No matter what your relationship status is, keeping Valentine’s Day exciting can be a challenge. Shake things up this year with these fresh and unique ways to celebrate with friends or a partner.
Make a vintage Valentine’s Day card
When: February 8
Ditch the store-bought Valentine’s Day card this year and make your own at Heritage Park. Follow along with expert vintage card maker Judith de Haan to craft your own paper masterpiece using paper designs and techniques dating back to 1800s Europe. Attendees will craft two cards to bring home.
1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., 403-268-8500, heritagepark.ca
Listen to romance music with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra
When: February 9
Let the Calgary Jazz Orchestra sweep you off your feet with a night of romance and soul. In the first half of the show, hear music from the Great American Songbook, while the second half explores the golden eras of Motown, soul and funk. Explore love songs from every decade with music by artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Stevie Wonder.
Bella Concert Hall, 18 Mt Royal Cir. S.W., 403-440-7770, events.mtroyal.ca
Test your love song knowledge at a trivia night
When: February 12
Ready to test your love song knowledge? At the Love Songs Name That Tune & Trivia night at The Kings Head, see if you can remember some of the most iconic love songs as you guess the names of famous ballads and break-up anthems to win prizes.
9116 Macleod Tr. S.E., 780-232-1222, eventbrite.ca
Shop at the Easy Days Valentines Day Pop-Up Market
When: February 13
Find a gift for your sweetheart (or yourself) at the Easy Days Valentines Pop-Up Market, where you can peruse items like retro clothing, jewellery and candles from seven vendors. Sip a local craft beer while you browse from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Eighty-Eight Brewing Co., 1070, 2600 Portland St. S.E., @easydaysyyc
Spend a night at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo learning about how animals show their love
When: February 13 to 15
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s latest Wild After Hours event takes place around Valentine’s Day weekend. In the Heat of the Night is an adults-only experience that includes a four-course dinner and a presentation that looks at the fascinating ways animals express their love in the wild.
210 St. Georges Dr. N.E., 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.com
Wander through a love-inspired photo gallery
When: February 14
Part of the Exposure Photography Festival, Idle Eyes Collective’s Bleeding Hearts photography exhibition explores the different phases of love from passion to heartbreak. The one-night exhibit explores the light and dark sides of Valentine’s Day through stunning fine art and photography by multiple artists.
215 36 Ave. N.E., exposurephotofestival.com
Watch a play about love with a dark twist
When: February 14 to 16
Dive into a night of love, laughs and lethal plot twists with Calgary-based theatre group Sundog Storytellers. The Widowmaker: A Valentine’s Day Showcase is a dark comedy centered around the idea that “all the good ones are taken,” leaving characters to navigate the world of love in an unconventional way. Event tickets include access to an art exhibition with some non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy before the show.
Theatre 1308, 1308 Edmonton Tr. N.E., sundogstorytellers.com
Indulge in some guilty pleasures at Telus Spark
When: February 14
Telus Spark’s latest Spark after Dark event explores the theme of guilty pleasures. At the adults-only event, learn about the science behind shopping, desire, social media and other temptations we secretly savour. Event activities include a cabaret show, ASMR readings and a video game zone. Plus, satisfy your food cravings by indulging in the Valentine’s dinner buffet or the Guilty Pleasure food tray filled with indulgent snacks.
220 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca
Watch a romantic comedy with friends at a Galentine’s movie night
When: February 15
Celebrate your friendships while making some new ones at this Galentine’s Movie Night presented by Wunmi Marketing. Watch a rom-com, eat popcorn and drink some hot cocoa.
Como Se Dice Studios, 110 3 Ave. S.E., eventbrite.ca
Watch a drag show with your friends
When: February 15
Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with a night of fabulous drag performances at Brewsters’ Crowfoot location. Hosted by drag queen Nada Nuff, the lineup of drag performers promise a stunning night of laughter, theatrics and entertainment.
Brewsters, 25 Crowfoot Terrace N.W., brewsters.ca
[Correction: This story previously listed the incorrect date for the Galentine’s Movie Night. It has been updated to the correct date, February 15.]