It’s no secret that the last two years have been tough on everyone. This year, Valentine’s Day falls around the cusp of the third year of the pandemic. Let’s face it, even Kitchener-Waterloo’s biggest lovebirds are probably ready to see faces outside of the walls of their home or relationship this year.
That’s okay.
We’ve got you covered! Whether it’s virtual or in-person, celebrate Pal-entine’s Day with some of your favourite people. TCE has put together a list of fun and safe ideas and experiences to share with the folks you’re missing most right now—your friends.
Saturday, Feb. 5, 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
Catch up with your friends while indulging in some self-love (erm…shopping) yourself. You deserve it! Victoria Park East Golf Club is hosting a Valentine’s Day pop-up market in Puslinch with local vendors and makers. All purchases support health and wellness, so you can feel even better about your purchases.
Sunday, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like charcuterie and sweets.
Join Chef Rob and TWB Brewing for an hour-long interactive virtual culinary class. Follow step-by-step instructions on preparing an elegant charcuterie board with a sweet dessert to top it off. You can’t mess this up!
This registration includes an option to pick up a Kitchener Market bag of ingredients and recipe cards for the class on Saturday, Feb. 12. It’s enough for two people to cook together, but you can join your friends for the virtual experience to practice for your next shared charcuterie hang-out IRL.
Cost $85
Register online
Saturday, Feb. 12, 7:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
This is the ultimate Valentine’s Day event for those who don’t like Valentine’s Day. Grab your closest friends and head to Descendants Beer & Beverage Co. for Eat Your Heart Out, a Valentine’s Day drag show presented by Revaine Productions. The event promises to be an anti-Valentine’s Day celebration, with break-up songs and a whole lot of angst. All COVID-19 protocols and procedures will be followed, so you can feel safe while you think of everyone who has ever wronged you in this entertaining evening brought to you by some of KW’s loveliest queens and artists.
Cost $11.62
Purchase online through Eventbrite
Any available date
Are you missing your pals but unable to get together in person? Get together virtually and take on a new challenge with one of The Underdog Dance Corp.’s online drop-in classes. Burn off some energy and put on a live performance for your pets in this shared experience that you and your friends can enjoy together.
Cost $10/person
Register online on website
Pre-order for a Valentine’s Day pick-up
Express your love for your friends by dropping off mini love monster cakes on their doorstep. Ginger’s Sweet Treats and Cupcakery in Cambridge will be accepting pre-orders and these adorable sweet treats that stand two cupcakes tall will be available for Valentine’s Day. Let’s face it, we could all use a little extra company at home right now.
Order ahead online
Saturday, Feb. 12
Put your love for your bestie into ink with matching tattoos from Knightfall Tattoo in Paris. This shop is hosting a Valentine’s Day flash day event beginning at 11:00a.m. Appointments are first come first served, so you and your pal will have to be quick on the draw, but tat’s are only $100.00. Choose from designs posted the day before and celebrate your friendship forever.
Cost: $100
Sunday, Feb. 13, 2:00p.m.
This event celebrates the friendship between mother and daughter. Lovelly Beauty and Wellness will be hosting an online makeup tutorial. It’s a great way to spend quality time with the family in a safe and virtual way.
Look for the video link on Facebook.
Saturday, Feb. 12-Monday, Feb. 14, 2022
Celebrate the friends in your bubble with some bubbly! You and your closest pals can go splits on delicious charcuterie from The Grazing Table KW. The shop is taking orders for Valentine’s specials, so you can celebrate your friendship while filling your bellies with chocolate strawberries, meat and cocktails in the comfort of your own home.
Book online through The Grazing Table KW.
Be Still My Beating Heart
Anytime
Get out of the house with your closest friends for a Pal-entine’s Day hike together through Huron Natural Area. It’s a safe way to catch up and get in some steps while you soak up the wonders of winter.
Happy to S-now You
Anytime
Looking for a way to reconnect with your friends in an outdoor space? You’re never too old for some fun in the snow. Get everyone together and layer up for some tubing or tobogganing at Chicopee or McLennan Park. If restrictions allow (and you have your own equipment), go cross-country skiing through one of the GRCA trails.
How Sweet It Is
Anytime
Treat yourself and your friends to a sugar rush. Between Greb’s Chocolate & Nut Shop in New Hamburg, Esta Chocolates in Waterloo, and Reids Candy & Nut Shop in Cambridge (to name a few), there’s definitely no shortage of chocolate shops in the Region. If you’re looking for a daytrip, grab your best friend and mask up for a road trip together to Rheo Thompson Candies in Stratford.
Care Lucas
Care Lucas is Executive Director of WLU Student Publications, and Publisher of TCE. You may have bumped into her at Steel Rails over the years, or in one of the Region’s many magical record stores where she regularly combs through stacks of vinyl. At home she spends time building puzzles with her son Atticus, cat Garfunkel and chinese crested dogs Star and Dookie.