Ah, Valentine’s Day, when the thoughts of parents turn to leaving their kids at home with a babysitter and going out for an evening that doesn’t involve sippy cups and colouring sheets. I don’t know about you, but when I had young kids, I was happy to grab a coffee at Tim Hortons, as long as it was sans kids. It meant I didn’t have to share my doughnut. Let’s plan a February Date Night!

In honour of Valentine’s Day this month, we’ve come up with a few date ideas that go beyond dinner and a movie. Grab your sweetheart or a friend, and plan a memorable adult night out anytime this February. (Some of these ideas would even work for a special date night with one of your mini-sweethearts. Or check out our Family Valentine’s Guide.)

Showtime!

Going to dinner and a movie is a tried-and-true date night, but sometimes it’s fun to tweak it a little.

You can also literally enjoy Dinner and a Movie at Heritage Park. They are playing Grease on February 18, 2025, with a themed three-course menu. It’s a time-honoured classic for a reason, I guess.

Inconceivable! Yes, you guessed it. The Princess Bride is playing at The GRAND on Valentine’s Day.

Vertigo Theatre is presenting Deadly Murder all month, and what says romance more than a live theatre, spine-chilling thriller?

Enjoy dinner and a show at Jubilations Dinner Theatre as they present The Big Bang Parody: A Musical all month long. Or head to Stage West, with Too Many Cooks opening on February 7, 2025.

Dave Kelly Live is back on February 13, 2025. It’s time to celebrate the stories, talents, and humour that make Calgary shine, so come feel the love with a night of surprises and unforgettable moments. Bring a date! Bring a friend! Bring yourself!

From February 13 – 15, 2025, the Alberta Ballet is presenting the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Sweet Music

There are tons of fabulous concerts of all types in Calgary; these might get you started.

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra will add some love to your evening with The Art of Romance, Art of Soul on February 9, 2025. It’s an evening of musical romance! (Unless you’re not with your love, then it’s an evening of great jazz music.)

From February 14 – 15, 2025, Calgary Folk Fest brings you Block Heater, to warm up your February nights.

Tipples & Treats

There’s nothing like trying something new — especially when it’s something delicious!

Do you need a budget-friendly date night idea? Well, February is the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest for special drinks that also support Meals on Wheels.

If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, the Safari Sunday Brunch at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is hosting a Valentine-themed brunch on February 16, 2025. (Granted, the kids will probably want to come to that one. Can you even find a babysitter on Sunday morning?!)

What about a Galentine’s event, instead of a Valentine’s event? Get your tickets to the Galentine’s Tea at the Lougheed House and treat your bestie! Or you can get tickets for Love at Lougheed House Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Heritage Park also has a Valentine’s Day Dinner. It’s an intimate 3-course meal, served against the backdrop of vintage cars in Gasoline Alley.

Adults Play, Too

If you like to stay active and engaged, well, we know that adults play, too!

On select days until February 17, 2025, head downtown to the Chinook Blast Festival. With live music, dancing, outdoor lounges, and stunning light show installations, you’ll find something to celebrate this winter.

On the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, you can join an adults-only walking tour Lovers, Courtship and Power Belts or a Valentine’s Vintage Card Making Workshop. These are both at Heritage Park.

Looking for a new activity? Check out All Sport One City from February 8 – 17, 2025. It’s an opportunity to try a new sport for FREE!

Head to TELUS Spark for Spark After Dark, and enjoy some adult-only fun at Calgary’s Science Centre on February 14, 2025. It’s the science of Guilty Pleasures.

What about trying to escape from a locked room? With all kinds of themes and locations around town, this is fun for a double date or the whole family. Or you can head to the Calgary Public Library for their Locked Library event, Legendary, on February 21, 2025.

Do you enjoy playing games? Check out a board game cafe this February — it’s another perfect double date. Winter is the best time to try out a new game!

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has some adults-only time planned with In the Heat of the Night, from February 13 – 15, 2025, where you can enjoy a romantic 4-course dinner and a cheeky 18+ presentation about how animals show their love in the wild. (This event usually sells out.)

Speaking of animals, The Wildlife Festival is hosting an adult-only night on February 14, 2025. It’s an interactive animal experience with entertaining stage shows and educational displays.

Whether you need a romantic night out, some laughs with friends, or want to create a special date for your kids, we wish you a happy Valentine’s Day and season! Even if you have to share your doughnuts.