Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with friends, a significant other, or even as a family with children, the Gainesville area is bursting with events to celebrate the holiday.
If you see an event that interests you, be sure to check online and register before spaces fill up.
Fri., Feb. 9
Valentine’s Swing Dance at Santa Fe College
6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83 St.
Friends, sweethearts and music lovers can twirl the night away at this annual event with live music and dance instruction for learners. Tickets are $10 per person.
Sat., Feb. 10
AUK Market Lunar Valentine Market
12-5 p.m. at The AUK Market, 2031 NW 6th St.
AUK will have a lineup of artists sharing a variety of goods and gifts at its open-air oasis. Browse art, jewelry, plants, mid-century vintage and more outside at the Curia on the Drag property for Valentine’s Day and the Chinese New Year. Food Trucks, coffee and other drinks are available from noon to 5 pm.
6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, 4990 NE 180th Ave.
Harmony in the Gardens’ Valentine’s Day-themed event will feature Muriel Anderson, one of America’s foremost acoustic guitarists and the first woman to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. General admission is $30, or $25 for members.
7:30-9:30 p.m. at UF Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd.
Dance Alive National Ballet presents Love in the Swamp, setting the Valentine’s Day mood with men in Gator ‘orange and blue’ dancing down the aisles. The family friendly show will feature Brian Chung’s “Touch Closer” and resident choreographer Judy Skinner’s ode to Paynes Prairie, “Another Time…Another Place” with poetry by Lola Haskins and images from the Matheson History Museum. Tickets are $25-$55.
Valentine’s Day Fresh Flower Workshop at the Harn Museum of Art
2 – 4 p.m. at Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Rd.
Surround yourself with art and blooms, and Iron & Clay will guide you through the process of designing and creating your own seasonal fresh flower arrangement. Materials will include the fresh blooms and other fun bits to round out your arrangement. Tickets, for $150, include a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage refreshment.
Live on the Lawn Double Feature
7 p.m. at Herlong Mansion, 402 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this free, live double feature will start with “Check Please: Take 2,” a live play, and finish with “The Lady Eve,” a live radio play, on the lawn of Herlong Mansion. Bring a chair or blanket and picnic if you like.
Sun., Feb. 11
Fun 4 Gator Kids Valentine Party at Kanapaha Park
11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Kanapaha Veterans Memorial Park, 7400 SW 41st Pl.
Join Fun 4 Gator Kids for a family day at the park with a dance party, bracelet making, balloons, popcorn and more.
Galentine’s Champagne and Charcuterie Spa Day
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Sweetwater Branch Inn, 625 E. University Ave.
Indulge in a luxurious spa experience, complete with a facial that features hand, arm, and neck massage. A 20-minute guided yoga stretch is also included. Sip on champagne and savor delectable charcuterie platters as you unwind in the tranquil ambiance.
The Gainesville Big Band presents: Love is In the Air
2-4 p.m. at Meizon Church, 3411 NW 83 St.
The Gainesville Big Band presents their latest jazz concert, “Love is in the Air,” for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers. With a setlist ranging from classic jazz standards to modern hits, “Love is in the Air” is a showcase of the band’s diverse musical talents.
Wed., Feb. 14
9 a.m.-9 p.m.
The Barbergators are offering singing Valentines to deliver love songs, a red rose and a personalized card (and whatever else you provide) to your sweetheart for $60- $75. Call the Valentine’s Hotline at (352) 358-1131 to find out what times are available and place your order.