How to Have a Grown-Up Valentine’s Day in Champaign-Urbana
Leave the kids at home and celebrate Valentine’s Day with these ideas for laughter, love and togetherness – for grownups.
Ah, Valentine’s Week in Champaign-Urbana.
Dinner and a movie? How about a show? Perhaps you want a weekend getaway? First things first: Find a sitter, stat! (Or register for one of the kids’ programs on our calendar.)
Now make those reservations so you can have a lovely Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart in Champaign-Urbana. Note: These events have a specific Valentine’s Day theme, or they fall on Valentine’s Day. And we will continue to add to this article as we find others.
NOTE: We have more date night ideas on the site here.
Looking for Galentine’s Day fun? We have an article for that. Looking for Family Valentine’s Day events? We have an article for that too!
Eat at a Restaurant:
Valentine’s Day is on a Friday this year meaning, it will be a busy night for area restaurants so call ahead and make reservations ASAP. Want some ideas? Here are some of our favorites.
Some restaurants will have special menus. One example: Head to Houlihan’s and enjoy a specially crafted four-course menu designed for this special evening – complete with chocolate-covered strawberries. Reserve a table here.
Pro-tip (aka old mom tip): you can always pick another, less crowded night to go out for dinner.
Grownup Valentine’s Day Event Ideas:
THURSDAY, Feb. 13, 2025
Candlelight Concert at the Orpheum: We haven’t been to the candlelight concerts at the Orpheum Champaign, but we can’t think of a better night to try out “the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience. Enjoy a concert of popular music — think love songs such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” — played by a string quartet in the dark. Tickets start at $25.
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2025
Go ice skating with your partner: Perhaps we are just girlie girls, but we think ice skating makes for a very romantic date. And if you can get away for a lunchtime rendezvous, head over to the Ice Arena (yes it’s open to the public) for the lunchtime skating session between 11:15 a.m and 12:45 p.m. Just be aware it can be tricky to park there.
Paint Your Partner at Allerton Park, Monticello: Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Paint Your Partner on Friday, Feb. 14 in the Mansion from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy a casual date night with pizza, paint, drinks and laughs. Seated across from their partner, guests will paint a portrait of them. After both artists have completed their work of art there will be a moment of truth: How much does the canvas look like the person sitting across from them? Tickets are $35 per person; register by Feb. 11.
Valentine’s Day at the Historic Fischer Theatre in Danville: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening of delicious food, live music, and romance at the Historic Fischer Theatre. The full that includes entertainment, dinner and cocktails and two performances are $50 per person; stop in for the performance with general admission seating available for just $5 at the door starting at 7:30 PM. More info online here.
Valentine’s Night Comedy at Yellow and Co.: Bob Zany returns to Yellow & Co. in Mahomet for a night of comedy on Valentine’s Day. Now you and your special one can have that laugh together with us on Valentine’s Day. Your ticket will include a drink, chocolates and a special treat. $40 per person in advance. Zany will also appear on Feb. 15.
Valentine’s Night Comedy at Alto Vineyards: Some of the area’s best comedy, featuring headliner Chris Schlichting, will entertain from 7:30 -9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14. $20 per person. Find more information and obtain tickets here.
Head out to a romantic night with Sinfonia da Camera at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts: There’s so much to look forward to on this program, that is perfectly crafted for the lovebirds who find romance in classical music. The highlight just might be Sinfonia director Ian Hobson and his wife, pianist Muen Wei, taking the stage together both on piano. Get tickets here.
Casablanca on the Big Screen: This classic romantic tale will be shown at Savoy 16 + IMAX on Friday, Feb. 14 in a special showing. (Also we be available Sunday, Feb. 9 and Wednesday, Feb. 12). Regular ticket prices apply.
The 4th Annual Love Fest, Friday, Feb. 14: A night of glitter, glam, and heart-pumping LIVE SINGING drag performances, all while raising funds for Uniting Pride—the heartbeat of East Central Illinois’ LGBTQ+ community. Food, drink and more. Learn more about tickets here.
EVENTS ON FEBRUARY 15
Do Yoga Together: Amara Yoga and Arts is offering Partner Yoga for Friends and Lovers, led by Jason Schroeder, on Feb. 15 (3-4:30 p.m.), aimed at yogis of all levels. Develop trust and support through a series of poses for a pair. Cost is $40 for two participants; space is limited. More info here.
Cupcakes and Beer Pairings, Feb. 15: Grab your partner and head to Riggs Beer Company for a unique experience of combining delicious cupcakes with refreshing beers. Indulge in a variety of sweet and savory flavors and discover how different cupcakes complement various beer styles. Tickets are $25 per person, two afternoon seatings.
How will you and your sweetie celebrate Valentine’s Day?