What to do around Chicago for Valentine's Day weekend
Jeffrey Osborne: In the mood for an 'R&B Valentine's Day Lovefest'? Head to The Auditorium Theatre, where longtime singer-songwriters Jeffrey Osborne and Will Downing will perform. Get ready to fly 'On the Wings of Love.' 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets $43.50-$149 at jeffreyosborne.com
Broadway Rave: Or maybe you prefer to sing your heart out? Broadway Rave presents a musical theater Valentine's party. You'll be 'Defying Gravity,' for sure. 9 p.m. Feb. 14 at Subterranean, Upstairs, 2011 W. North Ave.; tickets (ages 17+) $20 at broadwayrave.com
The Newberry Consort: Infatuation, love and heartbreak are the themes of the latest Newberry Consort performance, 'So Sweet Is Your Return: Romantic Renaissance Chansons and Madrigals.' Romantic poems in Italian and French are set to Renaissance music that artistic director Liza Malamut compared to 'the Taylor Swift songs of their day.' 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave., Evanston; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Bond Chapel, University of Chicago, 1025 E. 58th St.; and 4 p.m. at Ganz Hall, Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets $10-$65 (children 16 and under free) at newberryconsort.org
4 of Hearts at WhirlyBall: Compete to your heart's content this Valentine's Day at Whirlyball — a game that combines bumper cars with wiffle balls, lacrosse-like scoops and basketball-like nets. Book a double date — or bring the kids — and, as part of a limited-time '4 of Hearts' package, you'll get two appetizers and a dessert along with your one-hour Whirlyball reservation. Also, discounts on laser tag, bowling or additional rounds of Whirlyball. Open daily at Chicago and Naperville locations; Thursday-Sunday at Vernon Hills; from $250 per hour at whirlyball.reservewithrex.com
Valentine's Night at Color Factory: Celebrate your love with some fabulous photo opps at the Color Factory. If you haven't yet been to this Instagram-friendly interactive sensory space, Valentine's is as good a time as any. Plus, the Factory is offering an incentive: Get a free photo print and frame while supplies last. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Color Factory Chicago, Lower Level 2, Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive; tickets from $29 at colorfactory.co
'Love Bites — A Valentine's Haunted House': No need to wait until Halloween to be spooked into your beloved's arms. The producers of 13th Floor Chicago will host a vampire-themed haunted house this weekend, including (of course) a photo opp. Add on escape games and other special features or purchase date night packages featuring printed photos, a 'blood drop necklace' (ewww) and drinks. Through Feb. 16 at 13th Floor Chicago, 5050 River Road, Schiller Park; tickets (ages 12+) from $29.99 at 13thfloorchicago.com
'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical': Now at Drury Lane in west suburban Oakbrook Terrrace, the biographical jukebox musical about the singer-songwriter has Carole King songs and a story nicely suited for a date night out at the theater. Samantha Gershman's lead performance 'is certainly worth seeing if you're a fan of King's music,' according to a recent Tribune review. Through March 23 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace; tickets $53-$125 at 630-530-0111 or drurylanetheatre.com
Galentine's Day Ecstatic Dance: Ladies, connect with yourself this Valentine's Day weekend through dance. DJ Grace will spin a mix of primal, empowering beats to inspire movement and dance in a judgment-free environment. 1-3 p.m. Feb. 16 at We The People Fitness Studio, 1229 N. North Branch St.; tickets $11.11 (ages 18+) at eventbrite.com
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