Valentine’s Day is what you make of it, and that’s never been as clear as it is this year. Concert venues, party promoters and event creators are pulling out all of the stops, presenting a bevy of opportunities for Chicagoans to celebrate the big day, whether with their beloved or with a group of friends. From long-delayed mega concerts with one of the biggest pop stars of the aughts to an all-night New Wave dance party, this Valentine’s weekend is sure to please everyone, whether in a relationship or joyously single.
These five picks are only a snapshot of the opportunities available this weekend, with venues such as The Promontory, The Hideout and others offering dance parties, silent twerk-offs and everything else in between. Here are our choices for some of the best events this Valentine’s Day weekend.
Justin Timberlake
Last year marked a series of high highs and low lows for pop and R&B singer Justin Timberlake. In the middle of his “Forget Tomorrow” world tour, Timberlake was arrested for a DUI, an incident that resulted in the delay of some of his tour dates, including his Chicago show. Ever the professional, Timberlake is back to fulfill his show schedule, and his Valentine’s Day concert may make for an even more thrilling experience for concert-goers. While Timberlake may be best known for his boastful tracks such as “SexyBack” or his bitter revenge songs such as”Cry Me a River,” he also has a collection of tunes that are loving and romantic. Expect a handful of those, perhaps even the fan favorite “Mirrors,” as well as some of his more recent music during this sure-to-be lively show.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $75-$400. More information at unitedcenter.com
Nocturna: Annual New Loves & Broken Hearts Valentine’s Ball
It’s an all-night affair at this Valentine’s Day weekend edition of the ongoing Nocturna party. Guests are encouraged to dance all night at this six-hour New Wave-focused dance party. DJ Scary Lady Sarah will set the mood for the evening as the official selector for this Valentine’s ball. Wear something fun and channel the spirit of the genre’s origins.
11 p.m. Feb. 15 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St.; tickets $15-$20 (ages 18+). More information at metrochicago.com
Heart of Chicago Soul Club Valentine’s Dance Party
All-vinyl, rare soul takes center stage. While Chicago has bred a number of throwback soul parties throughout the years, none are quite like the women-led Heart of Chicago Soul Club. The event, which was a runner-up for the Chicago Reader’s Best Dance Party of 2023, keeps sold-out crowds both young and old entertained with a focus on soulful music and community building. During the Valentine’s Day edition of the Heart of Chicago Soul dance party, DJs Debbie, Ricky, Kat and Psyche Prissy Pie will share a funk-driven collection of vintage ’60s rare soul, R&B and psych music. “Our dance parties have already proven to be love starters, so you never know what might happen!” the party promoters told the Hideout about the upcoming event.
9 p.m. Feb. 14 at Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia; tickets $15 (ages 21+). More information at: hideoutchicago.com
Dua Saleh
Multifaceted entertainers are seemingly in vogue, with many performers such as Sabrina Carpenter and SZA slipping between the acting and music worlds. Dua Saleh is another such talent. For many Netflix fans, Saleh is best known for their role as Cal Bowman in the popular television series “Sex Education.” But Saleh is also a singer and songwriter. In 2019, they released their first EP and followed it up with two additional EPs in 2020 and 2021. Last year, the Sudanese American artist dropped their debut album, “I Should Call Them,” a smart and sophisticated concept album about the breakups and reunion of two lovers. The record, featuring artists such as serpentwithfeet and Gallant, is a unique wonder sure to please pop and R&B fans.
9 p.m. Feb. 15 at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.; tickets $20-$73 (ages 18+). More information at: lh-st.com
Stars
Canadian indie pop band Stars is celebrating more than 20 years together as a group, yet their talents, charisma and emotional pull through their music haven’t changed since those early days. Music fans interested in a less traditional Valentine’s Day activity might find Stars’ latest Chicago appearance a welcome change. Lively and heartfelt, the group keeps their devoted fanbase wanting more by staying true to themselves. This writer is especially hopeful they’ll play one of their most poignant yet biting tracks ever, “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead.” Romantic? Not quite. But on a day such as Valentine’s Day, the lyrics hit just as much as they did 18 years ago.
8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets $35 (ages 17+). More information at: thaliahallchicago.com
Britt Julious is a freelance writer.
