An Entertaining, Raucous Evening
Attending a comedy show with a group of good friends is a lighthearted way to spend Valentine’s Day. The evening includes three FunnyFest headliners, including Stu Hughes, as well as a prime rib dinner. Drink wine, win prizes and laugh the night away. This might even be the perfect setting for making new friends. $89 for the dinner and show, $59 for just the show.
(Marda Loop Community Centre, 3130 16 St. S.W., funnyfest.com)
A Night to Excite Your Taste Buds
A night of excitement is a night of hot chocolate. Valentine’s Day takes place right in the middle of the YYC Hot Chocolate Festival, where 15 vendors have prepared more than 20 different varieties of this delicious drink. Spend the evening hopping between the vendors, sampling sweet lavender hot chocolate, banana split hot chocolate and the several spirited varieties. Grab a group of friends and sample as many varieties as possible throughout the course of the evening.
(Various locations, yychotchocolate.com)
A Musical Evening
An unrequited love story complete with song and dance – West Side Story is an entertaining (and emotional) way to spend Valentine’s Day. It’s a classic American musical based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which means it’s both romantic and incredibly poignant. Be prepared: it’s the kind of show you’ll want to see with your mum, your siblings or your best friend rather than on a first date. Tickets from $35.
(Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., calgary.broadway.com)
An Evening of Dance
Love dancing but don’t have a partner? That’s ok. The Slow Dance Party organized by We Should Know Each Other was designed for both couples and singles. Book a dance partner for your favourite song of the evening using the Dance Cards or just spend the night dancing with one of the Designated Dancers. An evening of slow dancing might be the perfect way to meet a special friend. $10.
(Mount Royal University Wyckham House, 4825 Mt Royal Gate S.W., slowdanceparty.brownpapertickets.com)
A Night of Pampering and Relaxation
Treat yourself to a night of relaxation at a locally owned spa. At Swizzlesticks Spa, you can make Valentine’s Day all about you. Unwind with a 90-minute Thai Ritual Massage ($179) or a Spa manicure ($57). Visitors can all take advantage of the free lockers and the complimentary beverages. An effective and personal treatment on a Friday night? It doesn’t get better than that.
(Swizzlesticks Salon and Spa, 1211 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-270-7333, swizzlesticks.com)
An Evening to Get Your Heart Racing
Get your heart pumping with a drop-in kickboxing class. This activity burns 750 calories per hour, you’ll work your whole body and you can take out any feelings of stress and aggression. At this drop-in class, you’ll learn how to properly execute all the kicks and punches, even if you’ve never done the activity before. $14.29.
(Wellness Centre, 1301 16 Ave. N.W., 403-284-7248, sait.ca)