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.

Okay, go catch a movie — but head to Films at the Fort for a change! They are playing older movies on February 3, 11, 17, 24, and 25, 2024.

You can also literally enjoy Dinner and a Movie at Heritage Park. They are playing Grease on February 20, 2024, with a themed three-course menu. It’s a time-honoured classic for a reason, I guess.

Vertigo Theatre is presenting Heist until February 25, 2024, 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 Beach Boys of Summer all month long. (You could also plan a family date to Beach Barbie’s Birthday Bash at Jubilations Junior every Saturday in February.) Or head to Stage West, with Step by Step finishing on February 4, 2024, and Chapter Two starting on February 9, 2024.

From February 15 – 17, 2024, the Alberta Ballet is presenting the Beijing Dance Theatre in Hamlet.

Is this a show? An experience? A murderous dinner party? Whatever it is, it will be a unique date night idea! Heritage Park is hosting Murder at the Park on February 9, 10, 22, 24 and 29, 2024. It’s a delicious 3-course meal and an interactive murder mystery to solve.

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 11, 2024. 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’s concert on February 14, 2024.

From February 15 – 17, 2024, 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.

Okay, so this event isn’t actually in February, but we couldn’t resist! Winefest will delight your palate from March 1 – 2, 2024, with a chance to taste hundreds of different wines and a gourmet selection of hors-d’oeuvres.

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 11, 2024. (Granted, the kids will probably want to come to that one. Can you even find a babysitter on Sunday morning?!)

Adults Play, Too

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

On select days from February 2 – 19, 2024, 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 10 – 19, 2024. 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 9, 2024. It’s the science of Tender Tingles.

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, Chopping Block, on February 23, 2024.

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 10, 13, or 14, 2024, 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 is selling out quickly, however.)

Speaking of animals, The Wildlife Festival is hosting an adult-only night on February 16, 2024. 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.