Valentine's Day is almost here - love is in the air, and we can feel it! Everyone wants to make their Valentine's Day celebration special, whether it's with a sweetheart, a good friend, a family member or someone you cherish. There are many different things to do around Dayton, and we've curated a list of A Baker's Dozen (13) Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Dayton.

1 in heart

Dayton Art Institute Events

Bad Romance: Dayton Art Institute
February 22 & 27
Explore art through the lens of love, betrayal, and deception while engaging in a thought-provoking conversation about famous crimes of passion at the Dayton Art Institute's Bad Romance: A  True Crime Special Interest Tour! After the tour, unleash your creativity with a fun, forensics-inspired make-and-take art activity using invisible ink and UV lighting! Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for non-members.

February 13
The Bob Ross Auto Group Jazz & Beyond series is back! This special concert presents the Big Band sounds of Tuxedo Junction Dance Band and offers a backdrop with props to take photos, splits of champagne, chocolate items, a raffle for two family memberships at DAI, AND a dance floor! Free to members and included in general admission for non-members, taking place in the Shaw Gothic Cloister

Weekends in February
Arts and crafts, a photo booth and self-guided tours themed around Valentine's Day are prepared for Art of Love! In addition, on Sundays, all guests get entered into raffles for Dayton Playhouse tickets, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance tickets or a DAI membership - why would you want to miss out on that?!


2 in heart

Valentine's Tea at Carillon Historical Park

Valentine's Tea at Carillon
Sunday, February 9, 2-4 p.m., Carillon Historical Park
Step into the 19th century at Patterson Homestead for a delightful afternoon tea, steeped in history and tradition. Indulge in three courses of Victorian-era recipes, paired with carefully selected loose-leaf teas, served by costumed interpreters, as you learn about the Patterson family and life in Victorian America. Tickets are $40 for Dayton History members and $50 for non-members.


3 in heart

Sweetheart Goat Yoga at the Vandalia Rec Center

Sweetheart Goat Yoga
February 12, 6-7:30 p.m., Vandalia Recreation Center
Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious evening at Sweetheart Goat Yoga! Bring your favorite person (or your whole squad) to enjoy a lighthearted yoga session filled with adorable goat cuddles from Monica, Ross, Rachel, and Chandler. This unforgettable event promises stretches, snuggles, and plenty of laughs. Spots are limited, so reserve your spot today for just $30 per person!.


4 in heart

Date Night Terrarium Workshop at Now and Zen DIY Studio

Terraium Date Night - Now and Zen
February 14, 7-8:30p.m., Now and Zen DIY Studio
Downtown Dayton's trendy Fire Block District is home to Now and Zen DIY Studio where you can get creative! This modern terrarium building studio offers a fun and unique experience, where you can explore your creative side while connecting with nature. With a curated selection of vessels, plants, and embellishments, you'll build your own beautiful terrarium. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or just looking for a fun, hands-on date night, this workshop is the perfect way to 'grow' your heart! Attend for $120.


5 in heart

The Contemporary's Prelude Party

Prelude at the Contemporary
February 14, 7:30-10p.m., The Rotunda at The Dayton Arcade
Join for Prelude, a reimagined celebration of local talent and contemporary art, formerly known as The Co’s Annual Art Auction. This vibrant event invites art lovers and collectors to come together and experience a night of community, creativity, and inspiration. Individual tickets ($50 members/ $75 non-members) are available, and VIP experiences like the Lover’s Lounge ($200 members/$300 non-members) and “Galentine’s” Lounge offer exclusive perks, including champagne, charcuterie, and permanent jewelry options. Then come back for The Co's Dayton Art Fair on February 15 & 16!


6 in heart

Valentine's Weekend at The Foundry

Valentines at the foundry
February 14-15, The Foundry at the AC Hotel Dayton
Ready for an unforgettable dining experience? We think rooftop dining will take care of that! Indulge in a delicious 4-course pre-fix menu for just $80 per person at The Foundry located on the rooftop of the AC Hotel in downtown Dayton, featuring a selection of specialty cocktails to complement your meal. For those looking for something a bit more casual, they'll also be offering a limited menu of pizza. The vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable flavors are perfect for romance or a night out with friends!


7 in heart

Bourbon Dinner at Dewberry 1850

Dewberry Valentines
February 14-15, Dewberry 1850

Make this Valentine's Day unforgettable at The Dewberry housed in the Marriott at the University of Dayton, with a romantic bourbon dinner, in partnership with Four Roses Bourbon! Enjoy live music by Joe from Limelight and Tori Lee, sip on a signature cocktail, and indulge in a beautifully crafted 3-course dinner. Enhance your dining experience with optional bourbon pairings, all set in an elegant, romantic atmosphere for $59 per person!


8 in heart

Spend Valentine's Day Weekend at Scene75 Dayton

Scene75 Valentines Day
February 14-15, Scene75
Fun is in the air this February and Scene75 has a date night package for you! For $59.99 the package includes two 1.5 hour unlimited attraction passes, two $20 game cards, one large pizza, and two sodas. If your sweetheart loves excitement, friendly competition, and lots of fun, this would be the perfect, budget-friendly date night idea for Valentine’s Day weekend. For more information, visit https://scene75.com/dayton/.

Got a third wheel joining you? No problem! Scene75 Dayton is offering a “Three’s A Crowd Add-On.” Guests can add on one more person for $20 to get an additional 1.5 hour unlimited attraction pass plus another $20 Game Card.


9 in heart

Sweetheart Skate Special at RiverScape MetroParks Ice Rink

RiverScape Valentine's Skate
February 14-16, RiverScape MetroPark Ice Rink
Celebrate romance at the MetroParks Ice Rink with their Sweetheart Skate Special and enjoy an enchanting skating experience to the tunes of love songs. The Sweetheart Skate Deal includes two rink admissions with skate rental, two cups of hot cocoa, and a delightful box of Winans Chocolates – all for just $20.00. This offer is valid Friday, February 14, from 4 to 10p.m., Saturday, February 15, from 11a.m. to 10p.m., and Sunday, February 16, from 1 to 5p.m., while supplies last.


10 in heart

See Cinderella at the Schuster Center

Cinderella
February 14-16, Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
Presented by the Dayton Ballet, it promises to be a royal experience at this classic retelling of Cinderella, choreographed by Artistic Director Brandon Ragland, and set to Prokofiev’s enchanting score. Watch as Cinderella escapes her life of hardship, with a little magic and a handsome prince leading her to a happily ever after! The performance is accompanied by music performed by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Find your perfect seat before tickets sell out!


11 in heart

Valentine's Day Under the Stars at Boonshoft

Valentines Under the Stars
February 14, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Treat your sweetheart to a one-of-a-kind romantic evening in the planetarium of Boonshoft, where a live storytelling presentation will guide you through the night sky. Your experience includes a brand-new Valentine’s show, a sweet treat box to share, a glass of champagne, and a special memento featuring the sky that night. Two show times are available (6:30 & 8:30 p.m.) but seating is limited so advance tickets ($50) are strongly encouraged! 


12 in heart

Barbie "Galentines" Movie Party at The Brightside

Barbie Galentines at the Brightside
February 16, 6-9 p.m., The Brightside Music and Event Venue
With creative eats and drinks to match the vibe, this Barbie movie night is set to be fun for all! Enjoy a delicious pizza from Flying Pizza, fancy salad, appetizers, and a sweet dessert by Baker Benji. Sip on themed drinks like the Barbie Corvette or Malibu Barbie, and for non-alcoholic options, try the refreshing Allen sparkling grape juice with cranberry. Dress in your best Barbie or Ken-inspired attire—think pink, preppy, or playful! The evening kicks off at 5:45 p.m., with food, live music, and movie screening starting at 7 p.m., followed by dessert and trivia by Dr. Stupid. Grab your tickets for $28!


chef hat 13

Buy Your Sweetie Sweets at Esther Price!

Esther Price
You can never go wrong with chocolate, and it doesn't get much better than sharing some sweat treats from Dayton's own Esther Price with your sweetheart this Valentine's Day! Support a local business by picking up Esther Price chocolates from one of their locations or at many local grocery stores.


We hope we've given you a few ideas about how to celebrate what we like to call Valentine's Day(ton)! Whatever you do, be sure to tell your loved ones that you love them and be sure to celebrate all the good and beauty there is to love in the world! But if you're still looking for the perfect gift for your special someone, the Downtown Dayton Partnership has you covered with their Downtown Valentine Gift Guide that includes everything from artisan chocolates and romantic dinners to creative experiences and boutique finds! 

DDP Valentine Gift Guide

Be sure to get your FREE Destination Dayton Visitors Guide and download the FREE Destination Dayton App for more about things to see and do in Dayton. For more information about Destination Dayton and the services it offers, explore our website or call 800-221-8235.

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Hugs from your friends at Destination Dayton!  
xoxo