No doubt first dates can be stressful. But all that uncertainty is compounded when it's more than just a first date — it's your first date in decades.

Later-life singles tend to feel more comfortable meeting people in a familiar environment, doing familiar things, experts say. But in order to meet new people, singles may have to venture outside their comfort zone.

"I recommend the 'get a life' method (of meeting people)," said Tina Tessina, a California-based psychotherapist. "Join groups who are doing things that interest you, accept every invite from your friends, seek to network and meet friends of friends. When you're out among people doing interesting things, finding someone to date becomes easier and a lot less scary."

Here are some fun-filled, not-too-intimidating date ideas for later-life singles for this weekend:

• Spice it up: Sign up for a cooking class and show off — or sharpen — your culinary skills. One to try: Hands On Dessert, Specialty Coffees & Teas on Saturday at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental. On the menu are peach melba, cherry crème brulee and Irish coffee. Cost is $115. Classes are held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday. Call 739-8780.

• Get outdoors: Take in the Art on the Zoo Fence along Monsarrat Avenue or visit the Waikïkï Artfest at Kapi'olani Park. Both run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend. Or hit the Farmer's Market at Kapi'olani Community College on Saturday morning, or the Kailua Farmers' Market on Thursday night. Both serve up locally grown produce, meats, snacks and flowers. Visit www.hfbf.org.

• Go Greek: Take your date to the 25th annual Greek Festival from noon to 9 p.m. this weekend at Ala Moana Beach Park. Soak up the live music and authentic Greek cuisine. Call 521-7220.

• Watch movies under the stars: This weekend Sunset on the Beach is featuring surf-related flicks, with entertainment starting at 4 p.m. Bring bentos and two lawn chairs to watch "The Ride" on Saturday or "Blue Crush" on Sunday. See www.waikikiimprovement.com.

• Get cultural: Sign up for the two-hour Culinary Tour of Chinatown, which starts at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday. Cost is $10; call 533-3181. Or check out an obon dance this weekend. 'Aiea Hongwanji Mission is hosting its festival at 7 p.m. Saturday. Call 488-5685.

• Hit the beach: This Saturday is the celebration of surf legend Duke Kahanamoku's birthday, with surf contests and other festive activities along Waikiki Beach. Bring your swimsuit and frolic in the surf. Or pack some lunch and have a picnic. Call 921-9731.

• Get moving: Maybe he likes to play tennis. Maybe she likes to hit the links. Active dates are great because they: 1) help you stay in shape, and 2) can raise the level of intimacy, experts say. You could even take in a nice hike (say, to the Makapu'u Lighthouse) or rent kayaks in Kailua.

• Meet the pets: Hook up with the hiking club Paws on the Path, organized by the Hawaiian Humane Society. This club meets once a month for free hikes around O'ahu. The next hike is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday on the Likelike Trail in Käne'ohe. See www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187.

• Get artsy: So what if the Honolulu Academy of Arts' ARTafterDARK is designed for young professionals in their 20s to 40s. You still feel young, right? The next evening event, held the last Friday of every month, will be at 6 p.m. Friday. With the theme "Havana Nights," it will feature live Latin music and salsa lessons. Cost is $7 for nonmuseum members. Call 532-8724 or visit www.artafterdark.org.

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.