs and gluten free buns are available. There will also be food trucks and a full bar onsite. Please no outside food or alcohol is permitted at Filoli.

Bring a blanket for the lawn or use an on-site picnic table. There will be live acoustic music and novel activities nightly. For schedule, tickets, and to preorder meals, visit here.