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Spread Love Across the City with these Valentine’s Day Events

Words By: Izabela Shubair For the month of heart-shaped everything, we’ve scoured the neighbourhoods and rounded up things to do in Toronto that will put you in the romantic mood. This year, Valentine’s Day falls…

Words By: Izabela Shubair

For the month of heart-shaped everything, we’ve scoured the neighbourhoods and rounded up things to do in Toronto that will put you in the romantic mood.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday. But just because you have to work the next day doesn’t mean you can’t plan a special outing. There’s plenty of opportunities to celebrate at the special events Toronto has on offer leading up to and on the 14th. With over 140 neighbourhoods, each with their own unique style and vibe, you can get lovey dovey all over the city.

Danforth

On Toronto’s east side, the Danforth has traditionally been known as Greektown. That means there’s plenty of places to grab souvlaki and sip on Ouzo. Once you’re full, the neighbourhood also has opportunities for laughs and love. The Social Capital Theatre, at Danforth Avenue and Broadview Avenue, has three Valentine’s-themed shows coming up.

Feb. 9: Hugs, Hearts and Improv offers up silly situations, whacky characters, and unbelievable tales.

Feb. 11: The Best Damn Stand-Up Comedy Show: Valentine’s Day Edition includes three headliners whose comedy is equally hilarious and thought-provoking.

Feb. 14: DUMP HIM is the anti-Valentine’s Day show for single people. Okay, this one isn’t exactly romantic, but who doesn’t want to laugh at heartbreak and rejection?

Queen West

When it comes to unique things to do in Toronto for Valentine’s Day, the west side’s Queen West has you covered. On Feb. 11, Orris Labs’ Perfume-Making Workshop will have you wondering if love is in the air or if that’s the signature scent you created. At the pop-up experience at 68 Abell St. (just off Queen Street between Dovercourt and Gladstone), you and your date will explore and create a perfume that highlights your personality.

Chinatown

Still looking to celebrate in the west but more into music than perfume? El Mocambo — in Chinatown on Spadina Avenue, just south of College Street — is creating an entire romance-filled evening. On Feb. 14, have dinner and be serenaded by two Canadian jazz crooners at A Valentine’s Serenade with John Alcorn & Ori Dagan. There’s two shows to choose from at 6 or at 8:30 pm. Tickets include dinner by celebrity chef Mark McEwan.

The Annex

Toronto’s mid-town is home to museums, shopping, multicultural eats, and high-end boutiques. Come the 14th, the neighbourhood’s Annex district will also give you the opportunity to combine love and film. Catch documentary film director Nick Broomfield’s most personal and romantic offering, Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. It documents Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen’s chaotic relationship, which produced a catalogue of classic songs.

Downtown City Centre

There’s plenty of live shows in Toronto but if you’re looking for lessons on love, head to the heart of downtown. That’s where you’ll find the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, which is staging the classic opera The Marriage of Figaro on Feb. 12. In this Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart opera, when a Count attempts to seduce a household servant on the eve of her wedding, she joins forces with her fiancé and the spurned Countess.