Whether you’re single or in a relationship, it can be hard to keep Valentine’s Day interesting. Here are a few suggestions for celebrating a little differently this year.
Check out 17th Avenue S.W. all month long for Valentine’s Day events and deals for singles
When: February 1 to 28
Meeting new people will be easier than ever this February — as part of the “Get Off the Apps and Onto the Ave” initiative, businesses along 17th Avenue S.W. will be holding special events and deals, all aimed at the single crowd. From food deals and spin classes for singles to speed dating nights and trivia matches, there’s something happening every night to get you out and meeting new people the old-fashioned way.
Celebrate love of all kinds at the Palentine’s Day Showcase at cSpace King Edward
When: February 9
At cSpace King Edward, take this opportunity to celebrate all forms of love — from romantic to familial to any other kind you can think of. At the Palentine’s Day Showcase, you’ll find art, live music and a cash bar, as well as love tarot readings, love potion making and a live auction.
1721 29 Ave. S.W., 403-476-2025, cspacekingedward.com
Listen to a candlelit musical performance
When: February 9, 10, 11 and 14
What could possibly be more romantic than a candlelit concert? This February, Fever is presenting a series of romantic Valentine’s concerts, with performers playing music while surrounded by thousands of candles. There are various showtimes at four venues. At one concert, listen to music inspired by Romeo and Juliet, performed by string quartet Listeso. Or check out the Candlelight Jazz concert, where the Calgary Jazz Quartet will pay tribute to Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and more. Certain venues will include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. A full list of the candlelit concerts can be found online.
Order a fondue kit from Empire Provisions
When: Available for pickup or delivery from February 9 to 14 (pickup only on February 12)
Instead of going out for dinner to a crowded restaurant this year, consider staying home, ordering in a fondue kit from Empire Provisions and spending time with loved ones. Each kit comes with everything you need for a super cheesy Valentine’s meal. This includes instructions on how to prepare the fondue, as well as dippables like Empire’s beef pepperoni, fingerling potatoes, an Alforno baguette and chocolate truffles for dessert. Also available is a Valentine’s grazing board for two, with a selection of meats, cheeses and dips. Both the fondue kit and grazing board are available by pre-order only.
8409 Elbow Dr. S.W., 403-244-0570, empireprovisions.com
Shop at the Broken Hearts, Friends & Lovers Market
When: February 10 to 12
Presented by Market Collective in partnership with Chinook Blast, the Broken Hearts, Friends & Lovers Market brings local artists and makers together to sell their work in the Municipal Complex Atrium. The market will also feature art installations, DJs, live music, a “broken/heart photobooth” and more.
800 Macleod Tr. S.E., marketcollective.ca
Learn about the science of sex and romance at Aroused: Telus Spark After Dark
When: February 10
This adults-only event at Telus Spark explores the science of sex, love and intimacy. Bring your partner for a heated night of science-based fun, with chair and pole dancing performances, talks in the Infinity Dome and a full-service bar with themed drinks and snacks.
220 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca
Taste wine and chocolate at the Calgary Farmers’ Market
When: February 11 and 12
At both Calgary Farmers’ Market locations, learn about why wine and chocolate are a match made in heaven during this tasting session. Led by experts from Market Wines and Master Chocolat, the hour-long tasting will take you through the world of flavours — from light to bold — that come from these classic Valentine’s treats.
510 77 Ave. S.E. and 25 Greenbriar Dr. N.W., calgaryfarmersmarket.ca
Wine, dine and learn about how animals show affection at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
When: February 11, 13 and 14
Can you feel the love tonight? At the 29th annual In the Heat of the Night event at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, you can dine on a romantic, four-course meal inside the Enmax Observatory. The menu includes Valentine’s Day-themed dishes like borscht soup with duck and braised and roasted beef with red pepper risotto. After dinner, you’ll be treated to a presentation on how animals show love in the wild.
210 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.com
Browse local artwork and crafts while mingling with creatives at 500 Collective
When: February 11
500 Collective is a new co-working space for artists and makers, and it includes a market area where people can sell their creations. To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, 500 Collective is hosting Market Amour, which will feature the work of more than 15 local vendors. Enjoy a local beer or glass of bubbly while you browse the market, and be sure to catch the erotic art exhibition and burlesque show.
321 50 Ave. S.E., 403-262-1880, 500collective.com
Learn acrobatics with friends and lovers at Green Fools
When: February 12
Green Fools is a local theatre organization that focuses on teaching and promoting the art of circus, clowning and physical theatre. On February 12, Green Fools is holding two Valentine’s-themed introductory classes — one for couples, in which you‘ll learn partner acrobatics together, and one for “pals,” where you will be introduced to aerial silk ropes and hoops. Both classes come with wine and chocolate.
7056G Farrel Rd. S.E., 403-237-9010, greenfools.com