Forget Dinner: Try These Unique Valentine’s Day Dates
Ditch the prix-fixe circuit for active dates, crafty dates, and straight-up unhinged evenings as unconventional as your love.
The Pink Elephant Valentine’s Day pop-up bar / Photograph by Society Hill Films
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and while there are plenty of restaurants with romantic meals sure to bring you and your beloved closer together, that may not be what you’re all about this year. And, quite frankly, we love that for you. Celebrating your love means celebrating you, not some couple you’re supposed to be that gets dressed up and makes googly eyes at each other across a candlelit table while inches away from other couples who paid to do the same thing. If you’re looking for an out-the-box idea for this year, you’ve got plenty of options.
Pink Elephant Pop-Up
Espresso-martini-focused bar the Elephant is now the Pink Elephant for Valentine’s Day. It’s not that deep — just a whole lot of pink, hearts, and cute photo ops. (Plus, specialty cocktails, obvs.) But the visuals are very well done for a pop-up like this — and there’s a photo booth too!
Through February, 1500 Locust Street.
Taqueria Amor’s Valentine’s Makeover
Manayunk’s Taqueria Amor is embracing love with a makeover dedicated to iconic couples. There are drinks and decor dedicated to Ross & Rachel, Harry & Sally … you get the picture.
Through February, Taqueria Amor, 4410 Main Street.
Beauty and the Beast
The Broadway musical adaptation of Disney’s “tale as old as time” comes to the Academy of Music just in time for Valentine’s Day.
February 11th-22nd, Academy of Music, 200 South Broad Street.
An Improvised Rom-Com
Not Yet Rated holds their annual rom-com shows at Plays & Players. Using audience suggestion and improv, they’ll craft an original, hilarious love story on stage. “No script. No props. No idea what’s gonna happen.”
February 12th-14th, Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place.
Adult Prom at Philly Circus School
Get on your sequins, tuxes, upcycled retro duds, and ultra-glam prom dresses for this brand-new event that “reimagines the classic rite of passage through the playful, inclusive, and daring lens of contemporary circus.” Enjoy a dance floor beneath aerial apparatuses, roving circus performers, a make-your-own corsage/boutonniere station, and more fun. Desperately want to come but need childcare? Philly Circus School is offering that onsite.
February 14th, 7:30–10 p.m., Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene Street.
Tipsy History: A Love Story
Apparently, our very own Betsy Ross had quite a dramatic (for her day) romance: She eloped with her husband, John, and was condemned for marrying outside of her Quaker community. Hear about her love story, sip a cocktail, and go on a love-themed tour of the Betsy Ross House. Tours are 75 minutes, and advanced tickets are required.
February 13th and 14th, 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m., Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast / Photograph by Matthew Murphy
Laurel Hill Cemetery’s “Til Death Do Us Part” Tour
Laurel Hill Cemetery’s love-story tour was inspired by one of its … residents: Mary Peterson’s heart — just her heart — is buried with her first husband there. Till death do us part, indeed.
February 14th, 1-3 p.m., Laurel Hill East, 3822 Ridge Avenue.
Shine a Little Love Dance Party at the Trestle Inn
The Trestle Inn will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in style with a happy-hour dance party, “Shine a Little Love.” DJ Hardbargain and the Slinky Vagabond will spin “’70s smoochers and dance floor classics” on vinyl. There’s no cover, and there are Valentine-themed drink specials.
February 13th, 6-9 p.m., the Trestle Inn, 339 North 11th Street.
Valen-Tide’s Date Night at Adventure Aquarium
This adults-only, after-hours event includes access to the aquarium along with themed cocktails (available for purchase), “immersive lighting,” and fun photo ops.
February 13th, 6-9 p.m., Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden.
BYOB Happy Hour With Philly Goat Project
For something completely different (and cute), Philly Goat Project is hosting a BYOB happy hour at Awbury Arboretum where you can cuddle with goats, make s’mores around the fire, and even win hoof-made art in a raffle that supports PGP. Attendees must be at least 14 years old.
February 14th, 3-5 p.m., Awbury Arboretum, 6336 Ardleigh Street.
Viktor’s Valentine at Lincoln Mill Haunted House
If the very prospect of Valentine’s Day just sounds terrifying to you, this is your event. Lean into the horror with a Valentine’s weekend pop-up event at Manayunk’s Lincoln Mill Haunted House. “Viktor’s Valentine: A Dark Love Story” is a candlelight tour that leads guests into a blackout experience deep within the hidden chamber and rooms of the mill featuring scare actors that will jump out at you and generally be creepy. All tickets include access before and after to the deck overlooking the Schuylkill River. Reserve your timeslot online.
February 13th & 14th, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Lincoln Mill Haunted House, 4100 Main Street.
Making Time VALENTIME
Both floors of Warehouse on Watts will be filled with music, “from the deeper, soulful side to high-octane breaks and techno” for one special, transcendental night of dancing.
February 14th, 9 p.m.-3 a.m., Warehouse on Watts, 923 North Watts Street.
Now + Then Marketplace’s Make Love Market
It’s a day of love at — where else? — LOVE Park! Head to the Visitor Center building (the one that looks like a spaceship), where local vendors will be selling gifts (last-minute shoppers rejoice!), from art to chocolate to jewelry, and much more. Plus, head to Free Dating Advice‘s table, where they’ll “give you a profile review, help you heal your heartbreak, or give you a gut check on your latest dating drama.”
February 14th, noon-5 p.m., LOVE Park, 1600 JFK Boulevard.
Erotic Art Showcase
Do Not Disturb and Face Clock Gallery team up for an erotic, sex-positive group show spotlighting local artists and centered on pleasure and liberation. The exhibit runs from Valentine’s Day through the end of February, with a Valentine’s night opening party with art, performances, music, and a $5 suggested donation benefiting the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA.
Opening reception February 14th, 6 p.m., 1935 North 2nd Street.
Roller Circus: Rodeo of Lonely Hearts
Expect jaw-dropping circus acts — think aerialists, juggling, and comedy — all performed entirely on roller skates by a cast of Philly-area performers. There are two shows planned on Valentine’s night, and both are free!
February 14th, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Love City Brewing, 1023 Hamilton Street.
The Love “Doctors”
Self-proclaimed love “doctors” and real-life married couple Betsy Kenney and Ryan Haney host a tongue-in-cheek, performance-based therapy session aimed at unpacking why we’re all so bad at love. Whether you’re single, married, or stuck in a situationship, come ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe learn something.
February 14th, 9 p.m., CSz Philadelphia, 2030 Sansom Street.
Fun and Games
Valentine’s-themed mini golf at Franklin Square / Photograph courtesy of Historic Philadelphia
Mini Golf With Love at Franklin Square
Through February 28th, Franklin Square’s mini golf switches over to a Valentine’s Day theme called “Chilly Philly Mini Golf With Love,” adding special decorations and music to the course’s Philly landmarks. Of course, you can still catch the Electrical Spectacle light show every 30 minutes beginning at 5 p.m. daily and running through 9 p.m. Then grab warm drinks and cocktails and cuddle around the fire pits.
Thursdays through Sundays through February 28th, Franklin Square, 6th and Race streets.
Hearts and Crafts Kids Ball
This one’s for the littles. Cherry Street Pier hosts a family-fun Valentine’s Day extravaganza with PopUpPlay including crafts, collaborative arts, a dance party, and pretend play. The bar and select concessions will also be available during the event.
February 7th, 2-4 p.m., Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Columbus Boulevard.
Cupid’s Arrow Archery
If golf isn’t challenging enough, John Heinz Wildlife Refuge has free Cupid’s Arrow Archery for Valentine’s Day. USA Archery-certified instructors will help you with the basics of archery. No registration or equipment is required, and families are welcome with kids ages eight and up. (For something more grown-up and private, plan ahead for a “Date Knight” at Callowhill Archery.)
February 13th, 4-5:30 p.m., John Heinz Wildlife Refuge, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard.
Clay Dates
Both the Clay Studio ($150 per couple; 1425 North American Street) and YayClay ($230-$300 per couple; 3237 Amber Street) have Valentine date nights with champagne, chocolate, and couple’s wheel-throwing throughout the week, even after Valentine’s Day itself, if that specific day doesn’t work for you. Check their calendars for availability.
Spend Valentine’s Day on the ice. / Photograph courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Valentine’s Day Fire & Ice Party
Spend Valentine’s Day on the ice. Enjoy time on the rink, sip a hot cocktail by the fire, and stroll along the thousands of sparkling lights with river views. Plus, live ice-carvers and fire performers! Tickets include skating at Blue Cross RiverRink, make-and-take crafts, a photo booth, and live entertainment. Food, beer, and specialty cocktails can be purchased on site.
February 14th, 7-10:30 p.m., Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.
Cupid’s Masquerade Ball GayBINGO
Action Wellness’s popular, campy GayBINGO promises performances, prizes, and lots of fun with the Bingo Verifying Divas (BVDs). And it’s all to raise money to help those living with HIV. This month’s theme is “Cupid’s Masquerade Ball,” combining Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras for the ultimate masked ball. Costumes and table decorations are highly encouraged! Tickets available online.
February 14th, 7 p.m., Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 North Broad Street.
Improv for Couples
Laugh with (or at) your favorite person at this 90-minute, low-stakes couples’ improv workshop, open to Valentines, Galentines, and besties alike — no experience required. Bonus: The class is BYOB and you’ll get a discount to see a ComedySportz show in February.
February 14th, 4-5:30 p.m., CSz Philadelphia, 2030 Sansom Street.
Valentine’s Day Tasting and Mini Golf
Head to Libertee Grounds for a four-course prix-fixe menu with a cocktail, followed by nine holes of mini golf on their indoor course. Reserve your timeslot online.
February 11th-15th, 5-10 p.m., Libertee Grounds, 1600 West Girard Avenue.
Murder Mystery Dinner at Stratus Rooftop Lounge
Head to the Hotel Monaco’s rooftop lounge for an interactive murder mystery dinner! In the “Dead Men Don’t Speakeasy,” Without a Cue will provide the entertainment while Stratus serves up the views and a three-course dinner — plus dessert during the whodunnit’s big reveal! Advance tickets required.
February 14th, 7-10 p.m., Stratus Rooftop Lounge, 433 Chestnut Street.
Galentine’s (and Palentine’s) Day Events
Galentine’s Wine Tasting / Photograph courtesy of Wine Garden
Galentine’s Weekend at Wine Garden
Celebrate friendship all weekend at the Wine Garden with cocktails, photo-worthy decor, and interactive stations. There’s a Galentine’s happy hour on Friday with a lip gloss creation station, a floral arrangement bar, and light bites; a women-only Speed Friending on Saturday; and a Paint & Sip on Sunday. Tickets for the events are available online.
February 13th-15th, Wine Garden, 1617 JFK Boulevard.
Anti-Valentine’s Day at Doom Bar
Bring your crew for a Friday-the-13th hang with corpse-paint makeovers (and Polaroids to capture them!) and anti-Valentine’s crafts.
February 13th, 7-11 p.m., Doom Bar, 421 North 7th Street.
Galentine’s Boozy Tea at Aqimero
Grab your friends to sip on teapot-sized tea cocktails, a shareable four-course menu, and DJ music in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton.
February 12th, 8 p.m.-midnight, 10 Avenue of the Arts.
Glue Sticks and Feelings: An Anti Valentine’s Day Grief Crafting Circle
Wooden Shoe Books offers a low-pressure space to gather, make, and feel — together. Come share what you want, craft what you need (from collages to mini zines), and sit with the messy, funny, complicated parts of grief in a room that welcomes all skill levels and all kinds of loss. The event is free, with a suggested donation of $25.
February 13th, 7-8:30 p.m., Wooden Shoe Books, 704 South Street.
Evil Genius Beer’s Galentine’s Day Party
DJ Louie P spins all the girly pop anthems while you enjoy beer, cocktails, and a night out with your besties.
February 13th, 8-11 p.m., Evil Genius Beer Co., 1727 Front Street.
Bad Dates: A Valentine’s Dating Show
Headlined by comedian Jenny Zigrino, this show has comedians reliving their worst dating stories — before “two brave singles” will be paired up live on stage!
February 14th, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Next In Line Comedy, 1025 Hamilton Street.
