9 Valentine's Day events to check out around Calgary

Valentine's Day in Calgary (mircolitrato/Instagram)

Valentine’s Day has come once again to YYC, and with it are many fun events that can be enjoyed either with a lover or your best single friends.

Be it going on a romantic date, attending a speed dating event, or just curling up and watching a cheesy rom-com, be sure to make the most of this February 14 by checking out any one of these wonderful events.

GLOW – Downtown Winter Light Festival

What: An annual family-friendly light and music festival in the heart of downtown Calgary. This all-ages event welcomes everyone to warm up winter’s darkest days, and experience one-of-a-kind interactive light displays, art, entertainment, food trucks and activities.

When: February 14 to 18, 2019
Time: 5 to 11 pm
Where: Downtown Calgary: see website for exact locations
Admission: FREE

Calgary Zoo’s In the Heat of the Night 2019

Dinner date at the Calgary Zoo (Armand Flores of Profolio Photography)

What: Spanning two evenings from Thursday, February 14 to Friday, February 15, admission to In the Heat of the Night will include a four-course meal, an on-site photographer to capture all the magic, and romantic games throughout the night. Given that you are at the zoo, after all, the night will also feature information about romance in the wild, and how it differs (or doesn’t) from the way humans fall in love.

When: Thursday, February 14 and Friday, February 15, 2019
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Enmax Conservatory, Calgary Zoo — 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Tickets: Available online, $115 each

Adults Only Night at Telus Spark – Love & Sex

What: Are you hopelessly in love? Or perhaps you’re single and ready to mingle? Either way, there’s something for you this Valentine’s night at TELUS Spark. Learn about the biology of breakups, fun pheromones, and discover what happens under our skin when we get between the sheets with someone else.

When: Thursday, February 14
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $26

Rush Hour: Romance

What: In this special Valentine’s Day concert by Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, let the three giants of French classical music — Berlioz, Ravel, and Debussy — infuse your evening with the romance of Paris. Rush Hour concerts feature shorter programmes that get you off the road and into a musical mood.

When: Thursday, February 14, 2019
Time: Happy Hour at 5:30 pm, Performance from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall — 225 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Available online, $30

Go for an art walk

First seen in Calgary as part of last Year’s Exposure Photography Festival, The FENCE has made a return to the city this February.

The FENCE, a travelling photography exhibit that has wrapped its way around Curtis Block at MacLeod Trail, 12th Avenue SW, and 13th Avenue SW (yes, it’s that long), is being presented by ONE Properties to highlight the new Curtis Block development.

Take a romantic stroll around a snow-covered Calgary while discussing the artwork on display downtown — just make sure to bundle up!

Where: Curtis Block at MacLeod Trail, 12th Avenue SW, and 13th Avenue SW

Take a hot chocolate tasting tour

Thierry Hot Chocolate (Photo: Leila Kwok)

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is back for 2019, and while there are a whopping 61 spots participating in this year’s event, there are some that are a bit more outrageous than others.

Depending on how many hot chocolates you and your partner can down in one evening, hitting up as many of these spots as possible is sure to make for a warm and delicious evening.

When: February 1 to 28
Where: Various locations around the city

SCREAM at the Plaza Theatre

Nothing brings a couple closer than the shared fright of a good horror movie! Cuddle up and watch the classic thriller SCREAM at the Plaza Theatre, all while enjoying a classic popcorn and drink combo.

Extra points for pulling off the ol’ arm-over-shoulder-yawn.

When: Thursday, February 14, 2019
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: the Plaza Theatre — 1133 Kensington Road NW
Tickets: $35 for an admit two + concession combo, available online

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Death By Chocolate

Chocolate/Shutterstock

Enjoy an interactive evening at Fort Calgary by getting to the bottom of a mysterious murder — all while enjoying a dinner buffet and a wide variety of chocolatey treats!

When: Thursday, February 14, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Fort Calgary — 750 9th Avenue SE
Tickets: Available online, $91 each

Solo Glow Traffic Light Party

Get the Valentine’s Day party going at Knoxville’s with $9 stoplights, $5 highballs, and cheap beer all night long. Whether you want to get down and dirty on the dance floor with that special someone or are looking for a potential partner, this makes for the perfect place to live it up.

When: Thursday, February 14, 2019
Time: Starts at 10 pm
Where: Knoxville’s Calgary — 840 9th Avenue SW
Tickets: $10 for VIP entry after 11 pm, available online