Treat your Valentine to a lovely night out in the city we crush on the most. From dinner and drinks to dancing afterward, we’ve rounded up all the Valentine’s Day (and beyond) specials to share with that special someone who deserves all the heart eyes.
DINE OUT
Opa
Opa! is offering specials for February 13 and 14 and has reservations available for both days. For $99.99, enjoy a night full of Greek and Italian food. Start your evening off with drinks and appetizers such as garlic knots and ravioli. Continue with salad, and your entrees. Opa! has many entrees available under this deal. Enjoy a Greek trio or gnocchi. They also have steak and seafood options. End your evening with a dessert, just as any Valentine’s Dinner should end.
Fleming’s
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with Fleming’s. Their Valentine’s Day menus, three-course surf and turf for two ($230 for two guests) and three-course filet mignon menu ($85 per person), are available February 8 – 19. Both menus feature a choice of salad to start and a choice of dessert.
HoQ
Join HoQ on February 14 for dinner for two. The menu includes a soup sampler, foie gras samosa, choice of duck, fish or vegetarian and a dessert sampler. The price is $89/person. You can also add on a wine pairing for each course for an additional cost. Make reservations here.
BeerStyles
Enjoy a romantic dinner at BeerStyles prepared by Master Chef, David Baruthio on February 13 or 14. This will be a four-course dinner full of delicious options such as artichoke velouté, slow-roasted filet mignon, crème brûlée cheesecake, and more. The cost is $95 per person. There will be seatings at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. both days.
Republic on Grand
The Republic on Grand is celebrating love all month long with their specially curated cocktail and mocktail menu. This menu features drinks that are pretty, tasty, and sure to impress your partner. Try the “Love Potion 515” or the “Tickle Me Pink”. They will also have events all month long including a Pink Party and Blooms & Baubles, a floral arrangement class. Learn more here.
Paws and Pints
Want to celebrate with your someone special and your best furry friend? Head to Paws & Pints for their Valentine’s Day Dinner! For $84, enjoy items like brisket stuffed jalapeno poppers, smoked pork chop, cheesecake bars, and more. If you don’t want your pup around, send them to daycare for just $20. Learn more here.
Molly's Cupcakes
Looking for a sweet treat for your sweetie? Molly's Cupcakes has you covered. Grab a 4-pack of cupcakes, a cake pop box, a dozen chocolate covered strawberries, a sweetheart cake, or even conversation heart sugar cookies. Orders must be placed by February 12, learn more here!
Willow on Grand
Get your besties together and head to Willow on Grand for Galentine’s Day Drag Brunch. Enjoy a brunch buffet, small bites, and cocktails with a drag show. Tickets are $40 and include admission, drag show, and brunch. Join them from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
ACTIVITIES
Funky Heart
Looking to get crafty this Valentine’s Day? Teri Templeton Cadman is hosting a class to create your very own funky heart painting! Head to Mainframe Studios to experience this painting workshop. Not into hearts? Feel free to do any shape you’d like! This class is perfect for adults and youth 12+. The cost of the class is $35 per person, register here.
Valentine’s Candle Class
For a hands-on activity to celebrate the month of love, take part in a candle making class at The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. On February 8, learn about the art of candle making. Create your own scent, pour your candle, and decorate it with dried florals and fruits as well. Registration is required, and tickets are $60. Sign up here.
Girl Gang Galentine’s
Head to the Surety Hotel Lounge for their Girl Gang Galentine’s event! Gather your gals for an evening of photo ops, pop up shopping, desserts from Creme, and more. The whole evening is hosted by a gang of collaborators from around Greater Des Moines. Learn more here!
Valentine’s Day Dome After Dark
Enjoy a special Dome After Dark perfect for date night! The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden will be illuminated with different colors as you explore the conservatory and Gardeners Show House. There will also be live music from singer Day. Free for members, $12 for adults.
Valentine’s Market
On February 11, head to the East Village for a Valentine’s Market at the Des Moines Heritage Center. Enjoy exploring booths full of gifts, flowers, coffee, textiles, and more. There will be a pet-friendly photo booth, mocktails, food, and giveaways! First 20 people will receive a free gift bag as well. The event happens from 2 – 5 p.m., find the perfect gift for the perfect person in your life.
Kid’s Cupcake Decorating Class – Valentine’s Day Edition
Looking for a fun Valentine’s Day activity for the kids? Take them to Molly’s Frozen on February 10 for a cupcake decorating class! Kids aged 6 – 14 will learn how to fill, frost, and decorate four cupcakes. The decorations will be valentine themed, perfect for celebrating the lovely holiday. Each child will also receive a chef’s hat, beverage, and a Molly’s Cupcakes patch. The class is $25, and gluten free and vegan cupcakes are available to decorate as well.
Family Valentine’s Dance
Head to the Des Moines Children’s Museum for a Family Valentine’s Dance. This is an all ages event, so bring the kids, grandparents, siblings, and more for a day of dancing and exploring! There will be a scavenger hunt as well as craft area to make cards. All regular exhibits will be open as well. Children 1 – 10 are $10, members are free.
Valentine’s Day Skate
Feeling adventurous for your Valentine’s Day plans? Head to Brenton Skating Plaza for buy one, get one admission and skate rental. Registration is not required, walk-ups only. Plus, each skater will receive a cookie and flower in honor of the special day! If you happen to forget to make Valentine’s Day plans, they’ve got you covered as well. Take part in the Day After Valentine’s Day Skate on Wednesday, February 15. The same deals apply!
Valentine’s Popup Event
Make your way to Winterset Cidery for their Valentine’s Popup Event happening on both February 10 and 11. It’s a date day for you and your valentine on Saturday, February 10 with their Head over Heels event, celebrating the her in your life. You can enjoy cider and chocolate. Then on Sunday, February 11, it’s Malentine’s, all about celebrating the him in your life with cider and wings. Both events are from 1 – 5 p.m.
Valentine's Day Happy Hour
Join The Tangerine Food Company at Mainframe Studios on February 14 for a happy hour event. Enjoy appetizers, a charcuterie board, sweet treats, and more while sipping on handmade cocktails and sparkling wine. There will be a glass blowing demonstration with opportunities for participation, as well as raffles for the chance to take a piece home. Tickets are $34, and the event goes from 5 – 7:30 p.m.
