Valentine’s Day is coming up fast, but don’t be too alarmed if you haven’t yet landed date-day plans for you and your significant other.
There are plenty of Valentine’s-themed events taking place throughout the city (some are free!) to choose from, ensuring that this February 14 goes off without a hitch.
Don’t actually have a Valentine yet? We’ve got you covered in that front, too!
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Pre-Valentine’s Speed Dating
Love Story! Valentine’s Speed Dating
What: Secure yourself a Valentine at this Societe Coffee Lounge speed dating session. They’ve rented out the entire venue to ensure privacy! Ticket includes one cocktail, snacks, pre-screened guests, and icebreaker games.
When: February 12, 2020
Time: 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Where: Societe Coffee Lounge — 1223 11th Avenue SW
Tickets: $55
Love Story! Valentine’s Speed Dating 40 +
What: All of the fun listed above, but for 40-somethings! Here’s how speed dating with Dashing Date works.
When: February 13, 2020
Time: 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Where: Societe Coffee Lounge — 1223 11th Avenue SW
Tickets: $60
Valentine’s Day
Studio Bell $10 Date Night 2020
Studio Bell after-hours (Brenna Pladsen)
What: Studio Bell is bringing back its $10 Date Night events starting on Friday, February 14, making for an ideal Valentine’s Day party to start the weekend off right.
When: Friday, February 14
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Studio Bell — 850 4th Street SE, Calgary
Tickets: Available online, $10
Browse a bookstore
What: Spending hours in a bookstore might seem painful to some, but for others, it’s a way to escape the frigid winter weather while still spending some time outside the house. Allowing yourself to get lost in an aisle of books is an amazing way to kill a few hours, and it’s also a great way to get to know someone, as book preference can tell you a lot about a person’s personality.
Where:
Fair’s Fair (For Book Lovers) Inc. – 907 9th Avenue SE
Shelf Life Books – 1302 4th Street SW
Indigospirit – 317 7th Avenue SW
Check out a speakeasy
What: There’s no doubt about it, forbidden love is the most romantic love. During the ’20s prohibition era, speakeasies were the ultimate hub for romance and secret affairs. Calgary has recently gained a few of these underground spots that will transport you back to this passionate era. Each embodies its own character and ambiance, and all make for a classy date night featuring a deliciously crafted cocktail… or three.
Where:
Betty Lous Library – The Devenish Building — 908 17th Avenue SW
Shelter – 1210 1st Street SW
The Wednesday Room – 118 8th Avenue SW
Model Citizen – 308 17th Avenue SW
Sub Rosa – Hidden underneath 200 8th Avenue SW
Frenchie Wine Bar – 618 17th Avenue SW
Cannibale – 813 1st Avenue NE
Glow Winter Festival 2020
Glow Winter Festival
What: Calgary’s own Glow Winter Festival will brighten up the season with three full days of lights and events this February 14 to 16, with a stunning array of lights and installations along Stephen Avenue.
When: Friday, February 14 to 16
Time: Friday and Saturday, 4 to 10 pm; Sunday, 4 to 7 pm
Where: On Stephen Avenue from Centre Street to 3rd Street SW
Admission: Free
Check out an Art Gallery
What: A great way to spark conversation and learn something new about your partner is to head to one of the many art galleries that make up Calgary’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Grab a coffee, look at some art, experience how it makes you feel, and enjoy the moment! Plus, this is a great way to get out of the house while still staying warm and cozy at the same time.
Where:
Nickel Galleries – 410 University Centre NW
The Glenbow – 130 9th Avenue SE
CSpace – 1721 29th Avenue SW
The Esker Foundation – 1011 99th Avenue SE
Locked Library 2020
What: You may have found your way out of a few escape rooms in your day, but this is another matter entirely.
Locked Library is an event that will see teams of contestants entering Central Library on February 14, trying to escape the building within the allotted time.
When: Friday, February 14, 2019
Time: 7 to 9:30 pm
Where: New Central Library — 800 3rd Street SE, Calgary
Admission: $31.50 per person (or $91.50 with a $60 tax receipt), registration available online
Exposure & The Camera Store: Valentine’s Day Event
What: Check out this Valentine’s Day photo meetup with like-minded photographers to create some stunning shots.
When: Friday, February 14
Time: 6 pm
Where: The Camera Store Classroom — Unit 210 3060 9th Street SE
Admission: $5, available online
Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza
Skating at Olympic Plaza (@jesse.ell/Instagram)
What: If the weather’s right, take your partner for a romantic, moonlit skate at Olympic Plaza to end off this Valentine’s Day.
When: Open daily until mid-March
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza — 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free, skates are also available to rent
Go for a romantic photoshoot at Snap Foto Club
What: Get dressed in your best threads and head over to Snap Foto Club for a fun photoshoot. The permanent selfie studio has set up a number of Valentine’s themed backdrops to make sure you get the gram this February 14.
Hours: Noon to 9 pm
Where: 118 8th Avenue SW #200
Admission: $35, $25 for students, available online
The Simmons Building
What: Combine a culinary wonderland, a charming historic space, and dazzling views of the Bow River, and you’ve got the iconic Simmons building that adorns the riverwalk in the East Village. Originally a mattress factory, this space has been turned into a gastronomic hotspot, as it is home to Phil and Sebastian, Sidewalk Citizen, and Charbar. Whether you’re on a coffee date, a lunch date, or stopping by for a quick snack as you make your way along the river, this building offers a plethora of romantic options for you and your special someone.
Where: 430 8th Avenue SE
River Cafe
What: Sure a romantic homemade dinner is nice, but sometimes it’s fun to take it up a notch. Make the evening memorable as you enjoy a candlelit dinner set to the backdrop of a rustic dining room overlooking the river. There is no better way to set a romantic tone than with an evening meal or weekend brunch.
Where: 25 Prince’s Island Park
Grab a pic at the CORE Shopping Centre’s Valentine’s pop-up
The CORE Shopping Centre
What: The CORE Shopping Centre has set up a free Valentine’s pop-up featuring huge candy hearts to pose beside. Those who post on Instagram and tag @coreshopping will be entered to win a CORE gift card.
When: February 1 to 29
Time: Hours vary
Where: 118 8th Avenue SW #200
Admission: $35, $25 for students, available online
Head over to Westman Village
What: Make a date out of visiting the many great spots throughout Westman Village, including catching a set at Alvin’s Jazz club, grabbing a cuppa joe at Analog Coffee, dining at Chairman’s Steakhouse, and picking up a pint of ice cream to end off the night at Marble Slab Creamery.
When: February 14
With files from Kristy Archibald
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