Best Valentine’s Day Activities in Tallahassee
January 10, 2023 Tally Student Survival Parents, Students Social Share
“L is for the way you look at me, O is for O-h my goodness I can’t believe how many great Valentine’s Day ideas I found from Tally Student Survival!”
The start of the new year means the biggest love fest is just around the corner—Valentine’s Day! Before you know it, stores will be overflowing with bouquets of flowers and heart-shaped balloons. The self-proclaimed day of love can be extremely stressful for those with a significant other—the pressure of planning the perfect date, getting that fancy dinner reservation, or buying enough roses to impress “the other half.” On the other hand, those who are single often feel left out from the rest of the coupled-up world.
What if we told you there’s a way for everyone to have a perfect Valentine’s Day? Tallahassee has plenty of V-Day events that are great for couples, singles, groups of friends, or for the entire family! We’ve listed our favorite date ideas around the capital city, along with upcoming Valentine’s Day events. So put on your favorite love song and get ready for February 14th with our list of best Valentines’ Day activities in Tallahassee. We promise to make your 2023 Valentine’s especially sweet.
Best Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Dine in with Tallahassee Date Night
Turn your Valentine’s Day evening up a notch with the private chef experience that is Tallahassee Date Night! Chef Romance always had a passion for cooking and making people feel special, so he teamed up with local chefs to bring a unique dining experience right to your home. Choose between their memorable date night packages like the private chef dinner, tell-a-rose, or a couple’s game! They even offer a private outdoor movie theater! Prices vary depending on the date experience, and reservations can be made online.
Take Your Date on a Valentine’s Day Picnic
There are few things more romantic than a picnic! Take your Valentine or a group of friends to Tally’s lush local parks and enjoy a meal in the sunshine. This Valentine’s Day impress your date with a DIY picnic, or choose one of Tallahassee’s picnic curators:
- The Edison –Power Plant Café inside The Edison offers a picnic basket for 2 deal that is perfect for Valentine’s Day! For $50 you’ll get a basket with sparkling wine, two sandwiches and sides of your choice, plus a dessert! Contact (850) 765-9771 for reservations.
- Tallahassee Picnic – Reserve a stylized, boutique picnic experience with Tallahassee Picnic! Choose between a picnic for couples, small groups, or large groups of friends. Each picnic comes with rented décor, flowers, delivery, set up, and clean up. That means all you need to have the cutest Valentine’s Day picnic is just show up! Reservations can be made online by filling out the site’s questionnaire. Contact (850) 559-9305 for more information.
Slow Dance to Live Music
Going to a show is a great way to spend this Valentine’s Day! Sing and dance the night away with a date or friends at all of Tallahassee’s top music venues:
- Bradford Blues Club – An outdoor music venue in a historic building, known for bringing the best Blues artists to the cinder block “juke joint!”
- House of Music Tallahassee – Local vintage warehouse transformed into a live music venue with ongoing concerts, a restaurant, and a full bar.
- Club Downunder – FSU’s campus music venue hosting underground rock, folk, and jazz. Plus, karaoke and trivia on select nights!
- Potbelly’s – Local bar and music venue popular amongst college students and locals alike.
- The Moon – Nightlife spot with life music, DJs, and ongoing special events.
Sweeten Up Your Sweet
If you’ve got a sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of tasty options to satisfy your cravings. Add a bit of sweetness to your Valentine’s date with these Tallahassee dessert spots:
- Lofty Pursuits – Take your Valentine to Tallahassee’s happy place: Lofty Pursuits is a traditional soda fountain and candy making shop with board games, brunch, and more!
- Mo Cookies – Ditch the dozen roses and go for a dozen gooey cookies instead! Mo Cookies has massive and unique cookies that are bound to make anyone fall in love this February.
- SouthWood Sweets – Take a stroll around the beautiful SouthWood community and finish off your Valentine’s Date with a big scoop of ice cream at Southwood Sweets!
Stick to the Traditional Fine Dining
If you prefer the classic date night, there are plenty of upscale restaurants for a lovely, romantic meal. Take your Valentine to the best of the best Tallahassee restaurants:
- Il Lusso – Surprise your Valentine at one of Tallahassee’s most popular upscale restaurants. Il Lusso is an airy space serving Italian, seafood, and decadent meat-style dishes.
- Backwoods Crossing – The Rice brothers have taken farm-to-table to the next level at Backwoods Crossing, offering locally sourced produce and herbs directly from their garden! Give your Valentine a unique dining experience that will leave you full of love and delicious food.
- The Blu Halo – Looking for sophistication and class? The Blu Halo is here to deliver. Bring your date to the high-end steakhouse with a cocktail and wine bar.
Explore the beauty of Tallahassee’s Nature
Looking for something outdoorsy to do this Valentine’s Day? Stop and smell the flowers that Tally has to offer! The city has been referred to as “Trailahassee” for a reason – over 600 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and canoeing! Get lost in Mother Nature this Valentine’s Day and explore some of Tally’s best parks:
- Cascades Park – Stroll along the 24-acre park with historic monuments and year-long ongoing events at the Capital City Amphitheater.
- St Marks National Wildlife Refuge – Witness one of the nation’s oldest wildlife refuges with various wildlife, walking trails, and the St. Marks Lighthouse.
- Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park – When a dozen flowers aren’t enough, give your Valentine an entire botanical garden worth! The historic Florida State Park is a masterpiece of florals and architecture.
- Lichgate on High Road – Explore Tallahassee’s hidden gem this Valentine’s Day! A private historic landmark with a labyrinth, community garden, and a fairy garden sanctuary all awaits at this picturesque landscape.
Get Artsy this Valentine’s Day
With its year-long sunshine, it’s no surprise Florida has a ton of outdoor art to admire. If you want a vibrant Valentine’s Day, bring your date to the Railroad Square Art District. The area features over 40 art studios, thrift stores, a climbing gym, coffee shop and bar. It’s the perfect blend of art, culture, and entertainment all in one location!
- Looking for more hands-on art? Try Painting with a Twist – you and your Valentine can follow step-by-step instructions to paint your own masterpiece!
Upcoming February Events in Tallahassee
This February, Tallahassee has a TON of fun events going on. Whether you’re looking for something love-themed for couples, a single girl’s night out, or an event that’s perfect for the whole family, we’ve got you covered.
Happily Ever After Dating
Are you singles ready to mingle? The Tastee Turkey Leg is hosting a speed dating event this January. Who says you have to wait until February 14th to feel all the love? Prepare yourself for the big day by finding your Valentine during speed dating! With a ticket each participant receives a welcome pack: included with a name tag, raffle ticket, score card and pen to keep track of all the other singles. Each date lasts between 3-5 minutes, and if you find someone that really catches your fancy, you’ll get their contact information via email no later than 48 hours after the event. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet the one!
Event date/time: January 21st, 2023, 7pm-11pm
Address: 2810 Sharer Rd Unit 27, Tallahassee FL 32312
2023 Muggle Shuffle
All Harry Potter lovers, rejoice! Township and Madison Social is teaming up to host its annual Harry Potter themed bar crawl. Make it a Valentine’s date or go with a group of muggle friends, the choice is yours! Purchased tickets include a specific HP house shirt, a house-related shot, and four complimentary drinks. Although dressing up isn’t mandatory, it IS encouraged! Plus, both bars have dog-friendly patios, so you can bring your muggle pets along if you’d like. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online. Which house are you: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw?
Event date/time: February 4th, 2023, 6pm-9pm
Address: 619 Woodward Ave, Tallahassee FL 32304
Girls Night Out the Show
If you’re looking for the ultimate girl’s night out this Valentine’s Day, look no further. The Warrior on the River is hosting “Girl’s Night Out the Show” which is a Magic Mike-Esque dance performance from a group of talented, ripped men. Dance and laugh the night away with a Valentine’s experience like no other. Tickets start at $19.95 and can be purchased online.
Event date/time: February 10th, 2023, 8pm-10:30pm
Address: 9330 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee FL 32304
Women’s Comedy Night
Does the thought of Valentine’s Day require a good laugh out of you? The Bark is hosting an all-women lineup of comics this February for an unforgettable comedy show. The “Humortals” group have partnered with Planned Parenthood, so proceeds will go to help support the fight for reproductive rights. Those aren’t butterflies in your stomach, you’re just in stitches from laughing so hard!
Event date/time: February 10th, 2023, Doors at 8pm & show starts at 8:30pm
Address: 507 All Saints St Tallahassee, FL 32301
24th Annual Valentine’s Day Parade & Festival
Looking for a love-filled event before the 14th? The Rotary Club of Wakulla is once again hosting its annual Valentine’s Day Festival and Parade! Located in the serene Hudson Park, the festival will feature arts & crafts vendors, local businesses, bounce houses, and more. The parade will begin at 10am and the festival will immediately follow. Make sure to vote on your favorite decorated float!
Event date/time: February 11th, 2023, Parade begins at 12pm
Address: 21 Ochlockonee St, Crawfordville FL 32327
TFP Dessert Festival
Craving something sweet this Valentine’s Day? Head to The Fuzzy Pineapple for their annual Dessert Festival! They’ve got food, crafts, artists, and growers’ vendors. Bring a date or just your sweet tooth and stock up on your favorite sweets, pastries, and candy to keep you satisfied this Valentine’s Day. Did we mention it’s free admission?
Event date/time: February 11th, 2023, 12pm-6pm
Address: 1205 S Adams St, Tallahassee FL 32301
Tallahassee Highland Games
Tallahassee’s strongest cultural and sporting event returns to Apalachee Regional Park! The popular Scottish Heritage event is perfect for the whole family: try out the All-American Highland Games qualifiers, watch the Cable Toss Championship, dance to traditional music, or take the little ones to the kid-friendly activities. Want to go all out? Dress in your best Scottish attire! Tickets available online starting at $20.
Event date/time: February 11th-12th, 2023, 8:30am-9:30pm
Address: 7550 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee FL 32311
Frolics of Florida
Learn something new this Valentine’s Day at the Tallahassee Museum! This “adults only” event focuses on the various mating rituals of the city’s local animals. $90 per couple or $50 per person, tickets include a cocktail hour followed by animal encounters with the Education Manager. End the evening with the “Naughty Night Prowl” – a walk along the Florida Wildlife Trail. This is an outdoor event so dress appropriately! Tickets are 21+ and must be purchased in advanced on their website.
Event date/time: February 14th, 2023, 6pm-8pm
Address: 3945 Museum Rd, Tallahassee FL 32310
Valentine’s Wine & Dine
Publix Aprons Cooking School at Village Square is hosting a demonstration-style cooking class this Valentine’s Day. Instead of waiting in a crowded restaurant, just show up to Publix and let the chef do all the work! Pass on the restaurant reservations and join the Aprons chefs for a relaxing night of great food. Class is 18+ with wine sampling for those 21+. Tickets are $70 per person and can be purchased online.
Event date/time: February 14th, 2023, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Address: 3521 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee FL 32309
TCC SGA Day: Valentine’s Day Social
Tallahassee Community College is hosting a Valentine’s Day Social! Located in the TCC Student Union, join fellow students to socialize, flirt, and take part in lovey-dovey DIY crafts like jewelry, t-shirts, and even build-a-bears!
Event date/time: February 14th, 2023, 1pm-2pm
Address: 444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee FL 32304
Moses Pendleton’s renowned dance group is back with their newest creation, so be prepared to take your Valentine down the rabbit hole! Step into the world of Alice in Wonderland with MOMIX’s interpretation of Alice. Go on a journey that’s equally magical, mysterious, eccentric, and fun! Pendleton claims he plans to take the show to new levels of dancing, lighting, music, costumes, and projected imagery that you won’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased online and start at $30.
Event date/time: February 14th, 2023, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Address: 222 S Copeland St, Tallahassee FL 32304
Game On! Open Board Game Play
Feeling competitive this Valentine’s Day? Leon Collins Leon County Public Library is hosting a board game night at the Lake Jackson Branch Library. Invite a date, go with a group of friends, or go alone and make new ones! They’ve got plenty of games you can borrow, or feel free to bring your own!
Event date/time: February 14th, 2023, 3pm-7pm
Address: 3840 N Monroe St #300, Tallahassee FL 32303
Field Day Music Festival
It may technically be after Valentine’s Day, but the Field Day Music Festival is still a great day out for you and your loved one! The Judy Field Memorial Foundation is hosting the 6th annual outdoor music festival at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. They’ve got three star-studded acts: The Fried Turkeys, Honey Hounds, and Town Mountain. During the fest you can find food trucks, a beer garden, giant Jenga, corn hole, and a photo bus! Tickets for 13+ start at $30 and can be purchased online. Proceeds go to fight pancreatic cancer.
Event date/time: February 26th, 2023, 2pm-7pm
Address: 3540 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee FL 32309
Looking for things to do in Tally during the rest of the year? Stay up to date with all of Tallahassee’s upcoming events with our calendar, or check out our Food & Fun page for even more date night spots for your Valentine’s Day!