The 2023 eATLAS Valentine’s Day Guide

For many couples, Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated with a box of chocolates, flowers, and a fancy dinner. But if you’re looking for something different this year, eATLAS has found examples of Valentine’s Day activities throughout the Chicago area, most of which are geared toward couples.  

By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago)

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Lakeview’s Get in the Kitchen has several cooking classes in the run-up to Valentine’s Day. Feb. 10^th is their Dumplings for My Dumpling night, where guests will learn to make three dumplings, including one for dessert. The next evening combines cooking tapas with a lesson in Salsa dancing. Both include a complementary cocktail and wine is available for purchase.

Other cooking classes can be found at Bettie’s in River North. The Valentine’s Day events at the newly opened 1950s diner-themed baking school consist of making French macarons on Feb. 11^th and cookie decorating on the 12^th.

Chicago and Valentine’s Day have a notorious connotation due to that infamous 1929 shooting in a Lincoln Park garage. The Des Plaines Theatre is reliving the Prohibition Era with the Valentine’s Day Massacre Murder Mystery Dinner. Following the meal, guests will be treated to a reinterpretation of that historical event. If you can’t get to Des Plaines on Valentine’s Day, the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles is hosting it on Feb. 15^th.

Located at the Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery in Beverly, Bev Art Brewer & Winemaker Supply is holding the Valentine’s Crush, a combination dinner and winemaking experience, on Feb. 11^th. Couples will be able to choose their preferred varietal of wine, and then compete against the other attendees to see who can stomp the most. The vat will then be turned into wine and be picked up when it’s ready. In addition to the dinner, there will be wine tastings and cheese bites, with games and live music.

During the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, Above Average Candle Studio in North Park will have numerous classes every day. Participants will learn how to make an 8 oz. “Ambience Love” and a 4 oz. ”Massage” candle.  The event includes chocolates and a rose, alcohol for purchase, and games with prizes. Check the studio’s website for available dates and times.

In Orland Park, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware will teach couples how to make a turned bowl with a lathe and a charcuterie board. The two-and-a-half hour class will take place on Feb. 11^th, and you can choose between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM.

Couples can have the time of their lives and channel their inner Johnny Castle and Baby Houseman at the Dirty Dancing class at Wicker Park’s Duet Dance Studio. The class is geared towards beginners and will give instruction in Salsa dance steps, leading and following, and a simplified routine. The BYOB class will run 50 minutes long and there are classes on Feb. 11^th,  12^th, and 14^th.

Lastly, the Broken Earth Winery in Long Grove is hosting a floral workshop on Feb. 8^th. Attendees will learn about the art of assembling a bouquet. Included in the price are the flowers, vase, and one beverage.

Remember that all events require advanced ticket purchases and that space is limited. So be sure to act quickly and check the websites for full details and availability.