The season of love has finally arrived, and the biggest day of romance is right around the corner. While the pandemic looms in on yet another holiday, there’s no reason this Valentine’s Day can’t still be full of love — virtual love that is.
We’ve hand-selected some cool upcoming online Valentine’s Day events happening in our region to spice up your life, whether you’re celebrating radical self-love, romantic love, or friendship — Galentine’s Day anyone?
Something hoppy for you and your valentine
Block Three Brewing Company is hosting Will you BEER mine? on Feb. 13. $50 gets you a twelve-pack of delicious craft beer and a live tasting session with Block Three’s Kevin and Graham at 8:00 p.m.
Get blissful on your mat
Trade in that chocolate for chaturanga this Valentine’s Day. Stretch out your body, your heart, and your mind with virtual yoga classes from Juici Yoga, Big Bliss and Queen Street Yoga this Feb. 14, and 15. Drop-in classes are $20-$22.
No one puts Baby in the corner
The Under Dog Dance Corp has a few Valentine’s Day dance classes to get your hearts pumping. There’s an Intro to Latin Dancing class for $20 per household on Feb. 14, at 8:30 p.m. and the two-part Intimate Couples Valentine’s Chair Dance workshop for $124.99. The first workshop is for the performing partner on Feb. 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the second part of the workshop can be done on Saturday or Sunday.
Chairing is caring
The Underdog Dance Corp. is also hosting an online solo sensual chair dance workshop with Lauren Keating for only $10 on Feb. 14. The workshop will focus on embracing yourself, your body, and learning to feel confident in the skin you’re in. No dance experience required, just wear something comfortable you can move in.
No mistakes, just happy accidents
Get creative and make some magic with Three Tides Wellness by joining registered art therapist Jazmine Tufford-Singh in her art-making for self-love workshop for $15 on Feb. 13 at 11:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. You’ll be encouraged to engage in art directives focused on the theme of self-love. No art experience necessary, just simple art materials found around the home.
Follow the White Rabbit
The White Rabbit eatery and bar in uptown has a couple of Valentine’s Day special packages of goodies, sweets, and savouries, champagne and/or cocktails to choose from. Orders close on Feb. 12, for pickup this Saturday. $25 and up depending on which package you choose.
Put your Cupid knowledge to the test
Local trivia host BeccaHosts brings you a special (and free) Valentine’s Day-themed trivia session on Feb. 14, starting at 7:00 p.m. Compete with your valentine, friends, and family online for bragging rights and prizes from Descendants Beer & Beverage Co.
The fastest way to someone’s heart
What’s better than flowers or a store-bought box of chocolates? A gourmet meal cooked at home. The Culinary Studio has Valentine’s Day cooking class on Feb. 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You’ll learn to make Chicken Supreme with Smoked Rosemary Reverse-Marinade, Chocolate Pudding with Spiked Raspberries, and more with your chefs/hosts Kirstie Herbstreit and Jody O’Malley. Ticket + ingredient Pack + bottle of wine = $125. Ticket Only $30.
Celebrate love with the Kitchener Market
Chef Rob has a special Love Local – Valentine’s Day Cooking Class on Feb. 14 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Create your own stunning charcuterie board, accompanied by local spirits, at home with the one you love. Pick up your ingredients bag for $75 Feb. 13 anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
If I had a mic right now, I’d drop it
Do you miss Chainsaw karaoke nights? We do too. The Blank Page Initiative is hosting a virtual open mic session — no experience necessary! The event will also feature artists performing poetry, music, comedy and end with a vendor’s “market” where you can meet the featured artists on Feb. 14, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. by donation. There is no obligation to sing, if you want to go ahead or just enjoy the show.
Valentine’s Day may only come once a year, but every day is a great day to tell your partner, friend, or family member you love them. Unless they put the bag of milk back empty again. That’s just inconsiderate.
Alex Kinsella
Alex Kinsella is a freelance content marketer and writer based in Waterloo Region, Ontario. He's behind the TL;WR newsletter–Waterloo Region's weekly events newsletter. He's worked with some of Canada's most well known tech companies in roles including customer success, development, product management, PR, social media and marketing. Alex has contributed to publications including BetaKit, Grand Magazine and more.