Unique Valentine’s Day Ideas + Events in Ann Arbor 2025
On Valentine’s Day, thousands of couples in and around Ann Arbor typically make plans to enjoy a romantic, candlelit dinner or book tickets for a show. Not only is this a popular date to make reservations and order a bouquet of roses, but it’s also tradition to show your special someone how much you care through actions, words, and acts of love.
Romantic Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day in the Ann Arbor Area
Looking to surprise your special someone with a romantic date this Valentine’s Day but need some inspiration? Check out these ideas in the Ann Arbor area, such as a sunset at a Ypsilanti park or a couples massage at a local day spa. Whether your partner’s love language is quality time, receiving gifts, or physical touch — there’s a perfect Valentine’s Day out there for everybody!
Catch the Sunset at North Bay Park
1151 South Huron Street, Ypsilanti
Nothing beats watching a sunset at the park with your favorite person! If the weather permits, this Valentine’s Day, pack a picnic for you and your honey and head over to North Bay Park to catch golden hour. The 139-acre park is located on the western end of Ford Lake and features a boardwalk and trail system that meanders through the woods, wetlands, and along the lakeshore. Additional features and amenities include the observation tower, islands and bridges along the trail, a playground, restrooms, and plenty of picnic areas. Whether you enjoy a charcuterie board or you want to pick up your favorite meal to-go, a sunset over the water is a budget-friendly Valentine’s Day option that doesn’t sacrifice any of the romance.
Enjoy a Romantic Dinner at Aventura
216 East Washington Street, Ann Arbor
Aventura is known for modern tapas, world-renowned Valencia paella, and an abundance of hospitality. Treat your special someone to a quality dinner at the restaurant and make sure to save room for dessert! For sweets, couples can share churros, arroz con leche y higos (Spanish rice pudding with figs and brûlée), or the tarta de queso y chocolate, which is a traditional Basque cheesecake with a chocolate twist! Start your dining experience with encurtidos or the pintxo de sobrasada with Crystal bread, Spanish cured sausage, Mahon cheese, honey, and onion. Small plates include mouthwatering ingredients like yellowfin tuna, shishito peppers, seared chorizo, Spanish octopus, grilled prawns, and so much more! Nothing says “I love you” quite like sharing, so order a variety of dishes to split with your partner. The beverage menu offers the perfect accompaniment to your plates, such as sangria or cocktails like the Noche De Citas with bourbon, date, lemon, meletti, and ginger.
Cheers to Love at The Last Word
301 West Huron Street, Ann Arbor
The Last Word is a speakeasy-themed bar situated in Downtown Ann Arbor. The cocktail lounge serves a wide variety of crafted drinks, as well as beers, wines, and rare specialty whiskeys. If you’re looking to impress this Valentine’s Day, then invite your date out for drinks before or after dinner. The menu is thoughtfully arranged by chapters, with Chapter One kicking things off with wines by the glass and bottle. Once you reach Chapter Three, you’ll be introduced to the lighter cocktails such as the Los Lobos with blanco tequila, fresh lime, pineapple, agave, and pink peppercorn, or the Rosie with rose-infused Mammoth Gin, St. Germain elderflower, fresh lemon, and cava. Prefer something on the sweeter side? Chapter Five has you covered with nightcaps and cocktails that carry heavier characteristics and sweet notes like the Flaming Volcano with a Bacardi blend, a bit of brandy, more rum, and fresh fruit juice (made for sharing).
Relax with a Couples Massage at Spavia Day Spa
3070 Washtenaw Avenue, Suite 101, Ann Arbor
Spavia Ann Arbor provides a truly unforgettable spa experience, with luxury exuding from every detail. Don your plush robe and sandals before you retreat to relaxation with your significant other for a couples massage. Not only is this the perfect way to spend quality time together, but both of you will leave feeling renewed and rejuvenated. Massages are available as 60-minute, 80-minute, or 100-minute sessions. You can also upgrade your couple’s massage with deep tissue, salt stone, and sports massage treatments. Single? That’s no problem, either. Treat yourself to a day at the spa because, after all, you deserve it! Treatments don’t end at just massages at Spavia, either. You can also peruse the facials, skincare, body treatments, and beauty offerings. There are even packages available, such as “Relax” which includes two signature treatments.
Book a Staycation at the Stone Chalet Bed & Breakfast Inn
1917 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor
Want to plan a special weekend getaway to commemorate Valentine’s Day? The Stone Chalet Bed & Breakfast Inn is just the place! This Ann Arbor Historic Landmark Estate is perfect for couples looking to relax, unwind, and enjoy each other’s company. Built-in 1917, the historic property is within walking distance of downtown, yet far enough away to feel serene and calm. With over 11 distinct and beautifully decorated guest rooms that vary by size and style, each couple can pick the perfect space to unwind while staying at the Stone Chalet. Currently, the inn is TV-free. There is, however, high-speed WiFi that allows guests to stream video to their own devices. Quiet time is after 10:00 PM, so you can enjoy a relaxing and quiet night. As dawn approaches, get ready to kick start your morning with a symphony of flavors at breakfast — including freshly brewed coffee, fluffy pancakes, as well as bacon and eggs.
Share Something Sweet with Your Sweetie at Blank Slate Creamery
300 West Liberty Street, Ann Arbor
Savor the sweetness of Valentine’s Day with something extra sweet at the local creamery. Reserve your sundae for 2 in a heart shaped bowl or a package of 4 mini ice cream sandwiches to share with your Valentine here. Blank Slate has a variety of deliciously creamy, homemade, all-natural ice creams, sorbets, and non-dairy options to choose from. The current flavor lineup features browned butter cookie dough, garden mint chip, lavender lemon honey, Madagascar vanilla, midnight chocolate sorbet, non-dairy peppermint bark, and plenty more! Additional treat options at Blank Slate include shakes, floats, cookie sandwiches, ice cream bars, parfaits, brownies, chocolate chip and ginger molasses cookies. If Fido is along for the Valentine’s Day festivities, grab a pupsicle!
Valentine’s Day Events Around Ann Arbor
If you’re searching for a special Valentine’s Day event, read on for some local options! Whether you’re looking to wine and dine your date over a five-course meal or you want to jam out at My Folky Valentine with musician couples, there are plenty of options to surprise your beloved with a night out on this special day.
Valentines Perfectly Paired Cocktail Dinner
Want to experience a truly magical Valentine’s Day date? Enjoy a five-course dinner with your special valentine as Michael Fox from the Ann Arbor Distilling Company walks couples through their perfectly paired cocktails while live music is performed by Pure Blues and Jazz. Enjoy quality time with your date as you bond over dinners, drinks, and of course — dessert. Diners will learn about each cocktail crafted from spirits made from Michigan-grown grains. If you feel so inclined, you can also take a swing around the dance floor. Reserve your table for two or come as a group and enjoy Valentine’s with your closest friends and loved ones. A sampling of the courses includes a vodka martini with smoked salmon deviled eggs and a maple White Russian served with a maple glazed coffee cake.
My Folky Valentine
This Valentine’s Day, head over to The Ark for the 20th Anniversary of My Folky Valentine! To honor this milestone show, guests will be treated to 10 Michigan-based dynamic duos who are partners in life as well as music. The star-studded lineup will feature Ruth & Max Bloomquist, Allison Downy & John Austin, Matt & Kim Watroba, and hosts Annie & Rod Capps just to name a few. With so many singers and multi-instrumentalists taking the stage, you can expect a night of joyful collaborations and no shortage of romantic love songs. Whether you have a date or not, this is sure to be a memorable evening for all! The showtime is 8:00 PM and doors open a half hour beforehand. General Admission tickets are priced at $20, and Reserved Seating is $30 per ticket.
Couple’s Paint: Let It Snow
5 South Washington Street, Ypsilanti
Invite your date to a paint and sip at Tipsy Ypsi this Valentine’s Day. This special Couple’s Paint experience will be hosted from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and tickets are on sale for $35. In the couple’s class, each guest will work on half of the complete painting. When placed next to each other, the complete painting will be, well, complete! This is an adult-only class, so guests must be ages 18 and up to attend, but must be older than 21 to consume alcohol. Patrons can bring their own alcohol and food in accordance with Michigan State Liquor Law and Liquor Control Board. No open containers can leave the premises. Re-corked wine bottles may be placed in the trunk and the cork must be level with the lip of the bottle. Those wishing to attend the class solo are welcome!
Valentine Psychic & Holistic Fair
The Valentine Psychic & Holistic Fair will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton and is a one-day-only opportunity on February 15, to explore psychics, mediums, energy healers, a multitude of aura photos, holistic products, and plenty of crystals. From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, guests can enjoy a fun-filled day of love and healing. General admission is priced at $8 and children ages 12 and under are free — so you can bring the whole family along! Entrants will receive a free crystal with their Eventbrite ticket. Whether you have a special someone in your life or not, the fair is a prime opportunity to practice self-love.
Valentine’s Weekend with Lisa Curry
212 South 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor
Celebrate the days surrounding Valentine’s Day with Lisa Curry on Thursday (February 13), Friday (February 14), or Saturday (February 15) at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase! Curry is an internationally touring comedian and TV writer. She has co-hosted The Adam Carolla Show multiple times and has been a fill-in act for the Daily Show writer’s stand-up tour. She’s also the creator, host, and producer of Long Story Long. Her debut comedy album, Alive For a While, debuted at #1 on iTunes, and Curry has recently recorded her debut stand-up special titled Emotionally Edging. Her quick mind and sharp wit will keep audiences on their toes, so come spice it up this Valentine’s with Lisa Curry at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. Tickets are on sale from $17-$22.
Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra: Up Close & Personal
The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra is a true community orchestra — with local members performing only five concerts each year! You won’t want to miss their February 16th performance, which is also the perfect way to cap off a romance-filled weekend of love. The Winter Concert will be performed at the Lincoln High School Performing Arts Center from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The “Up Close & Personal” show will feature friends of the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra, making this a one-of-a-kind performance. Tickets are on sale for $12 for adults, $6 for students, seniors, and children, or $30 for a family of 4.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Ann Arbor!
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s about time to make your dinner reservations or snag those tickets. And even if you’re riding solo this Valentine’s Day, you can still treat yourself!
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