What to do around Chicago for Valentine’s Day weekend

Valentine’s Day Fireworks: Wintertime fireworks are something special. Cuddle up with your date as you watch a special Navy Pier presentation for Valentine’s Day. 9 p.m. Feb. 14 in Polk Bros Park, 600 E. Grand Ave. and visible from the Navy Pier South Dock and beyond; free, more information at navypier.org

Justin Timberlake: It wasn’t supposed to be a Valentine’s show, but now you have a holiday excuse to get your groove on. Catch Justin Timberlake’s “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour” at the United Center. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $75-$500 at justintimberlake.com

Jeffrey Osborne: In the mood for an “R&B Valentine’s Day Lovefest”? Head to The Auditorium Theatre, where longtime singer-songwriters Jeffrey Osborne and Will Downing will perform. Get ready to fly “On the Wings of Love.” 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets $43.50-$149 at jeffreyosborne.com

Broadway Rave: Or maybe you prefer to sing your heart out? Broadway Rave presents a musical theater Valentine’s party. You’ll be “Defying Gravity,” for sure. 9 p.m. Feb. 14 at Subterranean, Upstairs, 2011 W. North Ave.; tickets (ages 17+) $20 at broadwayrave.com

The Newberry Consort: Infatuation, love and heartbreak are the themes of the latest Newberry Consort performance, “So Sweet Is Your Return: Romantic Renaissance Chansons and Madrigals.” Romantic poems in Italian and French are set to Renaissance music that artistic director Liza Malamut compared to “the Taylor Swift songs of their day.” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave., Evanston; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Bond Chapel, University of Chicago, 1025 E. 58th St.; and 4 p.m. at Ganz Hall, Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets $10-$65 (children 16 and under free) at newberryconsort.org

Be mine? “Love Bites — A Valentine’s Haunted House” is open for a limited time in February at 13th Floor Chicago in Schiller Park. (Provided by Thirteenth Floor Group)

4 of Hearts at WhirlyBall: Compete to your heart’s content this Valentine’s Day at Whirlyball — a game that combines bumper cars with wiffle balls, lacrosse-like scoops and basketball-like nets. Book a double date — or bring the kids — and, as part of a limited-time “4 of Hearts” package, you’ll get two appetizers and a dessert along with your one-hour Whirlyball reservation. Also, discounts on laser tag, bowling or additional rounds of Whirlyball. Open daily at Chicago and Naperville locations; Thursday-Sunday at Vernon Hills; from $250 per hour at whirlyball.reservewithrex.com

Valentine’s Day concerts: Top 5 music picks from Justin Timberlake to an all-night dance party

Valentine’s Night at Color Factory: Celebrate your love with some fabulous photo opps at the Color Factory. If you haven’t yet been to this Instagram-friendly interactive sensory space, Valentine’s is as good a time as any. Plus, the Factory is offering an incentive: Get a free photo print and frame while supplies last. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Color Factory Chicago, Lower Level 2, Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive; tickets from $29 at colorfactory.co

“Love Bites — A Valentine’s Haunted House”: No need to wait until Halloween to be spooked into your beloved’s arms. The producers of 13th Floor Chicago will host a vampire-themed haunted house this weekend, including (of course) a photo opp. Add on escape games and other special features or purchase date night packages featuring printed photos, a “blood drop necklace” (ewww) and drinks. Through Feb. 16 at 13th Floor Chicago, 5050 River Road, Schiller Park; tickets (ages 12+) from $29.99 at 13thfloorchicago.com

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”: Now at Drury Lane in west suburban Oakbrook Terrrace, the biographical jukebox musical about the singer-songwriter has Carole King songs and a story nicely suited for a date night out at the theater. Samantha Gershman’s lead performance “is certainly worth seeing if you’re a fan of King’s music,” according to a recent Tribune review. Through March 23 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace; tickets $53-$125 at 630-530-0111 or drurylanetheatre.com

Galentine’s Day Ecstatic Dance: Ladies, connect with yourself this Valentine’s Day weekend through dance. DJ Grace will spin a mix of primal, empowering beats to inspire movement and dance in a judgment-free environment. 1-3 p.m. Feb. 16 at We The People Fitness Studio, 1229 N. North Branch St.; tickets $11.11 (ages 18+) at eventbrite.com

Samantha Gershman (as Carole King) in "Beautiful" at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. (Brett Beiner)
Samantha Gershman as Carole King in “Beautiful” at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. (Brett Beiner)

Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.

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