Nightlife in Van Wert

The Lima Symphony Orchestra joins with the Lima Symphony Chorus and the Bowling Green State University Choral Society to perform Sergei Prokofiev's cantata Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century tale of war, treason, and a hero that united a people. The concert concludes with Camille Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony, which combines virtuosic piano passages with the reverent harmonies of a cathedral-size pipe organ and marches to a finale dramatic enough for a battle or a montage of karate training.

Hunker down under the fizzling, romantic glow of neon beer signs for an evening of sports, live local music, unpretentious pub grub, and affordable drinks. The bar menu offers a classic array of meaty sandwiches, burgers, salads, nachos, and fresh pizzas with more than 10 possible topping options. Wings ($4 for six, or $7.50 for 12) can be served with five different glazes: regular, flaming, BBQ, teriyaki, and the coquettish Sassy Sauce, the newest member of the sauce ensemble. Seven-year itchers can satisfy cravings for variety with a Mill Basket (jalapeno poppers, cheese sticks, wings, zucchini, mushrooms, with pizza sauce and ranch dressing for dipping, $6.50) or Mexican Basket (five mini tacos, three mini burritos, and two taco sticks, with chips and salsa, $6). Evening eaters whose gut-Grendels cannot be slain by mere apps alone can grab a dinner plate, such as the succulent walleye ($9) or the popular seven-ounce New York strip steak ($9), both accompanied by a traveling band of potato, salad, and roll.

Resting in the shadow of the Grand Wayne Convention Center, Thirsty Camel features more than a handful of beers on tap and more than a dozen imported and premium bottled beers. The restaurant's suds selection makes for a model accomplice to its food spread, which includes such shareable munchies, such as buffalo-style wings and onion petals served with an onion-petal sauce. After warming up with some appetizers, diners can tackle homemade hamburgers and 16-ounce T-bone steaks—all while nodding to the beats of a live DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.

Overlooking the St. Mary’s river, Curly’s Village Inn accommodates birthday parties, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, and constitutional keggers in its party room, which comes equipped with a full cash bar and bartender. Up to 60 people will have plenty of space to mingle, break dance, or play impromptu games of musical chairs with the ample seating. Hosts are also welcome to add their own aesthetic touches, including balloons, streamers, and photo shrines to invisible friends. Although guests cannot bring their own hot food, famished merrymakers can refuel with chicken strips, cheeseburgers, mini burritos, and tenderloins from Curly's Kitchen.

American Style Ballroom's founder Patric Didier has light tripped his way to a couple of Indiana Classic wins, a few gigs dancing for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and several commercial appearances. When he's not coaching professional competitive dancers, Patric teaches budding dancers of all skill levels how to gracefully hit the floor. Along with co-owner Jeanne Cross—a veteran instructor with more than 30 years of experience—the light-footed duo and its team lead private and group lessons at the studio's two locations. Students of any skill level pound the boards in styles ranging from raucous swing to elegant Viennese waltz to the slightly less elegant Viennese waltz on stilts. American Style Ballroom also hosts practice dance parties to give guests a chance to air out their new moves.