Valentine’s Day weekend is upon us, although where January went is anyone’s guess. You might need some ideas to help get your started.
Here are a few ideas for some fun things to do for Valentine’s Day, from sweet to spooky. A word of caution: some of these may have filled up. It’s a good idea to call in advance.
1. If you’re the kind of couple who would prefer to black roses and teddy bears dressed in spikes, this one might be up your alley. The Massacre Haunted House in Montgomery never really closed down after Halloween. After doing a Christmas-themed haunt, they’re back with Valentine’s Massacre, from 8-11 p.m. Saturday. Actually, this isn’t a bad idea for newly dating folks — no pressure to be romantic, and plenty of opportunities for physical contact should one person need to jump into the arms of a braver person. The trip through the house will be completely in the dark, with everyone being given a glow stick as their only light source. Additionally, there is no set path … so good luck finding your way out. 299 Montgomery Road, Montgomery. 708-320-3327; www.fearthemassacre.com. Tickets are $25 ($35 fast pass, $50 VIP ticket).
2. Love Birds: Valentine’s Couples Buffet Dinner Celebration at Brushed Chicago in Elgin. 5-7:45 p.m. Saturday. Share a canvas and a meal with someone you love this Valentine’s Day. A buffet-style meal will provided by Elegant Cuisine and live music by Adam Hernandez. Brushed Chicago owner Nicole Brown will walk you through creating a masterpiece painting together. Bring your own beverage of choice. Tickets are $80 per couple. 15 Douglas Ave. 847-220-7335; www.brushedchicago.com.
3. If you’ve blown your holiday budget on flowers and candy, try some beautiful music to the tune of free. Cantigny Park will host a complimentary performance by the Alena Quintet at 3 p.m. Sunday. The Alena Quintet is a standard string quartet plus clarinet. All five musicians are students at Metea Valley High School in Aurora. In honor of Valentine’s Day, their Cantigny concert will include love songs from movies such as “The Lion King” and “Tangled,” along with romantic movements from the Mozart and Brahms Clarinet-Quintets. Although tickets are free, parking is $5, and distribution is by lottery due to limited seating. Cantigny Park, 1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. 630-260-8162; www.cantigny.org.
4. For a dose of irreverent Valentine’s Day comedy, check out “Hooking Up With The Second City” at 6 and 9 p.m. Saturday at the McAninch Arts Center on the campus of College of DuPage. This adults-only show pokes fun at the things we do for love and relationships. The McAninch Arts Center is at 425 Fawell Blvd., on the campus of College of DuPage, in Glen Ellyn. Tickets are $32-$36. 630-942-4000; www.atthemac.org.
5. New York jazz chanteuse Alexis Cole presents “Alexis Cole Sings Disney Love Songs” at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Sandwich Opera House. Cole will perform favorites from the Disney songbook, including “So This Is Love” from “Cinderella,” “Once Upon a Dream” from “Sleeping Beauty” and “If I Never Knew You” from “Pocahontas.” Tickets are $25. The Sandwich Opera House is at 140 E. Railroad St., Sandwich. 815-786-2555; www.sandwichoperahouse.org.
Annie Alleman is a freelance writer.
