• February 11, 2026 1:28 pm

The Clarion

Produced by Students, For Students

Break the boring traditions – 5 ways to mix up Valentines Day in Dayton

ByTheClarion

Feb 11, 2026

Valentine’s Day does not always have to be the same “going to dinner and getting flowers every year” routine. Dayton offers a variety of experiences for couples, friends or those celebrating solo, from stargazing and plays to ice skating and after-hours museum visits. 

Here are five ways to spice things up this Valentine’s Day in Dayton.

Valentine’s Under the Stars at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

The front entrance of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery located at 2600 DeWeese Parkway. OHIO.ORG

Couples that are looking to switch it up this year and look for a unique Valentine’s Day experience can head to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for its “Valentine’s Under the Stars” planetarium show.

The event takes place Feb. 13 and 14, and features romantic storytelling paired with an immersive star and space show. The show is open to couples, friends and anyone interested in a relaxed alternative to a traditional date night. They also provide lots of snacks, such as a sweet treat box and a special memento featuring the night sky. 

Candlelight Valentine’s Concert at the Dayton Masonic Center

For those interested in performances and live music, the Dayton Masonic Center is hosting a special candlelight concert for Valentine’s Day, with tickets starting at $33. 

Concertgoers fill the Dayton Masonic Temple as they watch one of the live music sets. DAYTONTHEATER.COM

The concert takes place Feb. 21, and features classical music including selections from Romeo and Juliet and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. These performances are in a candlelight setting, offering an elegant, intimate evening for music lovers. 

Valentine’s Day Ice Skating at RiverScape MetroPark

Visitors skate under colorful lights at Riverscape MetroPark during a public ice skating session. METROPARKS.ORG

RiverScape MetroPark will offer a Valentine’s Day ice skating special on Feb. 14 and 15, providing an active way to celebrate the holiday. The special includes skating for two people for $25 at the RiverScape ice rink in downtown Dayton. 

The tickets also include skate rental, two cups of hot cocoa, and a box of Winans Chocolates. The event is open to couples, families or friends who are looking to spend some time together outside. 

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force After Dark

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will host an “After Dark” event on Valentine’s Day, giving visitors the chance to explore the museum during evening hours. This event is designed for adults ages 21 and older and features the return of the fan-favorite program, “After Dark: Swing the Night Away.” 

People dancing at the 2025 swing dance event. AIRFORCEMUSEUMORGANIZATION.ORG

This event will take place Feb. 14, which invites guests to try swing dancing while exploring exhibits and artifacts not normally on display, trivia with prizes and much more. Tickets to this event are $45.

A Valentine’s Day Comedy Night at Poppets Coffee & Tea

The entrance of Poppets Coffea & Tea located at 1006 E. Dorothy Lane. KETTERINGOH.ORG

Friends looking for a fun and social evening on Valentine’s Day can head over to a special comedy showcase at Poppets Coffee & Tea. The Valentine’s edition features a curated lineup of some of the Dayton area’s best comedians, including a special guest headliner and additional performers

The show will take place Feb. 14, and the tickets are as low as $7 when you order online and $10 at the door. Whether someone is spending Valentine’s Day as a group or just wants laughs and jokes over a typical date night, this showcase offers an upbeat atmosphere with coffee and food available. 

Jacie Moore, reporter

Check out more post by the Clarion: