From the Saturday, Feb. 10, editions of The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) …
The WISCH LIST
It’s not quite Valentine’s Day, but let’s be honest. If you haven’t already made your plans for Feb. 14, well, then I’d say you’re liable to be left out in the cold.
Both by restaurants – and your special someone.
But to all you lazy lovebirds (and lovelorn) out there, fear not. If you’re still scrambling for creative ways to celebrate Hallmark’s second favorite holiday (behind only Mother’s Day), I’m here with some last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas happening this weekend and next week in Chicago.
Dances from the Heart
Today, 8 p.m.
If you’re looking to jazz things up, tonight at 8 p.m. a special Valentine’s Day dance performance will unfold at the Athenaeum Theatre (2936 N. Southport Ave.) in West Lakeview.
The event features 13 dynamic acts involving an array of dance styles, including aerial, tap, urban fusion, jazz, contemporary, stepping, Irish, Mexican folkloric, hip-hop, urban/performance art and more.
For more information, visit athenaeumtheatre.org.
Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, 1 p.m.
For those seeking something cheeky – quite literally – this weekend, the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.) is offering adults an unblushing look at nudity in art with its Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt.
At 1 p.m. on Sunday, participants will scour the museum while scrutinizing works of bathing beauties, peeping Toms, sultry sirens and more. As the museum says, “No previous experience with art, or nudity, is required.”
For more information, visit watsonadventures.com.
Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show
Today through March 25
Flower aficionados know that the orchid is considered one of the most romantic in the plant kingdom, but it’s also notoriously finicky, with some varieties requiring years to bloom.
Starting today through March 25, the annual Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show in north suburban Glencoe (1000 Lake Cook Road) will have more than 10,000 orchids blooming on display – including a selection of which you’ll have the opportunity to buy for your sweetheart.
For more information, visit chicagobotanic.org/orchid.
Love Me Tinder
Today through Feb. 24
From Tinder to tenderness, this improv comedy show held at Laugh Out Loud (3851 N. Lincoln Ave.) in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood promises to poke fun at “dating, romance and everything in between.”
It covers so much, in fact, that the show offers two different renditions nightly. The first, held at 7:30 p.m., is billed as all ages, so you can bring the family. While the later show, at 9:30 p.m., is for adults only.
For more information, visit laughoutloudtheater.com.
Hot Miami Nights
Feb. 14, 16, 17
If you’re looking to really heat up Valentine’s Day, you can hit the dance floor ¬– and pretend that you’re hitting South Beach, to boot – while visiting Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood.
The Hot Miami Nights dance class takes place next week on Feb. 14, 16 and 17 at Ballroom Dance Chicago (4039B N. Ravenswood Ave.) The 90-minute class starts off by whetting your taste for romance with hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine, followed by romantic rumba and sexy salsa lessons. Beginners are welcome.
For more information, visit brownpapertickets.com.
Screw Cupid Bar Crawl
Tonight
So, maybe you’re not looking for something to do with your love for Valentine’s Day, but instead are looking for love – or looking to grumble about it¬. You can find others in the same Love Boat tonight during the 18th annual Screw Cupid Pub Crawl, taking place at four bars in Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
The crawl lasts from 8-11 p.m. at Redmond’s, Durkin’s, Duffy’s and McGee’s with food buffets, drink specials and continuous trolley transportation all included in the ticket cost.
For more information, visit bar1events.com.