Love Is in the Raleigh Air: 5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day This Year

Valentine’s Day is creeping up, and whether you’re celebrating with your significant other, your besties, or a room full of strangers in their underwear (we’ll get to that), Raleigh has a little something for everyone. Skip the cliché dinner-and-a-movie routine and try one of these exciting, actually fun ways to spend V-Day this year.

Dance Your Heart Out at Dix Park 💃🏽🕺

Even if you have two left feet, this salsa class at The Chapel at Dix Park is bound to be a blast. You’ll learn some spicy new moves, enjoy delicious desserts, and probably step on your partner’s toes at least once. No dance experience required—just a willingness to laugh at yourself.
📍Feb. 14 | 6–9 pm | Free with registration | 1030 Richardson Dr.

Get Swept Away at the Ballet 🩰

Few things say “romance” quite like a night at the ballet. This year, Carolina Ballet is performing Boléro, featuring stunning choreography set to Maurice Ravel’s famous masterpiece. Whether you’re a ballet aficionado or just looking to impress your date, this elegant performance at Fletcher Opera Theater will do the trick.
📍Feb. 6–23 | Purchase tickets here | 2 E. South St.

Celebrate Wild Love at the Museum of Natural Sciences 🦉💕

If your idea of romance involves learning how animals court each other (and who wouldn’t be curious?), head to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for Wild Love. Enjoy exhibits on the science of attraction, craft microscopic love notes, and meet live animal ambassadors with their own unique love lives. Science has never been sexier.
📍Feb. 14 | 6:30–10 pm | Purchase tickets here | 11 W. Jones St.

Take a Class About Italian Wine 🍷

Take a deep dive into the world of Italian red wines with Vitis House’s Romantic Reds class. Sip on Lambrusco, Amarone, and more while learning about their history and flavor profiles. Bonus: you’ll also get to enjoy a special Bolognese pasta dish.
📍Feb. 8, 14 & 24 | 6:30–8:30 pm | Purchase tickets here | 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd.

Have a Fancy Dinner… Without Lifting a Finger 🍽️

If cooking a romantic meal sounds like more stress than love, Table & Twine has your back. Their Valentine’s Day meal kits include filet mignon, lobster carbonara, and even a cookie decorating kit. Just heat, eat, and take all the credit.
📍Purchase here

This isn’t sponsored (we’d let you know if it was). We just really love wine, dance floors, and science-fueled romance.

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