Valentine’s Day has been a traditional time for people to celebrate their love and friendship for centuries now. Couples exchange special gifts. Children hand out notes to their classmates. Families spend quality time together. Everyone has their traditions, but for those who need inspiration, here is a list of places and events to spend Thursday, February 14th. Whether you celebrate when the sun is shining during the day or when the stars come out at night, these activities are sure to make your Valentine’s Day special.
1. Walk Through Beautiful Views
The Devil’s Bridge trail is a 4.2-mile long hike featuring views of wildflowers, juniper, and Arizona’s famous Red Rock Country. It can get busy, but the views definitely make up for it. Also, the trail is dog-friendly in case a furry friend wants to tag along for the ride.
Time: Anytime; on average a one and a half hour round trip hike
Location: Sedona area of Coconino National Forest
Cost: Free
2. A Night at the Theater
For theater buffs that are definitely out there in the crowd, grab your friends and enjoy a night of music and entertainment while watching the off-Broadway musical “Jersey Boys” on Valentine’s Day. Watch and listen to the biography of the band, The Four Seasons, as they rise from the streets of New Jersey to the highest ranks of stardom and fall to an eventual break-up. This award-winning production won’t disappoint.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Phoenix Theatre
Cost: $51 – $101
3. Rink Side Seats
Who says you can’t go to a sporting event on Valentine’s Day? February is the perfect time to head to Gila River Arena and watch the Arizona Coyotes entertain hockey enthusiasts at home against visiting teams in the NHL. On Valentine’s Day, the Coyotes will be taking on the St. Louis Blues at home in Glendale. All the sports lovers and big-time hockey fans will love to cheer on the Coyotes while watching this action-packed game.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Gila River Arena
Cost: $23 – $44
4. Melodies and Movement
For those also in love with the ballet, this year there is no better place to be than at the opening night of Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony’s newest production. They will showcase both “The Firebird” and “La Sylphide” with music by Igor Stravinsky and Severin Løvenskiold. Take a seat in Phoenix Symphony Hall and prepare to be captivated by these intense stories with underlying themes of love and devotion perfectly in line with the love in the air.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Phoenix Symphony Hall
Cost: $38 – $172
5. Escape with Love
To get the adrenaline pumping with friends and family, head out to an escape room for a fun team-building challenge. Choose between five different themed rooms that range from a Jurassic world to an old west adventure at the number one escape room experience in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. There’s no need to be stuck this Valentine’s Day, so solve the riddle and find a way out.
Time: Every half hour from 1:30 – 10
Location: Escape the Room AZ
Cost: $28 – $32
6. Celebrate Music
It’s time to rock out this Valentine’s Day. The ‘one-man-band-jam’ Keller Williams will be performing at the Crescent Ballroom. With his combinations of various genres including but not limited to bluegrass, jazz and alternative rock, Williams will give an unforgettable performance for all in the audience.
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Crescent Ballroom
Cost: $25
7. Huzzah for Love!
It’s a blast from the past when the Renaissance Festival comes to town. Go for hours and enjoy shows, live music, dancing and even jousting. After an entertaining show, try some medieval fare like a turkey leg from many places to eat or explore trinkets and products from their many vendors. The excitement is never-ending which makes it the perfect place to celebrate with the whole family.
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Gold Canyon, Arizona
Cost: GA Adult $27; GA Child $17
8. Dinner and a Show
There’s no better way to spend Valentine’s Day than with a smile on your face and a laugh in your heart. ThirdSpace, a local Phoenix restaurant, hosts comedians from all over the country every Thursday night. The comedians will test out new material and practice classic bits with a live audience. The show is typically around 3 hours long, and there are food and drink specials running the whole night.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: ThirdSpace Restaurant
Cost: Entrance Free; Food and Drink Varies
9. Foodie Feelings
Why limit yourself to one restaurant this Valentine’s Day? Taste It Tours hosts a tour of some of Downtown Phoenix’s finest eateries. The tour stops at five different restaurants where guests are served delicious food and drink to try. If you’re interested in attending, know that all food is pre-selected and can’t be substituted due to the goal of presenting guests with the most popular food items. There is a bit of walking between restaurants that totals at one and a half to two miles, but the great food and service will make up for the walk.
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Downtown Phoenix
Cost: $60
10. Girls Night Out
For women who are on their own this year, head out to celebrate self-love and womanhood. “The Secret Comedy of Women” is a girls only comedy show that explores the wonders of being a woman through song, dance and stories. This two-woman show is sure to leave you in tears because of their witty (and relatable) material. There’s no need to be alone this year when there’s a whole room full of women to join when celebrating oneself.
Time: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Location: Herberger Theater
Cost: $54 – $62
Bonus: ‘Dirty Dancing’
The Arizona Center and FilmBar will be showing the iconic classic ‘Dirty Dancing’ on Thursday, Feb. 14. The movie will be projected on a big screen in the lush outdoor Grotto at Arizona Center, starting at 6:30 p.m. There will be some wonderful food vendors on site with meals, snack, and treats (including popcorn!) available for purchase. This is a free event and the first 50 groups will receive a free blanket to cozy up with while watching the movie!
