Valentine’s Events Around Buffalo

By: Madison Howard, Assistant Features Editor

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to follow the same dinner and flower routine. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, spending time with friends or skipping romance altogether, Buffalo has plenty of ways to mark the holiday. From art experiences to charitable events, there are options for every kind of celebration.

Locust Street Art, a community-focused studio known for its hands-on workshops, is hosting a weekend of creative events. On Friday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m., the Anti-Valentine’s Day Junk Collage and Zines workshop offers a nontraditional way to express yourself with tickets starting at $17.85. Also on Friday at 6 p.m., participants can choose to attend the Make Your Own Anatomical Heart Pendant Ceramics Workshop, where attendees create a ceramic pendant in a guided, hands-on class; prices for these workshops start at $33.85.

Saturday’s Events at Locust Street Art focuses on both friendship and romance. At 12 p.m., on Feb. 14, the Friendship Bracelets: Galentine’s Day Workshop invites participants to celebrate platonic love through bracelet making with tickets starting at $14.64. Later that evening at 6 p.m., the Partner Portrait Painting: Valentine's Day Date Night offers couples a guided portrait class where they paint one another; tickets for this experience start at $55.20. The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is also offering several Valentine’s Day-themed events that combine creativity with the relaxed museum atmosphere. On Friday, Feb. 13, from 6-8 p.m.,  the Studio Clay Class: Dinnerware invites participants to create functional pottery together. Paint Your Partner: A Fun Date Night Portrait Class takes place during the same time slot and offers a playful painting experience for couples. Additionally, from 7-8:30 p.m., A Night of Love with Vibrant Strings features a live concert of romantic string music in an intimate museum setting.

Beyond art-centered events, Buffalo is hosting several other Valentine's experiences throughout the city. FLESH AND FIRE: A Valentine’s Day Masquerade takes place Saturday, Feb. 14, from 5-10 p.m. with the Cristoforo Colombo Society, offering an immersive experience of music, performance and mystery. Orchids After Dark runs Feb. 7, 13, 14 and 15 from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, allowing guests to explore illuminated greenhouses and the orchid exhibit after hours. For animal lovers, Paint With Your Pup: Valentine's Day Edition on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Buffalo Barkery, lets participants create heart-shaped paintings with their dogs for $10, with all proceeds benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

For students staying on campus at Canisius, there are also Valentine’s themed events available. The RHA 2nd Annual SweetHeart Social will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 5-7 p.m. in Grupp, featuring games and free food. On Thursday, Feb. 12, from 6-7:30 p.m., the Honors Student Association will host Valentine’s Bingo in Grupp, where students can play games and win prizes.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Valentine’s Day in Buffalo offers something for everyone! From creative workshops to live music, there are countless ways to make the day meaningful. Grab your friend, a partner, or even your dog and make this Valentine's Day a day to remember.