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
Court Ave Brewing
Head to Court Ave Brewing to celebrate the season of love with an exclusive dinner for two special, available February 13 – 15. They are offering a four-course meal, with a menu featuring a Champagne Poppyseed Salad, Crab Rangoon Pasta, Black Garlic Filet, and of course a delicious dessert of chocolate covered strawberries. Two glasses of champagne are included as well, all for $125.
Opa
Opa! is offering specials for February 14 and 15 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.
HoQ
Join HoQ on February 14 for dinner for two. The menu includes a soup sampler, beef and lamb empanadas, choice of surf and turf or vegetarian and a dessert sampler. The price is $95/person. You can also add a wine pairing for each course for an additional cost. Make reservations here.
AJ’s Steakhouse
Looking for an elevated steakhouse option to celebrate? Head to AJ’s Steakhouse for their Valentine’s Day Menu featuring Surf & Turf for two, Chilean Sea Bass, and delectable homemade desserts. Reservations are highly recommended as walk-in seating will be limited.
Curbin’ Cuisine Ankeny
Order in or take home Valentines Meal for Two at Curbin’ Cuisine on February 14 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Your meal includes an appetizer: crispy flash fried brussels with roasted garlic aioli and parmesan cheese, salad choice of classic Caesar or Greek, entree of creamy garlic butter steak and lobster cavatappi pasta, and then enjoy your dessert of tiramisu cake or red velvet cake. The cost is $34.99. Call (515) 635-0090 to make a reservation.
Singlespeed Brewing
Singlespeed Brewing is hosting a four-course Prix Fixe Experience, also known as their Beer Mine dinner. Enjoy options like croquettes, steak or portobello frites, and raspberry souffle. Dinner is $100 per couple, call to make reservations.
Big Grove Brewery
Big Grove is hosting a three-course Valteni’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner on February 15 with dinner starting at 6 p.m. The menu starts with oysters and apple and tarragon mignonette, lemon pearls, followed by the first course: cheese, second course: mussels fra diavolo,and third course: mouse. Tickets are $120 for this dinner for two. A welcome drink and house-made macaroons are also included.
Arcadia
For just $90, enjoy a four-course dinner at Arcadia in Polk City. This includes a champagne toast, one appetizer to share, two side salads, two entrées, and a complimentary dessert. Enjoy delicious dishes like pesto gnocchi, crab cakes, and more.
Valentine's Day Dinner at Flora
Enjoy a delicious four-course dinner created by Chef Suman at Flora, located within the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Included with your ticket is admission to Dome After Dark, enjoy the conservatory lit up in beautiful colors while exploring the gardens.
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!
ACTIVITIES
The 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. They will also have events all month-long including a Sip & Paint and Blooms & Baubles, a floral arrangement class. Learn more here.
Fresko
Fresko has your opportunity to learn how to create your very own cocktail (or mocktail)! On February 12, celebrate Galentine’s Day by creating a Lavendar Martini or Winter Moon, as well as enjoying charcuterie, flatbreads, and more. Learn more about the event and get your tickets here.
Sway into Love
You’re invited to Rollins Mansion on February 14 and 15 for an evening of fine dining and dancing. Your evening includes a four-course dinner with dance lessons. They offer three seatings: 6 – 7:30 p.m., 6:15 – 7:45 p.m., and 6:30 – 8 p.m. Tickets are $99 per person. Reserve your spot and see the dinner menu here.
Whoops! I Forgot Valentine’s Day
There’s nothing that makes you feel more special than ice skating hand in hand with views of the Des Moines skyline. Head to Brenton Skating Plaza from 5 – 11 p.m. on February 14 or Noon – 11 p.m. on February 15 for buy one, get one admission and rental.
Valentine’s Day Wine and Pasta Night
Sip on Iowa wine while enjoying a casual date night dinner at Tassel Ridge Winery. Dinner will start off with fresh tomato and mozzarella bruschetta, Caesar salad, then move into pasta with tri-color tortellini with alfredo sauce and penne Bolognese. Then enjoy a dessert of chocolate cannoli. Tickets are $60 per person. Seating is limited. Call (641) 672-9463 for a reservation.
Wilson’s Orchard Galentines
Celebrate Galentines with a gourmet waffle bar, polaroid photo ops, crafts, and more at Wilson’s Orchard. Tickets are $55 and include all the crafts, as well as themed drinks and other fun Galentines activities. Get your tickets here.
Valentine Date Night
Make Valentine’s Day a night of food, dancing, and romance at Sherwood Forest Event Center. Tickets start at $50 for a couple and include appetizers, dinner, and dessert. There will be music by RetroSpect playing hits from the ‘70s to today.
50 Shades of Green
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is celebrating love on February 14 with 50 Shades of Green. You will explore the birds and the bees of flowers and trees while sipping a glass of wine and enjoying chocolates. At the end of the night, you will receive an orchid to take home. Tickets are $63 for members and $70 for nonmembers (price is for two people).
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Valentine Ball
Whether you love love or hate love, spend your Valentine’s Day at xBk Live for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Valentine Ball. The space will be turned into a retro school dance from the ‘50s. Your night includes free giveaways, a photo booth, special drinks, and music from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and special guest D. Smith. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, or $25 for a couple's ticket.
Galentine’s Day with the Iowa Wolves
There’s nothing like celebrating with your gals at an Iowa Wolves game. Enjoy speciality cocktails, permanent jewelry, tattoos, sweet treats, and more all happening at the game on February 13 against the Rip City Remix. Get your tickets here.
Happy Hour: Glass, Nibbles, Drinks and LOVE
Head to Mainframe Studios for an evening of appetizers, drinks, and glass blowing demonstrations. Enjoy handmade cocktails, sparkling wine, local craft beer and more, as well as charcuterie and sweet treats. There will be an opportunity to participate in the glass blowing demonstration, and a raffle ticket for a creation is included.
