12 February 8 - 14, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Love Is in the Area The coolest, best and cheapest things to do in Dallas for Valen- tine’s Day. BY AVA THOMPSON V alentine’s Day is so ubiquitous that it feels as if longtime lovers, independent singles and hopeless romantics are all forced to confront their calendar on Feb. 14, with the same vigor. But Cupid’s holiday is not one-size- fits-all. A romantic candlelight dinner spot might not be the place to meet up with your freshly single best friends, for example. Plus, it’s easy to procrastinate making any sort of plan until all that’s left is impersonal cliches. So we’ve gathered a list of Valentine’s Day events across Dallas-Fort Worth from movie nights to salsa les- sons to candlelight concerts. Pick your favorite and per- sonalize a perfect Valentine’s Day for you and your loved one(s). And if you’re tired of the corporate, corny Valen- tine’s Day culture and still want to celebrate love with your friends or partner, try our less expensive and far cooler options. Free Have a Picnic at Lakeside Park With the Teddy Bears 4585-4657 Lakeside Drive The teddy bear statues in Dallas’ swanky Highland Park neighborhood are in a serene picnic spot and offer a great backdrop for cutesy photos. But, they also resemble a sort of scavenger hunt because they’re not exactly easy to find. They’re tucked away behind the park’s benches and require some effort to locate. But it’s worth it just to delight in the scenic Lakeside Park for Valentine’s Day. A Harder Alternative: Make it a morbid romance kind of date and enjoy a picnic at Bonnie and Clyde’s graves. Public Art in Dallas Mark Valentine’s Day by touring Dallas’ public art. Celebrate romance with your partner at “Plaza Cattle Drive” at 1428 Young St. or remake the scene depicted by “People at Play” at 6906 Churchill Way. The “I Love You” mural downtown and the mural that spells out “blank plus blank equals heart” — where you and a special someone can fill in the blanks with your bodies— are adorable and perfect for a keepsake. V-Day Dates That Won’t Break the Bank Valentine’s Salsa Night 5–10 p.m., Feb. 14, 2642 Main St. Dance Valentine’s Day away with a free salsa lesson that kicks off at 7 p.m. on the Vidorra rooftop. Before the lessons, you can have a bite and sip at the modern Mexican restau- rant — so make a whole night of it. Find information about your reservations and learn more about the free lessons on the Valentine’s Salsa Night Eventbrite. Valentine’s Day Ikebana Exhibition & Workshop 1–6 p.m., Feb. 10, 7700 Northaven Road North Haven Gardens is teaming up with the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Dallas Branch for a special Valentine’s Day work- shop. With all-natural supplies included in the workshop to create new living art, you can hone a new skill just in time for Valentine’s Day. There is a free Ikebana exhibition from 1 to 6 p.m. and a $25 workshop from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Wedding Singer Screening at Alamo Drafthouse 7 p.m., Feb. 14, 100 S. Central Expressway, Richardson Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your favorite burnt-out wed- ding and bar mitzvah crooner at this special screening of the ‘90s rom-com The Wedding Singer. Watch Drew Barrymore opposite Adam Sandler, accompanied by a sing-along, props and a special menu for the ultimate immersive experience. (For those who really want to go the full mile, we advise pulling up to the screening in the unforgettable ‘80s mullet that Sandler sports in the film.) Tickets are available on the Alamo Drafthouse website. Splurge a Little Sweet Escape at The Westin Stonebriar Resort 1549 Legacy Drive, Frisco Itching for a romantic staycation? The Westin has you cov- ered with a relaxing Sweet Escape romance package, which includes a bottle of sparkling wine, a s’more kit, $50 food and beverage credit, complimentary valet and a late check- out. Also, parents don’t have to leave the kids at home with the Little Glampers Retreat Package. Your little ones can en- joy a more adventurous staycation with an in-room tent, red and pink decor, and a teddy bear. Catbird Dallas 1401 Elm St. Perched on the ninth floor of The Thompson Hotel at down- town’s The National, Catbird Dallas boasts spectacular pink and red decorations just in time for Valentine’s Day. With an abundance of red and pink feathers and roses, you can enjoy views of the city on an impressive wraparound balcony. Find more details about dinner on the Catbird Dallas website. Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special 6:30 p.m., Feb. 14, 2810 White Rock Road Fulfill all of your Valentine’s dreams at a special one-hour Valentine’s Day Candlelight concert featuring the music of Romeo and Juliet, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and more. Really, what could be dreamier than spending a Feb. 14 serenaded by classical music with the romantic ambiance of candle- light? Learn more about ticket details on the website. The Rayleigh Underground 5–11:30 p.m., Feb. 14, 316 Las Colinas Blvd. W., No. 100, Irving Luxuriate in a Vegas-style Valentine’s celebration at The Rayleigh Underground with entertainment from Justin & the Swingbeats — a 14-piece swing band. The night begins with a Jell-O shot served on a gold platter, followed by a multiple-course dinner. This 38,000-square-foot venue is sure to make for a grand Valentine’s evening. You can learn more about ticket pricing on the website. Dallas Mimosa Walk: St. Valentine’s Day Weekend Noon – 3:30 p.m., Feb. 10, 101 N. Crowdus St. Pregame Valentine’s Day with a nice Saturday stroll, mimo- sas in hand, at Deep Ellum Outdoor Market. With a passport map of 20 mimosa stops, there is also a Valentine’s Bash after the walk at 3:30 p.m at Elm & Good. Learn more about tick- ets and specific mimosa stops on the Dallas Mimosa Walk: St. Valentine’s Day Weekend Eventbrite. Singles Galentine’s Glam Party at Sweet Tooth Hotel 7:30–10 p.m., Feb. 9, 1511 Elm St. With a set by DJ Ursa Minor, specialty cocktails inspired by Girl Scout Cookies and VIP MYX Blend Bar custom lip products, you can get your best gal pals together at the Sweet Tooth Hotel’s Galentine’s Day Party. Plus, you can explore nine different immersive art galleries at the Valentine’s Day celebration. Admission to this event is 21 and older. Learn more at the Sweet Tooth Hotel website. Anti-Valentine’s Day Singles’ Mixer at El Chingon 7 p.m., Feb. 15, 2800 Bledsoe St., No. 100, Fort Worth For those harboring some Valentine’s-Day-related frustra- tion, head over to Fort Worth’s “Bad Ass Mexican” restau- rant for an Anti-Valentine’s Day Singles’ Mixer. Celebrate the independence of singledom with specialty cocktails such as the Spicy Señorita and Galentine’s and Bromance pack- ages for all of your friends. Entry is free, but you can RSVP online for a hosted cocktail and complimentary bites. Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day Treats for Kids & Kids at Heart 1–3 p.m., Feb. 11, 8525 Garland Road Registered dietitian and nutritionist Cindy Kleckner is lead- ing a hands-on Valentine’s Day experience for budding chefs at the Dallas Arboretum. The menu includes Cupid’s Valen- tine popcorn, heart-shaped pancakes with strawberry sauce, sweetheart cut-out cupcakes, chocolate-dipped mini pretzels and marshmallows, and “heart-y” smoothies. Buy tickets and learn more about the event on the Dallas Arboretum website. WesleyPeterson1/Instagram ▼ Culture The Teddy Bear Park is a great V-Day spot, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
