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. It’s time to 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 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!

Dinner and a movie are a tried-and-true date night idea, but sometimes it’s fun to tweak it a little.

Okay, just go with dinner and a movie — but head to Heritage Park for one of their specially-themed options on February 28, 2023! It’s a time-honoured classic for a reason, I guess.

Vertigo Theatre is presenting Extractionist until February 26, 2023, 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 catchy and upbeat Mamma Mio all month long. (You could also plan a family date to Freakish Friday at Jubilations Junior every Saturday in February.) Or head to Elvis Has Left the Building at Stage West, starting on February 10, 2023.

From February 16 – 18, 2023, the Alberta Ballet is presenting Love Rocks, an innovative performance featuring music by Lennie Kravitz.

This is barely a February Date Night, but tickets to Broadway Across Canada’s Anastasia might make a great Valentine’s gift! It opens on February 28, 2023.

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 12, 2023. It’s an evening of musical romance! (Unless you’re not with your love, then it’s an evening of great jazz music.)

Enjoy an evening of Candlelight Music with a special Valentine-themed concert. Find one on February 10, 2023, or February 11, 2023, (this one includes food with your ticket).

Tipples & Treats

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

Winefest will delight your palate from February 17 – 18, 2023, with a chance to taste hundreds of different wines and a gourmet selection of hors-d’oeuvres.

Or plan a date afternoon on February 11 or 12, 2023, at the Calgary Farmers Market with their Wine and Chocolate tastings.

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 12, 2023. (Granted, the kids will probably want to come to that one. Can you even find a babysitter on Sunday morning?!)

Love IKEA? Even IKEA is celebrating Valentine’s Day, with a special Valentine’s dinner on February 14, 2023. (But tickets must be purchased in advance.)

Adults Play, Too

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

On select days until February 12, 2023, 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.

Looking for a new activity? Check out All Sport One City from February 11 – 20, 2023. It’s an opportunity to try a new sport for FREE!

Would you rather relax than run? Makami College is offering a Valentine’s Day special for you and your love. Register for a Valentine’s Day Couple Massage Workshop on February 11, 2023. You’ll be guided by the experts as you take turns massaging each other. You’ll also enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries and Prosecco (or other sparkling beverages) for this unique experience.

Head to TELUS Spark for Spark After Dark, and enjoy some adult-only fun at Calgary’s science centre on February 10, 2023. It’s the science of romance and arousal.

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.

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, on February 11 (sold out), 13, or 14, 2023, where you can enjoy a romantic 4-course dinner and a cheeky 18+ presentation about how animals show their love in the wild.

Speaking of animals, The Wildlife Festival is hosting an adult-only night on February 17, 2023. It’s an interactive animal experience with entertaining stage shows and educational displays.

For another adults-only night, check out Night Shift: Virtue & Vice on February 25, 2023, at YouthLink Police Interpretive Centre.

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.