Love, like and the lot can be had this Valentine season for those who adore each other’s company along with movies, meals, merch and more. Whether going out or staying in, Chicagolanders will heart the many ways to celebrate February’s feel-great holiday with this list of popular pairings.
Dinner & A Show
More than 150 local restaurants are participating in Chicago Southland Restaurant Month’s Savor the Southland. “What a great way to encourage both visitors and locals alike to frequent some of the best Chicago Southland restaurants that receive less business during these winter months,” says Visit Chicago Southland President/CEO Mary Patchin.
Chicago’s Kitchen + Kocktails offers a special menu and drinks on Valentine’s Day weekend (Feb. 13-15). Carnivale also offers soulful cuisine, a romantic atmosphere and fancy cocktails, while Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago invites guests to an Amore Mio–themed dinner on the 14th.
Before or after seeing Drury Lane’s On Your Feet! (through March 22) in Oakbrook Terrace, theater lovers can enjoy a Valentine’s tea or dinner (Feb. 14) at Lucille Restaurant.
Valentine’s weekend (Feb.13-15) marks the official start of Maggie O’Farrell’s drama Hamnet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yard (through March 8). Lolita Chakrabarti adapted the bestselling novel for this live production directed by Erica Whyman.
Soprano Hayley Fox stars as Cinderella in Chicago City Opera‘s Cendrillon (Feb. 13-14) at The CheckOut. “We look forward to inviting our audiences into this new community hub to celebrate a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend with us…,” notes CCO Executive Director Kelsey Enyart about the French opera by composer Jules Massenet and librettest by Henri Caïn. “Cendrillon provides the perfect foil to our thrilling production of Carmen last fall,” adds CCO Artistic Director Alexandra Enyart. “With a plot that remains endearing despite numerous retellings and music that is both upbeat and charming Cendrillon is a fun and heart-warming opera perfect for cold winter nights.”
Big & Small Screens
Cinematic provocateur Emerald Fennell is also bringing the heat with her passionate adaption of Emily Brontë’s gothic novel “Wuthering Heights” (1847). The same-named film‘s Friday the 13th release on Valentine’s Day weekend encourages audiences to debate whether the epic relationship between Cathy (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) is extremely romantic or too extreme. Check for showtimes at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Wrigleyville, and Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, along with Regal and AMC theaters where the Kevin James rom-com Solo Mio (2026) can also be seen.
This year’s Crying at the Shed film series features screenings of the rom-coms Licorice Pizza (2022) by Paul Thomas Anderson (Feb. 12) and Beginners (2011) by Mike Mills (Feb. 13) as well as a family matinee (Feb. 14) of the animated classic Lady and the Tramp (1955) at Chicago’s Salt Shed.
Meanwhile, those snuggling at home can rent or purchase Rachael Abigail Holder’s indie flick Love, Brooklyn (2025). The Sundance drama follows a poet (Moonlight‘s André Holland) as he romances his ex (The Morning Show‘s Nicole Beharie) and his current lover (She’s Gotta Have It‘s DeWanda Wise).
Health & Wellness
Before people can love another, they must first embrace self-love. That’s why the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce is hosting its inaugural Love You Lab (Feb. 7) at the Den Theatre. This self-care marketplace brings together local businesses and practitioners representing health, fitness, beauty and skincare, holistic wellness, mental health and nutrition. The event includes yoga and meditation classes and demos; free mini-treatments; and a complimentary tote bag for supportive swag.
Speaking of, Simpler Hair Color Shampoo & Conditioner 5-Tube Sampler Kit features the company’s signature scents: Mountain Spice, Sweet Agave, Bergamot & Cedar, and Orange Clove. Designed for those who want their hair color to last, the formulas are made free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, isopropyl alcohol and phthalates. They’re also vegan, cruelty-free and made in the U.S.!
The same can be said for Formulary 55’s Love Potion No. 9. Italian bergamot meets Peru balsam—along with amber, jasmine, musk, honey, rose, and a hint of sparkling champagne—in this tantalizing 6oz shea butter soap.
Give & Take
Dedicated consumers know there’s an art to finding a special gift for that special someone. Perhaps that’s why Fashion Outlets of Chicago, THE COLLECTION mixes art with shopping. In addition to providing access to popular clothing shops from ALDO to Versace, the Rosemont mall showcases exhibitions of work by renowned artists including Anila Quayyum Agha, Candida Alvarez, and Jen Stark. For those who’d love to purchase their own piece of art, acrylic paintings by Holly Farrell, such as “Barbie & Ken Wedding Portrait” (2024), are available at Clark Gallery which also represents Emily Farish and Mayumi Nakao.
Lastly, Rebellious Magazine offers the ultimate bear hug in the form of an affordable and cuddly Teddy Bear. The plush toy will remind readers to check out our high-ranked coverage which includes subscription-free reviews of local happenings, opinion pieces reflecting nationwide news, and more.
Rebels who believe it’s better to give than receive may also want to donate to our Lucky 13 Fundraising Drive by clicking here. It’s just one way to get lucky this Valentine’s Day!