Despite being more well-known for its signature in-your-face attitude, any resident can tell you that Philadelphia also has an underrated soft side filled with lush botanical gardens and world-class art museums. This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to indulge this sentimental facet of the city. This list will help you and your special someone—whether it be romantic or platonic—find the perfect insta-ready activity for the year’s day of devotion and adoration.
Valentine’s Day Wax+Wine: Couple’s Edition, 2/11-16
It’s a scientifically-proven fact that scent is the most emotional of the five senses, activating an avalanche of sentiments and nostalgia with just a whiff. At this BYOB event, couples can choose their own signature scent in a DIY candle-making experience. Accompanied by complementary champagne and sketches of each duo by local illustrator, Destiny Simmons, guests can stop by all week long from Feb. 11 through 16 for a night of perfumed passion. Tickets from $35, 1034 Pine St., 215.309.3424, waxandwine.com
Fearless Restaurants’ Galentine’s Day, 2/12
Ladies, ditch your date and gather your gals for a night that’s all about girl power. Hosted by Fearless Restaurants—which owns iconic Philly staples from Penn’s Landing’s Moshulu to University City’s brunch-go-to White Dog Café—this event is held at Autograph Brasserie in Wayne and Louie Louie in University City. Steve & Preston Show radio host, Kathy Romano, and Intermission author, Mindie Barnett, will be hosting Galentine’s Day at Autograph Brasserie along with a variety on-site luxury vendors, such as Laura Mercier and Lovebirds Boutique. Meanwhile, co-founders of the body positive DreamWalk Fashion Show, Alyse and Lexi Scaffidi, will host at Louie Louie, providing attendants with the opportunity to take centerfold-certified photos. Tickets $15; Autograph Brasserie, 503 W. Lancaster Ave., 610.964.2588; Louie Louie, 3611 Walnut St., 267.805.8585; purchase tickets here.
Boyds Philadelphia’s Beauty Galentine’s Day, 2/12
After all, isn’t self-care a form of love? Well, Boyds Philadelphia seems to think so with this year’s Galentine’s Day event. Featuring all things beauty, guests are welcome to experience anything from a 15-minute facial enhancement consultation to a “Glow-Getter” facial by Tata Harper Skincare. Held from 6 to 8 pm, be sure to reserve your spot with the purchase of a $50 gift card. Complimentary cocktails included. Tickets $50, 1818 Chestnut St., 215.564.9000, boydsphila.com
Sweetheart Skate at Dilworth Park, 2/14
We’ve all seen it in the rom-coms and chick flicks: the wintry scene where the perfect couple indulges their intimacy during a quirky ice-skating scene. You don’t have to be an Olympic finalist to enjoy a novelty night in the midst of Center City on the ice. Hosted by Philly’s favorite throwback station B.101, this annual Valentine’s Day event will be filled with karaoke and cozy cocktails. Tickets $15, 1 S. 15th St., 215.440.5500, centercityphila.org
Boyz II Men Concert at The Met, 2/14
Nobody knows how to set the mood better than this Philly-bred, internationally-acclaimed R&B group. With one listen to any of their staple hits, such as “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee,” it’s clear that the group’s sensual sound is made for—and with—love. It must be divine timing that the group is back for a Valentine’s Day concert in their hometown. Tickets from $111, 858 N. Broad St., 215.309.0112, themetphilly.com
Photography by: Photo courtesy of Fearless Restaurant Group
