The Best Valentine's Day Date Ideas in Dallas | Dallas Observer
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The Coolest, Best and Cheapest Things To Do in Dallas for Valentine's Day

Every Valentine’s Day seems to sneak up on us, but no matter your situation, we have a creative event for you.
The Teddy Bear Park is a great V-Day spot, and it doesn't cost a dime.
The Teddy Bear Park is a great V-Day spot, and it doesn't cost a dime. WesleyPeterson1 Instagram
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Valentine’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 lessons to candlelight concerts. Pick your favorite and personalize a perfect Valentine’s Day for you and your loved one(s). And if you're tired of the corporate, corny Valentine’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 restaurant — 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 workshop. 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 wedding 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 covered 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 checkout. Also, parents don’t have to leave the kids at home with the Little Glampers Retreat Package. Your little ones can enjoy 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 downtown'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.
click to enlarge A glass holds an espresso martini at Catbird, one of the best Dallas spots for a Valentine's Day date.
Have an Espresso Martini at Catbird if that's your love language.
Hank Vaughn
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 a Feb. 14 serenaded by classical music with the romantic ambiance of candlelight? 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, mimosas 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 tickets 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 frustration, head over to Fort Worth’s “Bad Ass Mexican” restaurant 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 packages 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 leading a hands-on Valentine’s Day experience for budding chefs at the Dallas Arboretum. The menu includes Cupid’s Valentine 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.
click to enlarge A flower-filled view of the grounds on the Dallas Arboretum, a great Valentine's Day spot in Dallas.
The Dallas Arboretum is a lovely spot for all ages, and just screams "Valentine's Day."
Courtesy of Dallas Arboretum
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