By Ian Meadows

January 29, 2026

*“Heartland” mural by* *WRDSMTH* *at Lionheart Coffee*

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation to the people you love – a significant other, friends, family, and yourself, too! To help celebrate the season of love, Downtown Cleveland, Inc. has compiled a list of romantic dining, memorable experiences, and thoughtful ideas for you and your loved ones in the heart of the city.

Sip and Savor at Downtown’s Fine Dining Restaurants

*Valentine’s Day dessert at Marble Room*

Downtown is home to many of our region’s premier chefs and restaurants. Featuring delicious food and elegant interiors, you’ll be sure to enjoy a memorable evening at one of Downtown Cleveland’s Date Night restaurants. Browse restaurants by downtown district, from Playhouse Square to the Flats, and everywhere in between.

Several downtown restaurants are offering special Valentine’s Day multi-course menus, including Bar 32, Fahrenheit, and Pickwick & Frolic. Be sure to make your reservations early before they book up!

Book a Romantic Staycation

Downtown Cleveland features many luxurious hotels to book a cozy escape with your friends, family, or significant other. From historic gems to high-end high rises, there are many options across the city center to have a romantic retreat. Consider checking out downtown’s newest accommodations – the boutique Fidelity Hotel, recently awarded Ohio’s first Michelin Key.

For relaxation and rejuvenation during your stay, visit Ascend Fitness & Spa, Marengo Luxury Spa, or one of downtown’s other spas and salons.

See a Dazzling Show at Playhouse Square

*Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre*

Visit the gorgeous theatres at Playhouse Square for a cozy and romantic evening. On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, you can get tickets to see Suffs at the Connor Palace Theatre (a powerful and entertaining performance about bold American women fighting for the right to vote), The Heart of Robin Hood at the Hanna Theatre (an exhilarating adventure that reimagines the classic tale), and Flanagan’s Wake at Kennedy’ Cabaret (a hilarious and interactive improv comedy about an Irish funeral).

Compete at The Corner Alley and Five Iron Golf

If you’re looking for a more active and competitive experience, play a couple rounds of bowling at The Corner Alley or have a virtual golf experience Five Iron Golf. Both establishments also offer a full bar and food menus to pair with your games. You’ll have a fun time whether you’re on a date or enjoying an outing with friends!

Sleuth and Savor at a Murder Mystery Dinner

*Cleveland’s Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner*

Enjoy being a detective for an evening while you dine at a murder mystery dinner experience. Perfect for a group of friends or an entertaining date night, don’t miss your chance to be part of a real-life game of Clue right here in downtown Cleveland. You have several different murder mystery experiences to enjoy – The Dinner Detective “Game Over” at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown and “A Pickwick Murder Mystery” at Hilarities.

Laugh at a Hilarities Comedy Show

Share an intimate yet hilarious evening at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, one of the largest made-for-comedy venues in the country, featuring a multi-level showroom. Not only is it a beautiful and unique venue, but the experience will be one to remember. You can even enjoy a special Dinner and a Comedy Show Experience with a three-course dinner at Pickwick the Restaurant before being escorted to a live comedy performance in Hilarities. Get ready to laugh with your friends or loved ones, and grab your tickets to an upcoming show.

Get a Splash of Romance at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

*SeaTube Tunnel at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium*

Love is in the air – and underwater – at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium! Head to the West Bank of the Flats from February 7th through 15th for special “That’s A-Moray” Valentine’s Day themed experiences and admission. Plus, enjoy extended hours and a cash bar on Friday, February 13th and Saturday, February 14th. Learn more and grab your tickets now!

Run for a Cause in the Cupid’s Undie Run

Wear crazy outfits, get exercise, and support a good cause all at the same time by participating in the annual Cupid’s Undie Run on Saturday, February 7th! Join this fun and festive run, which includes drinking, dancing, and a mile(ish) jog, while raising awareness and money for those living with NF, a group of genetic conditions. Grab your friends and register now for the race, which will kick off at Huntington Bank Field.

Buy a Beautiful Bouquet of Flowers

Flowers are a Valentine’s Day staple, and downtown has several local businesses to purchase beautiful bouquets from. Stop into the Heinen’s rotunda, Constantino’s Market in the Warehouse District, or the 12th Street Florist.

Gather Your Gals for a Galentine’s Experience

Enjoy a fun outing in downtown with your friends, or join a bar crawl and make new ones! Join the third annual Sweetheart’s Shuffle all-girls bar crawl downtown on Saturday, February 7th. Dress your best in pink and red and enjoy five iconic East 4th Street bars. If you’re looking for another unique experience, check out an all-women vendor market at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel. The Galentine’s Market there will be on Saturday, February 21st for shopping, cocktails, and photo ops! Or, you can head to another downtown establishment for festive refreshments, like The 27 Club for pink cinnamon rolls and colorful cocktails to celebrate the holiday.

Rep Downtown in Style with Cute New Clothes

Did you know that Downtown Cleveland, Inc. has an online shop with cute clothes and merchandise? Perfect to give as a gift or to treat yourself, there are a variety of t-shirts, crewnecks, and hoodies available, with designs created by our Brand Director, TJ Lewis. Brand new to the lineup, and just in time for Valentine’s Day, is the “DTCLE Has Heart!” design, shown in the image above. Even better, a portion of every purchase goes directly back into our organization. Browse all of the merchandise items, and order yours now!

However you spend Valentine’s Day, have a fun and memorable time! Tag Downtown Cleveland, Inc. in photos from your adventures, and see additional downtown resources, events, and information at DowntownCleveland.com.