Valentine's Events in Columbus: Where the City Is Actually Going Out This Year

If you’re trying to figure out what to do for Valentine’s Day in Columbus, the loudest signal right now is that people are choosing experiences over stiff, white-tablecloth dinners. With well over two thousand locals already circling or committing to plans, this year’s Valentine’s events in Columbus are skewing playful, weird-in-a-good-way, and very social. You’ve got Tarot Tea Party – The Lovers and The Devil drawing in the “let’s talk about fate and feelings without calling it that” crowd, while Love in the Night: A Valentine's Synthpop Dance Party is clearly the move for couples and situationships who want to dress up, drink, and not overthink it. Galentine's Day Celebration is giving cover to anyone who wants to be out without doing the couples’ performance, and Starstruck: Decadence In Bloom Burlesque leans more sultry spectacle than sappy romance – ideal for long-term pairs who’ve done the prix fixe thing a dozen times already. Even the After Valentine's Party – a Musical on Ice suggests that Columbus isn’t done once the 14th ends; people here are stretching the vibe into a full week. The venues tell the same story: from a house-party-feeling address like 418 E Mound St to a familiar Donatos Pizza and event-style spots near 2010 Crown Plaza Dr, dates are happening in places that feel lived-in, not intimidating. So if you’re planning a first date, a safe bet is something with a built-in activity – tarot, a themed party, a show – where you can talk when it works and just watch or dance when it doesn’t. Long-term couples should lean into the offbeat: burlesque, ice shows, or dance nights that feel like a one-night-only story. And if you’re just not in a roses-and-couples-photos mood, Galentine’s energy and post-Valentine’s parties mean you can still tap into all the romantic things to do in Columbus without making it A Thing.