Our picks for events in and around Chicago this Valentine’s Day weekend.
Galentine’s Day Taylor Swift Party
Dress as your favorite Taylor Swift Era and go out to Recess for a Galentine’s Day dance party. Maybe coordinate with your besties to make a candy heart palette of “Lover,” “Midnights” and “The Life of a Showgirl”? DJs Greg Corner, Anna Sophia and Ari will spin, while Rad + Refined offers bracelet making. Tickets include a drink package — Eras-inspired, of course. 8-11 p.m. Feb. 13 at Recess, 838 W. Kinzie St.; tickets $30 at recesschicago.com
“Improvised Jane Austen”
Know your own happiness. And if yours happens to involve a love of empire-waist gowns, get to the iO Theater. Mark Valentine’s Day and the recent 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a night of improv. A cast of about 20 performers embroider a British Regency-era rom-com from Austen tropes. 6 p.m. Feb. 14 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays through March 28 at iO Theatre, 1501 N. Kingsbury St.; tickets $22.80 at improvisedjaneausten.com
“Crying at The Shed”
If you long for complicated love stories, Salt Shed has the film fest for you. Seven films will screen this weekend: On Feb. 13, Mike Mills’ “Beginners” (2010), Alfonso Cuarón’s “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001), and Gus Van Sant’s “My Own Private Idaho” (1991). Then, on the big day, a family matinee of Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” (1955) followed by Alice Rohrwacher’s “La Chimera” (2023), Spike Jonze’s “Her” (2013), and Sophia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation” (2003). 5 p.m. Feb. 13 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $12.34 at saltshedchicago.com
“Cendrillon”
Or perhaps you prefer a fairy tale romance: Chicago City Opera performs “Cendrillon” — or Cinderella. The opera by Jules Massenet originally debuted in 1899. See it this weekend in Chicago and Highland Park. Hayley Fox stars as Cinderella; Alexis Enyart will conduct. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13-14 at The CheckOut, 4116 N. Clark St. (ages 21+); 2 p.m. Feb. 15 at in Trinity Highland Park, 425 Laurel Ave., Highland Park; tickets from $32.79 at chicagocityopera.com
Love at the Pier
Cuddle up on Navy Pier with more than a dozen Valentine’s Day options, ranging from 360-degree views from the Centennial Wheel, a date-night performance of “Hamnet” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, or a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Cap off the holiday with Valentine’s Day fireworks at 9 p.m. Feb. 13-14 on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; full details at navypier.org
Love Bites: A Valentine’s Haunted House
Want to get your pulse racing this weekend? Thirteenth Floor puts a Valentine’s spin on its Schiller Park haunted house. Vampires and other creepy monsters promise plenty of thrills — not to mention photo opps and merch. Date-night packages are available along with mini escape games and a zombie shoot. Through Feb. 15 at 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago, 5050 River Road, Schiller Park; tickets from $29.99 at 13thfloorchicago.com
Love in every hue
The Color Factory hosts a Valentine’s celebration on Valentine’s eve, featuring a free photo print and picture frame. The sensory exhibit centers on the feelings colors evoke — not to mention all those likes you can generate in this Insta-friendly space. Go show the world your love. 4 p.m. Feb. 13 at Color Factory Chicago, 233 S. Wacker Drive; tickets from $29 at colorfactory.co
Roar-Mantic Rhythms
Brookfield Zoo Chicago hosts a Valentine’s fundraiser in the style of a 1920s jazz club. Support the zoo and enjoy a cocktail hour, five-course meal and up-close animal encounter. Or if you’ve recently suffered a break-up, consider chipping in a mere $15 to cheer yourself up: Through Valentine’s Day, the Zoo will name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after the person of your choosing. 6-10 p.m. Feb. 14 at Discovery Center at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield; tickets from $15-$525 at brookfieldzoo.org
Hug-A-Mug
Yes, Lillstreet Art Center offers a Date Night Throwdown — a pottery workshop for couples on Friday nights — but you’ll have to join the waitlist for this weekend’s sold-out installment. Instead, round up your kids and head to the Hug-A-Mug class on Valentine’s morning. Make cocoa mugs, soup bowls or other cozy objects. 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 14 at Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.; tickets $52 per person (ages 5+, adult must accompany children) at lillstreet.com
Rosé & Roses
Head to Mesler for Valentine’s Day brunch and make a rose bouquet during a workshop led by Bronzeville florist Fleurish Chicago. Depending on which package you pick, sip Veuve Clicquot Rosé or non-alcoholic French Bloom Le Rosé as you design your blooms. Chocolate truffles included. 12:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at Mesler Kitchen, 1411 E. 53rd St.; tickets from $50 at resy.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com
