From a romance-themed night of Slavic fortunetelling to sugar cookie decorating for kids, here’s a list of heart-fluttering events happening in and around Lawrence for Valentine’s Day.
Costs of festivities that are not free are noted in the event descriptions.
Recurring events
• Valentine’s Day Weekend at Espurresso Cat Cafe promises special Valentine’s Day booking that includes kitty cuddle time, a “hissing booth” photo op with a polaroid keepsake and a baked treat. Appointments start at $16.40 for 30 minutes. Book a spot here.
→ At Espurresso, 1014 Massachusetts St.
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Saturday, Feb. 7
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Lucia’s Love Notes pop-up promises local vendors, DIY valentines, treats, themed drinks and a photo booth.
→ At Lucia Beer Garden + Grill, 1016 Massachusetts St.
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• 1 to 2:30 p.m.: The Merc Co+op is hosting a free sugar cookie decoration session for kids with cookies, frosting and sprinkles provided.
→ At the Merc, 901 Iowa St.
• 7 to 11 p.m.: Queer Prom 2026 will be in full swing with the theme Love Blooms. The event is free to attend and open to folks ages 16 and up, but organizers ask that people RSVP here in advance.
→ At Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering, 1031 New Hampshire St.
Tuesday, Feb. 10
• 4 to 5:30 p.m.: The Lawrence Public Library is asking people to “Get crafty and share the love” while making valentines for family and friends. The event is drop-in and goes while supplies last.
→ In the LPL auditorium, 707 Vermont St.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: A Cupid meet and greet at Smallcakes will include cookie decorating, Valentine’s treats for purchase and a photo area.
→ At Smallcakes, 4801 Bauer Farm Drive, Suite F
Thursday, Feb. 12
• 6 to 8 p.m.: A night of trivia at Rick’s Place will serve as a fundraiser for local musician Jacki Becker, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The trivia will center on Valentine’s Day movies and traditions, and it costs $10 per person to play.
→ At Rick’s Place, 846 Illinois St.
• Vinland Valley Nursery’s School’s Out! Valentine’s Edition hoopla is meant to give kiddos something creative to do while school is out for EC-5 Thursday and all students on Friday. For $12, people can paint a pot and plant a tropical succulent in it. There will be a free supplies station to make valentines cards. The activities are walk-in from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 and Friday, Feb. 13. Registration is not required. “The playground is open for bocce, coneflower hole, world-famous spinner, and paper moon photo booth!” according to the event page.
→ At Vinland Valley Nursery, 1606 North 600 Road in Baldwin City, Kansas
Friday, Feb. 13
• 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show: Foxy By Proxy Revue is a local Lawrence burlesque and theater troupe. They’re hosting their 16th annual Hextravaganza. The show is for those 18 and up with ID. “Bring your lover, your situationship, or your dark little heart. The monsters are waiting…” the event description reads. Tickets range from $14.50 to $20.50 before processing fees and can be purchased at this link or at the Liberty Hall box office with cash.
→ At Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St.
On Valentine’s Day: Saturday, Feb. 14
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: While the upcoming library music and book sale doesn’t have a Valentine’s Day theme, what could be more romantic than browsing yellowed paperbacks and hunting through CDs? Books, audio books, DVDs, puzzles and games are $2 and under, and CDs are $3 each. Other media is price as marked.
→ At LPL, 707 Vermont St.
• 1 to 3 p.m.: The Watkins Museum of History will throw a Hearts and Crafts event with themed crafts, cookie decoration and a scavenger hunt for kids and families. This free, come-and-go festivity does not require registration.
→ At the Watkins, 1047 Massachusetts St.
• 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Charles Darwin’s birthday coincides with Valentine’s Day, and KU’s National History Museum is celebrating with a family-friendly event replete with birthday cake. Attendees will learn about Darwin’s life, his colleagues and their discoveries. Folks should note that hosts will discuss animal courtship and reproduction, including sex organs.
→ At KU’s Dyche Hall, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd.
• 3 and 7 p.m.: Liberty Hall’s annual Valentine’s Day screenings of “The Princess Bride” will also eulogize director Rob Reiner following his death in December. Regular admission to both showings is $12.50. Find the movie on Liberty Hall’s “Coming Soon” page and click their ticket link to learn more.
→ At Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St.
• 4 to 7 p.m.: The Raven Book Store is orchestrating the meet-cute of any romance reader’s dream. Attendees can indicate what they’re looking for on name tags — be it flirting, friends or books — as well as a favorite read. “There will be kandi bracelet making, a typewriter for all your love letters (feel free to bring your own paper!), and queer archival love letters and zines provided to us by the Close Friends Collective out of NYC!” according to the Raven’s event posting. All zine proceeds will go to the Perfectly Queer Little Library.
→ At the Raven, 809 Massachusetts St.
• Doors at 6:30 p.m., music from 7 to 9 p.m.: A Broadway sing-along themed around “Love, Love, Love” will be hosted by Susan Miller and John Bryant at Trivedi Wine. Tickets are $11 per person and lyric sheets will be available.
→ At Trivedi Wine, 1826 East 1150 Road
Monday, Feb. 16
• 5 to 7 p.m.: KU’s Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies club is inviting all to an evening of Slavic fortunetelling themed around romance and matchmaking. “Come learn about fortunetelling in Slavic culture and try some traditional methods related to romance, marriage, and family,” the event description reads.
→ At Bailey Hall on KU’s campus, room 318, 1440 Jayhawk Blvd.
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Chloe Anderson/Lawrence TimesValentine’s Day events around Lawrence for kids, adults and everyone in between
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