For Valentine’s Day, Chicago events often focus on romantic love. But, romantic love isn’t for everyone. Maybe you’re not at that point in your life currently. Or, maybe you’re in a long-distance relationship and want to celebrate V-Day with friends. Regardless, a day about love should celebrate all kinds: romance, friends, family, and even pets.

Lucky for you, Ivy Residences shares your desire to celebrate all types of love. So, we’ve compiled a list of Valentine’s Day Chicago events for you to peruse before February 14th.

VALENTINE’S DAY CHICAGO EVENTS FOR SINGLE PEOPLE

woman bites into a macaron while celebrating at Valentines Day Chicago Event she learned about through Ivy Residences

Rodnae Productions

Does the idea of love make you want to run? If so, perhaps the Valentine’s Cupid Run sounds right up your alley! On February 19th, sign up for this run/walk event with three different races: 5K, 10K, and a half marathon. The $35 registration fee includes your bib, tee shirt, drawstring backpack, and medals for top finishers.

Or, satisfy your sweet tooth with a macaron-making class at Bettie’s Chicago from 8-10:30am on February 11th. You’ll learn the secrets to making the perfect macaron cookie. Plus, you can take your raspberry and chocolate ganache confections home to ea and enjoy while watching your favorite rom-com movie.

VALENTINE’S DAY CHICAGO EVENTS FOR FAMILIES

Child's hands apply hearts onto a homemade valentine

Stay in Hyde Park for some Valentine’s fun inclusive of all ages. Visit the Blackstone Branch of Chicago Public Libraries on February 11th for craft-making. This event suits children ages 18 months to 13 years, making it a perfect family outing. More details can be found on their website.

For a fun evening out, venture just north on Lake Shore Drive to the Valentine’s Day Dance on February 10th from 6-7:30pm. A wholesome, family dance for all ages featuring music and a photo booth. Bring your camera to capture all the precious memories bound to unfold here. Admission is $5 per person or $25 per family.

VALENTINE’S DAY CHICAGO EVENTS FOR PET LOVERS

A Black woman holds and kisses her white dog inside her apartment at Ivy Residences Hyde Park apartments chicago

Samson Katt

If you’re looking to adopt a new furry friend, The Anti-Cruelty Society may interest you. The Anti-Cruelty Society, a non-profit and n0-kill animal shelter in Chicago, helps connect people with their perfect furry friends. This Valentine’s Day, they have fun initiatives in place to support their animals even if you aren’t looking to adopt.

On February 12-18, visit their River North adoption facility for a dog date out! Essentially, you can adopt a dog for the day and enjoy the fun of being a pet parent without the commitment (besides picking up after them, that’s just common courtesy). Their staff picks out a dog that’s the best fit for you and recommends dog-friendly field trip ideas. If you want to bring your dog home with you, they will waive the adoption fee during that week!

On Valentine’s Day, their adoption fee drops to just $14! You can also visit their Hissing Booth to take pictures and play with some adorable kittens and cats. There’s no better place to give your love than to a furry friend in need, and all Ivy Residences communities are pet friendly!

VALENTINE’S DAY CHICAGO EVENTS FOR COUPLES

Asian cuisine from Gaijin is served at a wooden table with chopsticks

© Mistey Nguyen, MADN Agency

Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or just have a friend to be your date for the day, there’s something for you!  Duet Dance Studio in Wicker Park invites you to a “Dirty Dancing” themed session where you’ll learn basic salsa steps, the foundation of leading and following, and end the night knowing a simplified routine based on the iconic movie dance sequence. It may be cold in Chicago, but you’ll be sure to heat up the dance floor with those moves!

If you love Asian-inspired cuisine, reserve a trip to Gaijin on Valentine’s Day for a special tasting menu. This West Loop restaurant offers a special 5-course menu for one night only. Enjoy sunomono, ebi chawanmushi, ochazuke, CDK New York strip steak, osaka, and a strawberry lychee kakigori for $70 per person. And if you’re looking for drink recommendations, their specially curated beverage pairings are available to add-on for $35 per person.

Do you have any special Valentine’s Day plans or traditions? Let us know in the comments below!