LIFE

35 things to do for Valentine's Day

Leslie Bailey
IndyStar
This is the year you do Valentine's Day weekend right.

This is the year you go beyond drug-store chocolate and overpriced roses. This is the year you get off the couch and celebrate being single. This is the year you do Valentine's Day weekend right.

That being said, all of "this" requires a slight amount of planning. Where to begin, you ask? Read on.

From throwback movies and live concerts to romantic date ideas and restaurant specials, here is your ultimate guide to Valentine's Day in Indy.

Local love event

Show local businesses love this year. Homespun: Modern Handmade is hosting a special after-hours shopping event. Spend more than $30 and you'll receive 14 percent off. How sweet is that?

8 to 10 p.m. Feb. 11, 869 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 351-0280, homespunindy.com

'Let's make a date'

You don't have to be single to enjoy "Let's make a date" at White Rabbit Cabaret. Everyone in the audience gets a chance to win a date with a lucky bachelor or bachelorette in this comedic dating game.

9 p.m. Feb. 11, 1116 Prospect St., $5 cash at the door, (317) 686-9550, www.whiterabbitcabaret.com.

Bring your smallest sweethearts to the cabaret.

Cabaret with Peewinkle's puppets

Puppets need love, too. Bring your smallest sweethearts to Peewinkle's Puppet Studio for Valentine's Cabaret. Tickets include treats and a drink.

9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 13, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 14, 10 a.m. and noon Feb. 15, 25 E. Henry St., $13, free for children ages 2 and under, $3 post show workshops, (317) 917-9454, peewinklespuppets.com.

"Funny Face" 

So maybe you can't take your main squeeze to Paris, but you can go see the 1957 film "Funny Face" starring Audrey Hepburn at the Historic Artcraft Theatre.

2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12. and Feb. 13, 57 N. Main St., Franklin, $3-$5, (317) 736-6823, historicartcrafttheatre.org.

Galentine's Art Night at the Indiana Art Fair

The Indiana Art Fair celebrates 13 years with Galentine’s Art Night. Attend the opening night event, and your ticket will remain through the fair on Saturday.

6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 12, 650 W. Washington St., $35-$45, (317) 232-1637, indianamusuem.org.

Valentine's weekend at The Jazz Kitchen

The Jazz Kitchen celebrates Valentine's Day all weekend long, beginning Friday night with "I want you: A tribute to Marvin Gaye," followed by "Stardust: Jazz standards from the American Song Book" performed by the Rob Dixon Quintet on Saturday as well as a Valentine's brunch and dinner, both with live music, on Sunday.

7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. brunch Feb. 14, 4 p.m. doors, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sets Feb. 14, 5377 N. College Ave., $20 Feb. 12, $15 Feb. 13, $40 brunch Feb. 14, $70.70 dinner Feb. 14, thejazzkitchen.com.

An overall of WZPL's, Wheel of Men event at The Vogue during Valentine's weekend.

Smiley's Wheel of Men

Single and ready to mingle? Check out Smiley's Wheel of Men event at The Vogue followed by a live performance by '80s cover band Sixteen Candles.

8 p.m. Feb. 12, 6259 College Ave., no cover 8 to 10 p.m., (317) 2597029, www.thevogue.com.

"Dr. Strangelove or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb"

Don't let the title deceive you. This isn't a romance film but perfect for the couple who still want to cozy up for a film without the Valentine's Day hoopla. See the 1964 film "Dr. Strangelove or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" in The Toby theater at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

8 to 10 p.m. Feb. 12, 4000 Michigan Road, $6 members, $12 non-members, (317) 923-1331, imamuseum.org

Sinatra Centennial 

The Indianapolis 500 isn't the only one celebrating 100 years in 2016. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will pay tribute to the 100th birthday of "Old Blue Eyes" during the Sinatra Centennial at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

8 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13, 3 p.m. Feb. 14, 32 E. Washington St., $25-105, (317) 639-4300, indianapolissymphony.org.

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Valentine's candlelight hot yoga

Head to The Hot Room for a candlelight yoga class on Feb. 12 and your partner can take the class for free. The special also runs for regular classes on Feb. 14.

6 p.m. candlelight Original Hot Yoga, 305 E. New York St., 7:30 p.m. candlelight Hot Vinyasa Yoga, 3855 E. 96th St.,  (317) 650-7736, www.indyhotroom.com

Be My Valentine 5K

A little friendly competition is good for any relationship. The Be My Valentine 5K run/walk course takes place in a new location this year, kicking off at The Athenaeum with the course running on much of the Cultural Trail near Mass Ave. Don't expect a T-shirt to add to your race tee collection; runners will receive a fleece blanket instead.

9 a.m. Feb. 13, 801 W. Washington St., $30, fun-races.com.

Feel the love on Valentine's Day with yoga classes.

Partner yoga and massage at Invoke Studio

Invoke Studio will offer a Valentine's class at both locations, starting with partner yoga at the 86th and Ditch location on Saturday followed by a partner yoga and massage at the Downtown location on Sunday.

5-6:30 p.m. Feb. 13, $30 per couple, 2-4 p.m. Feb. 14, $45 per couple, 1315 W. 86th St., Ste. D, (317) 802-1374, 970 Fort Wayne Ave., Ste. C, (317) 631-9642, invokestudio.com.

Date Night Yoga and massage

Work up a sweat together at All People Yoga Center. Feb. 13 is buy one, get one person free at Date Night Yoga. On Feb. 14, start the day with a workshop in essential oils from 10 to 11:30 a.m. From noon to 2 p.m., enjoy partner yoga and massage, where you'll learn ways to help each other relax.

5:45 to 7 p.m. Feb. 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m Feb. 14, 1724 E. 86th, $17 for date night class, $25 per person for the individual workshop, $40 per person for both workshops, (317) 818-1800, allpeopleyoga.com.

Beethoven, Brahms and The Scotts

Enjoy the romance of classical music. The Scott family presents pieces by Beethoven and Brahms at the Palladium.

7:30 p.m. Feb. 13, 1 Center Green, Carmel, $5-$65, (317) 843-3800, thecenterpresents.org.

A fan raises a peace sign during the opening credits of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Rocky Horror Picture Show  

Because nothing says, "I love you" like a virgin sacrifice. See the midnight picture show at the Irving Theatre.

11 p.m. doors, midnight show, Feb. 13, 5505 E. Washington St., $6, www.attheirving.com.

Final performances: "The Mystery of Irma Vep "

See the final performances of "The Mystery of Irma Vep" at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Book in advance with the code LOVEIRMA and you'll not only receive $14 off your ticket but you'll impress your date with chocolate on their seat.

2 and 6 p.m. Feb. 14, 140 W. Washington St., $15-59, (317) 635-5252, irtlive.com.

Valentine's Day for All 

Nickel Plate Arts has a full lineup of art-infused events and activities for singles, couples, children and groups throughout Valentine's weekend. From 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13 are date nights with poetry, art activities and more, followed by family Valentine's Day celebration on Feb. 14 from 1-5 p.m. ($5 per craft activity, admission is free).

Feb. 12 - 14, 107 S. 8th St., Noblesville, $5-$50, (317) 452-3690, nickelplatearts.org.

Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner

At the Chateau Thomas Plainfield Winery & Tasting Room, guests and couples are invited to a candlelight dinner for two. Hotel and dinner packages are available.

7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 13, 6291 Cambridge Way, Plainfield, $130 per couple for dinner only, $240 for dinner and one-night hotel stay, (317) 837-9463, chateauthomas.com.

Enjoy sweets by candlelight at Garfield Conservatory.

Sweets for your sweetie

Enjoy treats from the tropics like chocolate and coffee in the romantic candlelight setting of Garfield Gardens Conservatory.

6:30 to 8 p.m. and 8 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2505 Conservatory Drive, $10 per person, reserve by Feb. 12 by calling (317) 327-7580 or online at garfieldgardensconservatory.org/events.

Love is All You Need Dinner Dance

The annual "Love is All You Need Dinner Dance" at The Rathskeller includes a three-course meal followed by live music at 8 p.m. by First Time caller Band.

6 p.m. to midnight Feb. 13, 401 E. Michigan St., $90 per couple, call (317) 636-0396 for reservations, rathskeller.com.

Valentine's Day at the Prop 

The Indianapolis Propylaeum is offering three Valentine's Day weekend events beginning with Sips & Tips: Chocolate & Wine Pairing Class on Feb. 11, followed by a Royal Valentine’s Day High Tea on Feb. 12 and a Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dinner on Feb. 13.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 11, $20; noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 12, $19-32.50; 7 to 9:30 p.m., $100-$165; 1410 N. Delaware St., (317) 638-7881, propindy.org.

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Valentine's Day Dinner at Sullivan's Steakhouse

"Sweep her off her seat" at Sullivan's Steakhouse for a three-course dinner featuring the restaurant's "fan favorite" dishes.

Feb. 14, 3316 E. 86th St., $62 per person, (317) 580-1280, sullivanssteakhouse.com.

Dinner at The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot of Indianapolis refers to chocolate and Valentine's Day as "The Original Power Couple." A special five-course prix fixe fondue menu will be available Feb. 12 through Feb. 14.

5650 E. 8th St., $65-$85 per person, (317) 841-3601, meltingpot.com.

Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will offer a Valentine's Day steak dinner.

Lucky in Love

Hoosier Park Racing & Casino and Indiana Grand Racing & Casino have several options for lovers looking to get lucky on Valentine's Day weekend. From Feb. 12 through Feb. 14 the casinos will offer steakhouse specials as well as a lineup of nightly entertainment including live performances by Corey Cox, Colin Matthews and Jay and the Americans.

Hoosier Park Racing & Casino: Feb. 12 to 14, 4500 Dan Patch Circle, Anderson, 800-526-7223 ext. 4527, HoosierPark.com; Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Feb. 13 to 14, 4300 N. Michigan Road, Shelbyville, (877) 386-4463, IndianaGrand.com 

Valentine Dinner at Prairie Guest House

Make room for a four-course candlelit dinner at Prairie Guest House. To make a full night of it, reserve a guest room that will be prepped with a few special touches.

6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13, 13805 Allisonville Road, Fishers, $150 per couple for dinner, $275 per couple for dinner, a guest room and breakfast the following morning, (317) 663-8728, prairieguesthouse.com.

Love is Back in the Castle

Those who prefer a more casual meal can head to White Castle on Valentine's Day for dinner with table-side service.

3 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14, locations vary, call (317) 269-4590 for reservations, whitecastle.com.

Valentine's Dinner at Mallow Run Winery

Mallow Run Winery hosts dinner and a special wine pairing in a rustic setting. Live entertainment will be provided by The Castlewood Singers.

7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13, 6964 West Whiteland Road, Bargersville, $75 per person, reserve between noon and 6 p.m. by calling (317) 422-1556, mallowrun.com.

Valentine's Weekend at the Loft

Love lasts all weekend at The Loft at Trader's Point Creamery with a special three-course prix fixe dinner as well as brunch Sunday morning. Classical harpist Jan Aldridge and guitarist Casey Hershberger will play live music.

5 to 10 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville, $64 per person, (317) 733-1700, traderspointcreamery.com/valentines-weekend.

Wine pairing dinner

Topping last year's four-course meal, catering and event planning company Small Potatoes, along with Harmony Winery, will host a five-course Italian wine-paired dinner.

7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 13, $85 per person, $160 per couple, 7350 Village Square Lane, Fishers, (317) 585-9463, harmonywinery.com.

Indiana native Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds performs as the feature act on stage. The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration concert was held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Saturday, July 19, 2014, featuring performances by Anthony Hamilton, Babyface and Chrisette Michele.

Babyface

See Indiana's own, Kenny 'Babyface' Edmunds perform R&B hits at Old National Centre. Hit up Mass Ave. for dinner and drinks before or after the show.

7 to 10 p.m., Feb. 14, 502 N. New Jersey St., $63-$95, (317) 231-0000, www.oldnationalcentre.com.

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Couple's workout

At Martin Nutrition and Fitness in Greenwood, fitness enthusiast couples can get a solid workout in followed by a yoga session for $30.

862 S. State Road, Greenwood, $30, (317) 658-2562, www.martinnf.com.

"Forbidden Broadway" 

Gerard Alessandrini's "Forbidden Broadway" opens at the Carmel Community Playhouse on Feb. 12. The tribute to Broadway stars and songs runs through Feb. 28.

Times vary, 14299 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel, $15-$35, (317) 815-9387, www.carmelplayers.org.

Sun King Brewing presents: Beer and Ballet 

She loves beer, he loves the ballet (why not?). Sun King Brewing and the Ballet Theatre of Indiana present the best of both worlds at Beer and Ballet at The Athenaeum.

7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13, 407 E. Michigan St., $25, www.btindiana.org.

"What makes my heart beat!" gallery exhibition 

The "What Makes My Heart Beat?" exhibition at the Stutz Building will feature people, places and things that the featured artists find endearing. Presented in partnership with the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign.

11 am to 2 pm, Monday thru Friday through Feb. 26, 212 W. 10th St., free admission, (317) 292-3200, www.stutzartists.com.

Dinner and Tea at Tina's Traditional Old English Kitchen

Time for tea? Tina's Traditional Old English Kitchen will host a Valentine's Day tea for two. Those looking for a more grand gesture might try the six-course wine dinner the night before.

7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 14, (317) 565-9716, www.tinastraditional.com

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Call Star reporter Leslie Bailey at (317) 444-6094 and follow her on Twitter @LesalinaFacebook.com/Lesalina, and Instagram @Lesalina.