Come Valentine's Day weekend, Indianapolis will be buzzing with activity. From helicopter rides to hotel rooms, and puppet shows to art exhibits, there are countless events for friends, couples, and families to check out. Here's a list of some of our favorite things to do, which includes an evening of shopping local, an open swim night for the entire family, and—of course—a number of romantic, candlelit dinners. 

Conrad

"Galentine's Day" at the Conrad 

This is no ordinary "girls' night out." The "Galentine's Day" package at the Conrad includes a stay in one of the hotel's luxurious guest rooms and an exclusive Aveda styling session at the Evan Todd Spa & Salon. So gather your girlfriends, enjoy a glass of wine (or two) at the Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro, and have a fabulous "girls' weekend out." 


Sweets for Your Sweetie at Garfield Park Conservatory

Spend the evening of February 14 at Garfield Park Conservatory and take a romantic, candlelit stroll through the lush greenery. This annual event includes treats from the tropics, so tease your taste buds with a variety of chocolates, candies, and coffees. 


Valentine's Cabaret at Peewinkle's Puppet Studio

Looking for family fun this Valentine's Day? Take your smallest sweethearts to a fun-filled cabaret show at Peewinkle's Puppet Studio, a 50-seat puppet theatre located in downtown Indianapolis. The ticket price includes a drink and gourmet cookie and, for an additional $3, your little ones can attend a post-show workshop. 


Local Love at Homespun: Modern Handmade

Stop by Homespun on February 11 for an after-hours evening of shopping love. You can pick up some of the city's best handmade goods, including jewelry from Salame Jewelry Designs, chocolate from The Best Chocolate in Town, flowers from Blue Flower Studio, and wine from Mass Ave Wine. Plus, Homespun is offering 14 percent off all purchases of $30 or more. 


Indy Helicopter Tour with Indianapolis Helicopters

In search of an adventure this Valentine's Day? Book a tour with Indianapolis Helicopters! These "flightseeing" tours provide a birds' eye view of Circle City. So grab your dearest ones—or that special someone you plan on proposing to—and soar over the city streets. 


Valentine's Parents' Night Out at The Ville Restaurant

Want to celebrate the holiday but aren't sure if you can get a babysitter? Then head to The Ville on February 12 and take advantage of "Parents' Night Out!" For $85 per couple, you can enjoy fine dining while your children play next door at Lil Bloomers Boutique. Childcare is just $10 per child, which includes a meal. 


Valentine's Day tribute to David Bowie at the Melody Inn

David Bowie—champion of mystery, rebellion, and curiosity—will be honored this Valentine's Day at the Melody Inn. So gather your loved ones and head to this quirky watering hole, where you can celebrate the life and music of David Bowie with a tribute band. 


Be My Valentine 5K Run/Walk

Celebrate your Valentine's Day weekend with a 5K! The February 13 race begins and ends at the Athenaeum, and the course weaves around Mass Ave and the American Legion Mall. All race participants will receive a medal, souvenir tumbler of coffee or hot chocolate, and fuzzy fleece blanket. 


Show Your <3 at the Alexander 

Give back to the community when you book a room at the Alexander. During Valentine's Day weekend, a portion of your room rate will be donated to Horizon House, which serves 3,400 homeless individuals every year and is the only full-service day center in Central Indiana. The Valentine's Day package also includes a $25 credit to mixology lounge Plat 99


Valentine's Day for All at Nickel Plate Arts

In honor of Indiana's bicentennial, Nickel Plate Arts' annual "Love, Lust, and Poetry" exhibit features works that depict what artists love about the Hoosier state. Over the course of the Valentine's Day weekend, Nickel Plate Arts is hosting a variety of events, including wine and live music on February 12, and family-friendly activities and crafts on February 14.  


Sinatra Centennial at Hilbert Circle Theatre

In the mood for Ol' Blue Eyes? Then join conductor Jack Everly; vocalists Tony DeSare, Frankie Moreno, and Liz Callaway; and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for the "Sinatra Centennial." The three-day celebration pays tribute to Frank Sinatra, who was born 100 years ago. 


Valentine's Day Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School

For just $15, the entire family can attend an open swim at Goldfish Swim School! While this Friday night event requires pre-registration, the cost includes Valentine's Day-themed crafts and snacks.  


Candlelit dinners and fine dining

If you're in the mood for fine dining and gentle music, be sure to check out Valentine's Weekend at Traders Point Creamery or the Sweetheart Dinner at Indianapolis Propylaeum, which features harp music performed by Elizabeth O'Meara Ahlgrim. If you're more in the mood for Italian, reserve a table at Taste Café & Marketplace, whose "Love Is In The Aria" event features the classic opera stylings of Indianapolis native Ingrid Rodriguez, as well as a four-course, Italian-inspired meal. Chateau Thomas Winery has a special Valentine's dinner planned, too, and The Rathskeller's "Love is All You Need" annual dinner and dance includes live music from First Time Caller Band. If dinner isn't your thing, not to worry. Enjoy a laid-back Valentine's Day brunch at The Jazz Kitchen, where husband-and-wife vocal duo Blair Clark and Heather Ramsey-Clark will perform.