Valentine’s Day date ideas for music lovers

Whether you stay in or go out with your boo, let music take the lead.

By Isabella Soares

A romantic occasion made special with a curated playlist. (Isabella Soares/CanCulture)

February is here, meaning that the clock is ticking when it comes to planning a romantic hangout with your partner for Valentine’s Day. Although going to the movies or eating a three-course meal at a bougie restaurant seems like the way to go, there is more in store for couples that want to add music to this special occasion. From pairs that want to keep it casual to love birds that want to enjoy an epic night out, the list below has several music-centred ideas to help you find the perfect way to celebrate.

Go Record Shopping

If there is one place that music lovers can’t help but swing by from time to time, it’s a record store. There is something about roaming through the aisles filled with albums from a variety of genres that is appealing to any music enthusiast. In the case you and your significant other share the same desire to purchase vinyl or CDs, what better way to enjoy Valentine’s Day than shopping together? Maybe once you get past the cashier, you can give each other a record as a gift.

See a musical at a local theatre

Musicals aren’t for everybody, since they often have more singing and dancing than wordy dialogues. Yet, for those couples that do enjoy a dramatic story accompanied by upbeat tunes, attending a musical production at a local theatre is a must. You’ll laugh at the occasional jokes, hold hands when the characters fall in love, and will surely have a new repertoire to sing together after the curtains close.

Attend a Candlelight concert

You have probably seen ads promoting a Candlelight concert on your Instagram feed, but never actually purchased a ticket to experience one in person. Well, Valentine’s Day seems like an ideal occasion to give it a try. After all, there is nothing more romantic than being in a dimly lit room next to your soulmate, listening to orchestral versions of your favourite songs.

Enjoy a meal to the sound of a curated playlist

With so many people making reservations in advance to eat out, enjoying a meal together at home might be a cozy way to go. To make the night even more intimate, come up with a playlist filled with tunes that you both enjoy—or remind you of each other—and listen to it while having dinner. Once a ballad begins to play, you can always seize the opportunity to slow dance with your partner in the living room.

Sing at a karaoke bar

Listening to music 24/7 means you probably know several songs by heart and sing them in the shower. Why not get out of your comfort zone and belt out the lyrics with your significant other at a karaoke bar? The whole point of karaoke is to have fun and let go of the pressure of sounding good to a picky crowd. Putting your names on the list and hitting the stage will make the night nothing short of exciting!

Watch an artist or band perform live

If an artist or band that you and your partner love is planning a concert on Valentine’s Day (or maybe during that week), then purchasing a ticket to see them live should be a given. Yet, in the case that they aren’t performing in your hometown anytime soon, why not see a local band or a cover group instead. They might not seem as exciting as the person on your concert bucket list, but you might leave their show with a new local talent to add to your playlist afterward.

No matter the date idea you and your boo settle on, the truth is that music has the power to make a special occasion even more significant. After all, songs can evoke emotions and remind us of a moment in our lives better than words can. When the right tune plays at the right time, magic happens and a simple get-together with the person that you love becomes an everlasting memory.