Concerts, theater and nature: Valentine’s Day events for every couple

For the sensible folks who would rather party at home than risk infection with a traditional dinner, we have several options here. Pair with your favorite local food.

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For the dinner-and-a-show couple, two Rochester theater companies will be streaming shows starting Friday. The Rochester Repertory Theater presents “We Got That Lovin ‘Feeling,” a series of sketches by corporate couples. The stream is free for season ticket holders with unused tickets. For everyone else, a $ 15 donation is recommended. Get access at www.rochesterrep.org/wp/weve-got-that-lovin-feeling. And the Civic Theater came up with a similar idea with “Romantic Fools,” their on-demand sketch comedy that explores the pros and cons of relationships. Although the show is available on Broadway on Demand ($ 15), it was shot in local restaurants and businesses.

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For the music lover, oh man, do we have options here? Fans of classic love songs can stream “A Virtual Singing Valentine” by the Choral Arts Ensemble for free, Saturday at 6:30 pm. Grab a ticket at www.choralartsensemble.org. Rochester favorites The D’Sievers play romantic jazz on Saturday from 7pm. Donations to the players are encouraged, but the Facebook stream is free. Looking for something a little more dated? The First Presbyterian Church’s “Festival of Music” continues with “Many-Splendored Love”, a musical “tour” through compositions and readings about the complexity of the heart. Access the free, recorded concert on YouTube (FPC RochesterMN) and Facebook (@FPCRochMN) on Sunday at 4pm.

Snow will continue to fall at Quarry Hill in Rochester on Thursday, February 4, 2021. (Traci Westcott / [email protected])

For the couple with shared experiences: Would you like to ignore the absolutely freezing weather this weekend? You are braver than the rest of us. Mask yourself and head to Quarry Hills Valentine’s Day Candlelight Walk on Saturday at 6pm (with tickets to Eventbrite). If you’d rather say “Hey” to cuddly animals, the Pauley Alpaca Company is holding another open house on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And of course Improv-ICE does not end until Sunday – so there is plenty of time to see the Ice Sculpture Community in person.

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Singles, we found a date for you: let’s face it, there aren’t many ways to be safe out there during a pandemic. However, the Rochester Public Library can help in one way – by arranging a blind date with a book. During the month of February, readers can choose from four different genres (mystery, story, romance or adventure) and receive a “mystery book” to be picked up at the roadside. For more information, please visit the library at 507-328-2300.