It’s the sweetest time of year, and we’re here to make sure you know the ins and outs of celebrating Valentine’s Day in Norfolk! From cookies and yoga to dinner and cruises, there are plenty of events to celebrate the day of hearts with your Valentine or Galentine group!
Main image: @brennakathcollins, Instagram
Galentine’s Day Gala: Essence of Grace
Feb. 8
REsidence Inn Military Hwy.
Get ready to celebrate Galentine’s Day – A Day filled with laughter, great music, wine, dancing, gift exchanges, fabulous women and more! Bring all your Gal Pals with you! Attire: Semi-Formal Red Attire. Guest Speaker: Barbara H. Smith, #1 Amazon Best Selling International Author, Multi-Award-Winning International Speaker.
Perfume Gift Exchange: Bring a bottle of perfume of your preference to participate in the Perfume Gift Exchange!
Kiss & Tail
Feb. 9
Virginia zoo
Are you tired of the same old up-SCALE dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Join us at the Virginia Zoo for a more casual SHELL-ebration at brunch time with your TWEET-heart or mates! Sneak in some hugs and hisses while learning fun facts about animal dating and mating, play turtle-y awesome games, nibble on tasty treats, meet incredible Animal Ambassadors, and more.
NEON Art Lover Tour
Feb. 11
The Plot
Valentine’s Day weekend join tour guide and local history buff Joshua Weinstein of Norfolk Tour Company for an afternoon spent among the NEON District’s many public artworks with your honey, your BFF or solo. Perfect for that post-brunch hand-in-hand walk or Galentine’s afternoon. Free to all art lovers!
The tour begins at 2 p.m. at The Plot, located at the corner of Granby Street and Olney Road, and will last about an hour.
NEON District public parking is available on the street, at the Plot’s parking lot, Chrysler Museum and the Harrison Opera House lot. The tour is completely free and open all art lovers.
Cookie Decorating at Elation Brewing
Feb. 11
Elation Brewing
Learn to decorate your own Valentine’s Day-themed cookies at Elation Brewing. Hosted by Ashley McCakes from 6 to 8 p.m. at 5104 Colley Ave. Tickets cost $58.
Valentine’s Dance at Harbor City Swing
Feb. 12
226 W. 24th St.
Join us for an evening of social swing dancing. Want to try swing dancing for the first time? Our drop-in lesson is the perfect place to learn! No partner is necessary, and beginners are always welcome. We’ve also made some adjustments for our lesson to ensure we have enough space for everyone while the band is getting setup – so come early and learn something new!
6:50 p.m. – Doors open
7 p.m. – Drop-in Lesson Begins
8-10 p.m. – Social dance w/Harbor City Rhythm!
There is a $15 cover charge at the door, paid via Venmo, cash, or CashApp.
Valentine Workshop at d’Art
Feb. 13
740 Boush St.
At this free event, craft a Valentine of your dreams for a special person in your life, whether you’re celebrating familial, platonic or romantic love, we’ll provide all the supplies you need to create a masterpiece! We’ll supply a variety of cardstock and other papers, doilies, stamps, doodling pens and more so you can customize and embellish your valentine in any way you choose. Each attendee will receive a card & envelope to use as their base valentine before decorating.
Valentine’s Signature Dinner Cruise
Feb. 14 and Feb. 17
Spirit of Norfolk
Set sail with your special someone on an unforgettable experience with Norfolk’s Signature Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise. Celebrate with your Valentine or Galentines, dining and dancing on the Elizabeth River with magnificent views of the city skyline as the backdrop. Enjoy a delicious, chef-prepared buffet and gorgeous views of Norfolk’s spectacular architecture. You’ll marvel at famed city landmarks, such as the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet from our climate-controlled interior and open air-roof decks. This memorable evening is topped off with a fully stocked bar and a live DJ creating a most festive atmosphere. Share treasured moments together with this one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day dinner cruise celebration.
Couples’ Art and Sound Healing Experience
Feb. 14
Balance and Bliss
Celebrate love and connection this Valentine’s Day at Balance and Bliss with a special event designed just for couples. Our Valentine’s Day Couples Art and Sound Healing Experience offers a serene and intimate evening where you and your partner can unwind, create, and heal together.
The evening will include a guided art session, where you and your partner will create meaningful artwork that symbolizes your connection. This will be followed by a soothing sound healing journey, where you can relax and harmonize your energies. Come and enjoy this beautiful opportunity to deepen your bond and celebrate your love in a tranquil and supportive environment.
Custom Candle Pouring
Feb. 14
The Fanciful Fig
Become a Candle Chandler for an evening and experience the creativity of hand pouring your very own candle. Our host, Taylor of Nitwick’s Candles, will take you step by step through the candle making process where you’ll begin with selecting a vessel from an assortment of colored vintage glass goblets and compotes. You’ll create your own custom scent from an array of fragrances, mix the fragrance into melted soy wax, dream up the perfect name for your candle creation, print out a custom label, and learn about the art and safety of hand-pouring candles. Your candle will be ready to take with you by the end of the event along with a gift bag of candle-related goodies.
Hip-Hop Valentine’s Singles’ Cruise
Feb. 14
Spirit of Norfolk
For decades, the Spirit of Norfolk has provided a unique combination of dining, dancing, entertainment and incredible views on the Elizabeth River. While aboard, guests enjoy contemporary food stations and Spectacular views of the Navy’s mighty Atlantic Fleet set to a lively soundtrack hits and all your favorites. Boarding is at 10:30 p.m. and includes buffet-style dining and dancing.
A Love Jones Valentine’s Dinner
Feb. 14
Vessel Craft Coffee
Glasco’s at Vessel Craft Coffee will host a Valentine’s Dinner from 6 p.m. Enjoy a bottle of champagne, a three-course Neo-Soul menu from Chef Eric Jackson and a delightful ambiance. Dinner costs $84.
Self-Love & Connection: Singles’ Yoga
Feb. 15
Fred Heutte Center
This Singles Awareness Day, treat yourself to an evening of self-love, mindfulness, and connection at our Singles Yoga Event! Whether you’re single by choice or circumstance, this class is designed to help you nurture your relationship with yourself while meeting like-minded people in a relaxed and positive environment.
We’ll flow through a heart-opening yoga sequence that encourages self-compassion, joy, and confidence. Afterward, stay for a casual meet-and-greet to connect with other attendees over light snacks—no pressure, just good vibes!
