16 things to do this Valentine's Day season in Northern Colorado
Valentine's Day is nearly upon us and Northern Colorado is gearing up for the sweet season.
Several Fort Collins restaurants are cooking up special valentine-themed meals, a local Victorian house is planning historic candlelit tours, and Loveland is of course going all out — it is the Sweetheart City, after all.
So here are some things to do this Valentine's week in and around Fort Collins:
Family-friendly events
The Loveland Sweetheart Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Downtown Loveland
Come one, come all to the Loveland Sweetheart Festival, which features live ice carving and art demonstrations, musical and dance performances, a tunnel of love, palace of sweets, food trucks and more free activities fit for the whole family.
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Loveland Lights at Chapungu Sculpture Park
When: Feb. 1-18
Where: Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, 5995 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland
Loveland's holiday-themed Winter Wonderlights will be going pink and red starting Thursday, Feb. 1, as the twinkling scene switches into Valentine's Day mode with valentine decor and a 30-minute love song light show set to run nightly from 5-9 p.m. The display will have one last hurrah from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, with a free live event featuring twinkle lights, dueling pianos, wine and beer tastings, and more.
Love Bug Jamboree
When: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 16
Where: Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., Fort Collins
Bring your little love bugs to Fort Collins' Love Bug Jamboree, a family-friendly evening filled with music, prizes, snacks and more. All family members 2 years old or older must purchase a ticket. Tickets are $14 and available for purchase at fcgov.com.
For the couples
Candlelit Avery House tours
When: 5-8 p.m. Feb. 10
Where: The Avery House, 328 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins
Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day? Walk through history and learn just that at Fort Collins' historic Avery House during its valentine-themed candlelit house tours, complete with a glimpse into the history of Saint Valentine and the origins of our Valentine's Day traditions. Tours are $20 per person and take one hour starting at 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Tours include hot cocoa, gourmet chocolate and a flower. Register online at poudrelandmarks.org.
Colorado Eagles Sweetheart Game
When: Wednesday, Feb. 14
Where: Blue FCU Arena, 5290 Arena Circle, Loveland
For the second season in a row, the Colorado Eagles will be playing a special sweetheart game on Valentine's' Day. The game will start after a special pregame group wedding on the ice at 4 p.m. It will also feature red and pink light-up sticks provided to the first 2,500 fans by the city of Loveland, a special photo booth and more. A special $60 sweetheart tickets pack, complete with two tickets and a $20 credit for concessions, will be available at coloradoeagles.com later this month.
Valentine group wedding
When: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14
Where: Blue FCU Arena, 5290 Arena Circle, Loveland
Want to say "I do" on the ice? Loveland's annual Valentine's Day group wedding is returning to Blue FCU Arena before the Colorado Eagles' now-annual sweetheart game. Couples will be able to take to the ice around 4 p.m. to either exchange or renew their vows. The event features a personalized ceremony, commemorative photos, gift bags, special wedding cupcakes, a love lock and a chance to win prizes. The cost is $160 per couple and registration is limited. To secure your spot, visit valentinesdayinloveland.com.
For the singletons
Must Love Dogs Mixer
When: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 14
Where: Maxline Brewing, 2724 McClelland Drive, Fort Collins
Looking for love? Dog-loving singles — and their well-behaved dogs — are invited to this Valentine's Day mixer hosted by Poudre Pet & Feed Supply. Tickets are $35 and include snacks, a drink ticket and dog-themed goodie bag. To purchase a ticket, visit any Poudre Pet & Feed Supply location or call 833-662-6738. Proceeds from this event benefit Fort Collins foster dog nonprofit Until They're Home.
For the food motivated
Treat yourself to a sweet meal this Valentine's Day in Northern Colorado. Several area eateries will be serving up a range of fancy multicourse meals as well as some fun, unstuffy options. Below is a little sampling. For the full list, check out this rundown of 10 Fort Collins-area Valentine's Day dinners to try.
The Emporium: An American Brasserie, 378 Walnut St., Fort Collins
Enjoy a special prix fixe Valentine's Day meal for $65 per person at The Emporium this year. If you're not looking to celebrate on Feb. 14, you can also choose from its menu of a la carte valentine dish and cocktail specials available Feb. 9, 10, 16 and 17. To look at the full menu or make a reservation, head to emporiumftcollins.com/menus.
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The Regional, 130 S. Mason St., Fort Collins
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a special $90 five-course prix fixe dinner at The Regional. The Old Town eatery will be serving up its special menu — complete with foie gras, wagyu shortrib, and matcha and chocolate tiramisu, among other dishes — starting at 4 p.m. To see all five courses and to make a reservation, head to theregionalfood.com.
Totally 80's Pizza, 2567 S. Shields St., Fort Collins
Get ready for a totally cheesy Valentine's Day at Fort Collins' very own 1980s museum and pizza shop. Totally 80's Pizza is back with another year of un-stuffy valentine fun, including heart-shaped pizzas, free heart-shaped necklaces for the ladies, (fake) candle-lit tables and Valentine's Day decor from 4-9 p.m. Feb. 14. Reservations are not accepted.
For the crafty
Valentine living wreath class
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 11
Where: The Windsor Gardener, 6461 CO Highway 392, Windsor
Make your own heart-shaped living moss wreath while enjoying a cocktail or beer from High Hops Brewery or The Heart Distillery. The class costs $65 per person and includes help from Windsor Gardener staff, assorted cuttings to use in your wreath, one beverage and water saucer to take home for your wreath. All participants must be at least 21 years old. For more information, or to register for the class, visit highhopsbrewery.com/events.
Valentine succulent garden class
When: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10
Where: Fossil Creek Nursery, 7029 S. College Ave., Fort Collins
Calling all plant parents! Fossil Creek Nursery will be offering this sweet little succulent class, where you'll be able to build a Valentine's Day-themed succulent garden to take home. Tickets are $35 each and available at fossilcreeknursery.com.
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Valentine's Day market at Mythmaker
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 10
Where: Mythmaker Brewing, 1035 S. Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins
Peruse crafts and goods from local makers, shop for Valentine's Day gifts or just enjoy a beer at this sweet Mythmaker Brewing event.
Valentine's Day Market at Ginger and Baker
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 4
Where: Ginger and Baker, 359 Linden St., Fort Collins
Ginger and Baker's teaching kitchen will be transformed for this valentine-themed makers market, featuring goods from local makers and artists.
For Galentine's Day (and all who celebrate)
A galentines self care day
When: 3-7 p.m. Feb. 11
Where: Live Beyond Limit, 353 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins
Treat yourself to a little pre-Valentine's Day pampering with this self-care event presented by LovEnZen Apothecary. It includes a healing sound bath, mocktails, chair massages, foot baths, hand exfoliating treatments, reiki healing sessions and more, with additional donation- or fee-based add-ons available. Tickets are $60 and available at lovenzenwellness.com.
Galentine yoga and wine
When: 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 18
Where: Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center, 5500 W. US Highway 34, Loveland
Toast to female friendship at this special galentine-themed yoga and wine event, which features a guided yoga class and glass of select Sweet Heart wine. Participants are asked to bring their own mat and water bottle. Tickets are $25 and available online at sweetheartwinery.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Valentine's Day in Northern Colorado: 16 sweet things to do
