Love is in the air in Greater Des Moines, so what better way to celebrate than by supporting a local business with a Valentine’s Day special? This year, consider surprising your loved one with a reservation at that place you’ve always wanted to try. Or, try something new and attend an event for two! You’re sure to find the right spot for your romantic weekend.
DINE OUT
Restaurants across the Greater Des Moines area are bringing the heat and serving up new flavors during Valentine’s Day weekend. Take a look at these prix fixe specials or snag a deal you can’t resist with your sweetheart!
Opa
Opa! is offering specials for February 13 and 14 and has reservations available for both days. For $114.99, enjoy a night full of Greek and Italian food. Start your evening off with any two drinks or one bottle of wine. Then, enjoy your selection of appetizers such as garlic knots and ravioli. Continue with Greek salad, and your entrees. Opa! has over 30 options available under this deal such as seafood, surf and turf, Italian specialties, and so much more. End your evening with your choice of dessert, just as any Valentine’s Dinner should end.
HoQ
Join HoQ on February 14 for a five-course dinner for two. The price is $120/person. You can also add a wine pairing for each course for an additional cost at $60. All dining options can be vegan, vegetarian, and/or gluten-free. 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 from February 13-15, featuring surf & turf for two, pasta, and delectable homemade desserts. Reservations are highly recommended as walk-in seating will be limited.
Home Sweet Cone
Your Valentine’s Day just got a whole lot sweeter! Celebrate your loved ones with a bundle of mini ice cream scoops of your favorite decadent V-day flavors, brownies, cookies, and more! This bundle is $30 and has to be purchased by February 10 so that you can get your treats just in time.
Big Grove Brewery’s Prix Fixe Valentine’s Dinner
Take your loved one out for a three-course prix fixe dinner perfect for sharing! Enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco to start your evening, then enjoy an amuse bouche of Lobster Cornet, followed by an oyster on the half shell with green apple and tarragon granita. Seafood-lovers will rejoice with a plate of Crab Doppio, a dual ravioli dish featuring two fillings — crab and lemon ricotta for your entree. Your evening finishes with chocolate mousse and brandied cherries. To make a reservation, call Big Grove Brewery at 515-777-2337.
Molly's Cupcakes
Looking for a sweet treat for your sweetie? Molly's Cupcakes has you covered. Grab a cake pop box, a dozen chocolate covered strawberries, a sweetheart cake, or even a bento box with a variety of V-day sweets. Orders must be placed by February 12 at noon. Learn more here!
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 with bacon wrapped breadsticks and caesar salad, then move into a pasta trio dinner with tri-color tortellini alfredo, chicken parmesan, and penne bolognese. Wrap up the evening with a delicious butterscotch budino. Tickets are $60 per person and seating is limited. Call 641-672-9463 for a reservation.
Court Ave Brewing
Court Ave is a one-stop shop for all things nightlife, so start by heading over to Court Avenue Brewing for a four-course prix fixe dinner. Enjoy homemade foccacia (with a french onion butter candle) and a champagne poppy seed salad. Then, select between squid ink and shrimp pasta or black garlic filet. End your dinner with homemade red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting. Reservations fill up quick, so book your table early here.
Truman’s Pizza Tavern
Is there anything more romantic than a heart-shaped pizza? From February 13-15, dine-in only, you can order any 14” specialty pizza with a heart-shaped crust (try their limited time Pickle Wrap or Prosciutt-Me Halfway)! Making for the perfect Valentine, add any qualified appetizer, a flight of three flavored White Russians, and a collection of indulgent chocolate and raspberry candies for $60.
In the Company of Love: Art Center Cafe Dinner
As a pre-Valentine's Day celebration, enjoy a special four-course prix fixe dinner at the Des Moines Art Center on February 12, designed by Now Now Design Director and foodie, Lucy Shay Solarz. Each dish celebrates love as a social practice and shared in good company, with a backdrop of curated music by DJ Eight Ten. Reservations can be made by calling 515-271-0313 or emailing cafe@desmoinesartcenter.com.
ACTIVITIES
Looking for a date that’s more than dinner? There are so many heartfelt events popping up all around the metro this holiday weekend. From florals and candle-making to symphonic sounds and dancing!
Valentine’s Day Floral Pop-Up
Say goodbye to store-bought floral arrangements this Valentine’s Day and choose a handmade bouquet for your S.O. at Captain Roy’s. They’re hosting a floral pop-up with Seven Petals Floral from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Options will include a stem count of 25 or 30, with prices varied. Or, make it special and DIY your own mini bouquet of 10 stems of your choice!
“Cold-Hearted” Turkey Bowling
Presented by Exile Brewing, join Captain Roy’s for two exciting rounds of turkey bowling. Yes, bowl frozen turkeys. Day-of signups are taken at 11 a.m. with round one starting at 12:30 p.m. and round two at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy live music afterwards and sit back with a cold Exile beer. Prizes will be awarded to winners and if you aren’t too broken-hearted, check out the floral pop-up and make your special someone something special.
Valentine’s Day Candle Workshop
Singlespeed Brewing is hosting a Valentine’s Day candle workshop, making it the perfect day-date or gift for your valentine (or galentine). Choose your own wax color, scent, and decor, and learn from the professionals on what makes a perfect candle. This aroma-filled event is $25 per person (+$10 for a second or third candle). HURRY! Spots must be reserved by February 7 to guarantee your spot. You can sign-up and purchase your spot here.
The Republic on Grand Valentine’s Pop-Up
The Republic on Grand is celebrating love all month long from February 4-28 with a specialty cocktail menu, delicate desserts, and love-themed activities. Did we mention that there’ll be a “Pretty-in-Pink” party too? Keep an eye out for more details about these special events and how you can reserve your spot!
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Valentine’s Day Ball with Sara Routh
xBk Live will transform into a 1950s school dance with the help of the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, making their second annual appearance on Valentine’s Day along with special guest, Sara Routh. All night you can enjoy giveaways, a photo booth, special drinks, live music, and a whole lotta’ dancin! Tickets start at $19 with doors at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. Buy your tickets here.
LOVE- Romeo & Juliet
Sit back and relax as the Des Moines Symphony transports you through a masterworks performance of Romeo & Juliet. The tragic love story we all know and love, Miguel Harth-Bedoya leads Tchaikovsky’s works of Romeo and Juliet during Valentine’s Day weekend. Purchase your tickets online for February 14 at 7:30 p.m. or February 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Civic Center.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Rollins Mansion
You’re invited to Rollins Mansion on February 14 and 15 for an evening of fine dining in one of Des Moines’ iconic historic mansions. Your evening includes a four-course dinner with the choice to add a bottle of wine to your meal. Tickets are $125 per person. Reserve your spot and see the dinner menu here for February 13, or here for February 14.
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 with free hot cocoa.
Valentine Date Night
Make Valentine’s Day a night of food, dancing, and romance at Sherwood Forest Event Center. Tickets start at $65 per person 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. Make sure to stick around for Dome After Dark afterwards! Tickets are $63 for members and $70 for nonmembers (price is for two people).
Dome After Dark: Picnic for Two
Speaking of the botanical garden’s “Dome After Dark”, their in-house cafe Flora is offering a picnic for two for $25 to enjoy during the live music and festivities! Each box includes a selection of cheese, meat, housemade focaccia, and chocolate covered strawberries. Beverage and champagne add-ons are available for an additional cost. Reserve yours here.
Terrace Hill Valentine’s Day Tea
Join the Terrace Hill Partnership for their first Valentine’s Day Tea. Reservations start at $50 per person and include tea service, sweet and savory bites, and sparkling wine while you take in the beauty of this elegant 1869 home. All proceeds will go towards the Terrace Hill restoration project. Grab your tickets here.
Final Act Ensemble: Valentine’s Day Show
Transport yourself to a live old-time radio show, where the hosts tell a Valentine’s-themed story full of intrigue, surprises, crazy commercials, sound effects, music, and so much more! The Final Act Ensemble consists of local Des Moines actors ages 60 and older that present both classic and original radio plays. Get your tickets through the Des Moines Playhouse here.
Valentine’s Paint Date
Dig deep into your creative side with “Through the Heart Trees” or “Lovers’ Moon Set” at Painting with a Twist in Urbandale. Tickets are $37-$40 per person, depending on your canvas size, and include all materials needed to paint the perfect masterpiece. Beer, wine, canned cocktails, champagne, and soft drinks are also available for additional purchase at their studio bar. You can purchase your tickets here.
Valentine’s Day Social with Tangerine Food Company
For all of you social butterflies, Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without a little mix and mingle! Head over to Mainframe Studios in artisan glass blower JJ Gaffers studio for an evening of great vibes, drinks, snacks, and a raffle for handmade glass blown art. Reserve your tickets here.
Custom Typewriter Poetry & Valentine’s Day Dinner
Mulberry Street Tavern is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner perfect for two, along with guest Will Bortz. Known in the Greater Des Moines area as a local poet, he’ll be writing custom poems for couples who attend. Reservations are highly recommended!
Pour Choices Valentine’s Day Pop-Up
Love is in the air and on the menu at Pour Choices in Grimes! All month long you can enjoy specialty cocktails like “A Thousand Kisses” or “Love Letter”, along with an additional limited food menu with date-night favorites! Pop by any day of the week for a girl’s night, pre-show drinks, or a family dinner.
GALENTINE'S DAY
Celebrate your favorite gal pals with Galentine’s pop-ups that are happening across Greater Des Moines. Grab your besties, sisters, moms, cousins, or whoever you deem your best galentines, and attend a special event that’s “just for the girls”!
Galentine’s Day at Big Grove
Charm bracelets and candle painting, with a menu created just for the girls? Say less. Big Grove is hosting a special Galentine’s Day event and menu on February 13 from 5 p.m.-close. Nibble on a charcuterie grazing table, or order up Marry Me shrimp pasta, brie crostinis, fried artichoke hearts, and Matilda’s chocolate cake. No tickets are required, but calling ahead to reserve a spot is requested at 515-777-2337.
Gals on Grand
Looking for a night out with the girls? On February 12, Willow on Grand is hosting a special Galentine’s Day event in partnership with the Des Moines Girls Club with the focus in celebrating women in the community. From 6-8 p.m., enjoy a night of local vendors with tasty bites, drinks, and conversation. Dress code? Something cute for an evening out with your gals. Reserve your spot here.
Designer Purse Bingo at Judges DSM
Celebrate Galentine’s Day festivities by supporting your local nonprofits! Judges DSM is partnering with EyesOpenIowa to host a special bingo night on February 9 from 5:30-9 p.m. The prizes? Designer purses. Tickets are $45 and includes appetizers, one drink ticket, and two bingo cards. Grab your tickets here.
DIY Book Bouquets at Wandering Raccoon
If you’re over in the burbs’, you’ll definitely want to check this even out! Wandering Raccoon Books in Grimes is hosting a DIY book bouquet workshop on February 6 at 6:30 p.m. You and your gals will learn how to create a bouquet with the paperback of your choice, vase, and flowers. Tickets start at $85 and can be purchased here.
Cheers to the Gals!
Explore and indulge at the Rollins Mansion with a guided tasting experience from The Cheese Shop of five cheeses paired with five wines. Afterwards, enjoy tastings of specially selected appetizers, snap a few pics at the photo booth, and even DIY your own dried floral arrangement with Boho Vase. This event will be held on February 6 with tickets at $79 per person and can be purchased here.
