City Cast Philly logo

How to Spend Valentine’s Day in Philly

Posted on February 5, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025

Siani Colón

Man and woman get married outside of a Dunkin' Donuts in Philadelphia

Jeff Dewald and Margaret Neary kiss after their wedding at a Dunkin' Donuts in Philly during the week of Valentine's Day 2005. The couple won an essay contest in which they wrote about their proposal and won an all expense-paid wedding at Dunkin' Donuts along with a honeymoon trip. (William Thomas Cain / Getty Images)

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re looking for love, getting over a breakup, or wanting to honor the different types of love in your life, the City of Brotherly Love has you covered.

Take Them Out To Dinner First

Put your skills in the kitchen to the test with two workshops at Citrine Studio. Transform a black cocoa cake to whatever your heart desires at the “Heartbreak Hotel” cake decorating class on Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. If you’re craving something savory, a heart-shaped ravioli-making class will be held on February 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Mamajuana Cafe Philly is keeping it busy all Valentine’s weekend long with a special menu and live DJ on Feb. 14, dinner and show on Feb. 15, and a “Galentines & Gents” brunch on Feb. 16.

The Elephant Restaurant & Bar’s "Pink Elephant Pop-Up" in Center City is completely decked out for Cupid. The Valentine’s themed pop-up will be running until Feb. 16 with an expansive espresso martini menu, love notes, and photo-ops.

Taqueria Amor is celebrating Galentine’s with its “Pop Tour.” The themed event honors popular female stars from Beyoncé and Chappell Roan to Pennsylvania’s own Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. The Manayunk pop-up runs until Feb. 28 with special menu items like “you’re gonna be guac-ular” and “h-o-t b-i-r-r-i-a empanadas.”

Find Love Quick

If you’re looking for a Player 2 to nerd out with, Nerd Street and Wooder Ice is hosting a "Speed Gaming" event on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m., complete with door prizes, heart-shaped pizza, and a certified matchmaker to help. Tickets are $15.

Singles in their 40s and 50s can try to find love at Pre-Dating’s matchmaking event at Dock Street Brewery-South on Feb. 22. Attendees will be introduced to up to 12 potential matches. Tickets are $39.

For the Broken-Hearted

Maybe you have some feelings to still work through.

Kick Axe Philly is having an Axe Your Ex event to help you get some catharsis. Bring a photo of your ex and aim at your target. If you need a break from the throwing, you can play some jumbo backyard games or munch on a selection of tacos and sliders. The event runs from Feb. 13 to Feb.16.

Need to get your story off your chest? Take it to the stage at ExFiles: An Anti-Valentine’s Day Story Slam. Whether it's a romantic or platonic past relationship, tell your best break-up story for the chance to win $100. The slam will be Feb. 14 at the SideQuest Theater at 7:30 p.m.

Express Your He(art)

One way you can express love is through art, and Philly’s crafty community has a few activities to keep you busy.

Whether you want to write a love letter to that special someone or meet someone new, From the Heart: A Valentine’s Crafting Night invites all for conversation and art. The event, at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, is Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. For non-members, admission is $10.

Gift your valentine a special print from the Philadelphia Sketch Club’s printmaking workshop. Learn more about the art, enjoy some snacks, and make a unique gift for your loved one. The class will be on Feb. 13 and tickets are $35.

Join the Let Me Know Club for an evening of platonic love. Treat yourself to a mocktail at the bar, get some conversation starters, and drop “Palentines Cards” in handmade mailboxes for the other guests. The party will be at the People’s Gallery Project on Feb. 16.

see more:things to do

Share article

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Philly

Philly, ExplainedMay 8

Prove Your Weekly Philly Knowledge

Pop quiz, Philly! It’s that time again to test your knowledge on local trivia.

Heart-shaped balloons that say "Happy Mother's Day"
Philly HistoryMay 7

How Philly’s Fairmount Park Came To Be

Starting with just a large hill that left William Penn in awe, Fairmount Park is now the largest landscaped urban park in the world.

Archival photo of Boathouse Row and Fairmount Water Works along the Schuylkill River
Local CivicsMay 6

Council Member on School Closures: ‘Probably the Worst Decision I’ve Seen as an Elected Official’

Councilmember Thomas said the logic behind the closures in the facilities master plan doesn’t match the accomplishments of the schools se...

Portrait photo of Councilmember Isaiah Thomas
Philly, ExplainedMay 5

Which Philly Neighborhoods Suffer From a Sidewalk Gap?

A tool from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission can help you track gaps in the Philly area’s sidewalk network.

Map of the Philadelphia region highlighting sidewalk gaps in yellow, red, and green
Philly, ExplainedMay 4

Philadelphia School Board President on Closures: ‘This Decision Wasn’t Taken Lightly’

Reginald Streater described the situation as ‘disheartening’ and said the board tried everything in its power before it reached such a po...

Headshot of Reginald Streater smiling to the camera
Philly, ExplainedMay 1

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

This mini-crossword is filled with clues on Philly history and headlines.

City Cast Philly Crossword
Food & DrinkApril 28

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars and Cafés in Philly

Philly’s local culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delic...

An assortment of salad, fruit bowls, and breakfast sandwiches
Local CivicsApril 27

Why This 75-Year-Old Document Is Foundational to Philadelphia

The document detailing how Philly’s government operates has had more than 80 amendments since 2000.

Philadelphia's City Hall