Valentine’s Day in Downtown Calgary

With Valentine’s Day only a few days away you may be wondering what to do with yourself and, if applicable, your significant other.  Here’s a look at some fun options available downtown.

Skating & Hot Chocolate

A match made in heaven!  Head down to the Prince’s Island Lagoon for a skate and warm up by taking part in YYC Hot Chocolate Fest at The Bean Stop in Eau Claire Market.  They are offering up a special Mudslide Hot Cocoa, described as decadently rich & creamy with a hint of spice.

Vote for your favorite hot chocolate here.  Proceeds support Calgary Meals on Wheels.

For the Love of Leather

Did you know that the Glenbow Museum is open until 7:30pm on Fridays?

Head over after work for a glimpse of their exciting new exhibit “Worn to Be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket,” then find a cozy resto or pub for some appies and drinks.

Dreamy Dinner

There are a number of restaurants that are doing special set menus for Valentine’s Day, and many other wonderful places that are offering up their regular fare.  A listing of places to dine in the core can be found here.

A few of the restaurants offering specials for V-day include: The Rimrock at the Fairmont Palliser, Belgo Brasserie, downtownfood, River Café, Rush Ocean Prime and The Keg.  If you haven’t made reservations yet, you better get on that quick!

Heating up the Kitchen

SAIT Culinary Campus has a special Date Night planned for February 14 from 6:00-9:00pm.  Bond with your honey while learning how to make a fantastic meal.

Sweet Music

Enjoy some beautiful music on February 14 or 15, as the CPO presents Romantic Rachmaninoff at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Considered the ultimate Romantic composer, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, showcased in the film Shine, will be performed by the 2012 Honens Prize Laureate, Pavel Kolesnikov.

Make it a “Double Date” with the CPO’s special offer:  Purchase any regular price ticket to Romantic Rachmaninoff and receive 25% off tickets to the CPO’s romantic concert The Splendour of China: Butterfly Lovers and Yellow River on February 19. To take advantage of this special offer, please call (403) 571-0849 and quote “NIGHTMUSIC.” Excludes Loges and Choir Loft. Offer subject to availability.

The Sleepover

If you want to really go all out, the Fairmont Palliser is offering up a special night to remember with an exclusive five-course Moët et Chandon sponsored menu with the option to take the elevator home to an elegant guest room.

The package includes 1 night accommodation, valet parking for 1 vehicle, and dinner for 2 in The Rimrock Restaurant.  This offer is available February 14 & 15.  More details can be found here.

Gift Ideas

If you’re looking for a token of your affection to give instead of a night out, The CORE has put together a special Valentine’s Day Gift Guide that you can view here.

The Late Date

If  you’re working, want to avoid the crowds, or maybe out of town for the big day, you might want to consider an IOU for a date in the future.

The Big Taste is coming up on March 7- 16, 2014.  Sign up here for your chance to bid on special culinary event tickets before the masses.

There are also a couple of interesting wine events coming up.  You can “Worship Wine” at The Cellar on February 26th. This introductory class will teach you about the main types of wine, how it’s made, tips on buying and cellaring wine, and how to begin to really taste wine.

Q Haute has “A Night of Australian Wines” planned for February 25th. Hosted by Matthe Nugan, Chef Michele will prepare a lovely four course dinner paired with Australian wines. Q Haute was recently selected as one of the “Top 50 Restaurants in Canada” by Vacay.ca.

What are you up to this Valentine’s Day?  We’d love to hear your ideas.

Tagged as: Belgo, bigtasteyyc, CPO, date night, dinner date, downtownfood, Fairmont Palliser, Glenbow Museum, Prince's Island Lagoon, Q Haute, sait culinary campus, The Bean Shop, The Big Taste, The Cellar, The Cellar Wine Store, The Keg, Valentine's Day 2014, wine, YYC Hot Chocolate Fest