February is a time for lovers – lovers of each other and of Baltimore. This Valentine’s Day, head downtown in Charm City for food, festivities, frolicking, and all-around fun. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot for a romantic dinner or a raucous club for a night out with your crew, downtown Baltimore has you covered this Valentine’s Day weekend.
Dinner Out
Going out to dinner is a classic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day – and for good reason! What’s better than sharing a meal with the person you love?
Downtown restaurants will be bustling on Valentine’s Day proper – which is a Friday, February 14 – and likely the nights before and after the official holiday, as well. Make your reservations early!
One great option is Blackwall Hitch, which is offering a four-course prix fixe dinner with options like crab and shrimp bisque and wild boar bacon-wrapped scallops. Plus, oysters, of course.
Capital Grille is also an excellent place for a romantic dinner, on Valentine’s Day or any evening. From the restaurant’s famous pineapple cocktail to its fabulous steaks, it’s a top choice if you’re hoping to wow someone.
Of course, Valentine’s meals don’t have to be dinner. If you’re planning to get the day off on the right foot, breakfast or lunch at Miss Shirley’s is a great choice. The Inner Harbor restaurant has so many terrific dishes – including vegan, gluten-free and allergen-free options – plus a famously fun morning cocktail list.
Hit the Club
Whether you’re coupled or single, if you’re looking for festive Valentine’s nightlife, Power Plant Live! has something for you.
On Thursday, February 13 – also known as Galentine’s Day – Mosaic Nightclub, PBR and Angel’s Rock Bar team up for Love in the Club, a party with drink specials, a confetti blast at midnight in Mosaic, chances to win tickets to the St. Pat’s Kegs & Eggs Rally and complimentary champagne from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. if you’re wearing red.
Friday, Mosaic hosts DJ Joe Maz for Love Shack – a celebration of all things love. There will be drink specials and complimentary bottles of champagne for couples and “love groups” and club will be decked out in “love décor.”
Get Trashy
Baltimore’s own Pope of Trash John Waters will be at Baltimore Soundstage on Valentine’s Day for a performance of his one-man show, A Date with John Waters. The show, unfortunately, is sold out…but if you got tickets, you’re in for a wild Valentine’s Day, indeed.
Cruisin’
If heading out on the water sounds like love to you, check out Spirit Cruises. Spirit ships set out from the Inner Harbor several times over the course of Valentine’s Day weekend; they’re offering a dinner cruise on Valentine’s Day itself plus special Valentine’s lunch and dinner cruises on Saturday the 15th.
The cruises include buffets and DJs playing romantic tunes plus, during dinner cruises, champagne toasts and a rose for each couple. In addition to all that, you’ll have the chance to check out Baltimore from the water – a beautiful view if you can tear your eyes away from your date.
Cupid’s Undie Run
On Sunday, close the weekend out with a run – in your undies. Cupid’s Undie Run is an annual fun run – just about a mile – with a fun party bookending it. It kicks off at noon at Luckie’s Tavern in Power Plant Live! and raises funds to find a cure for the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis (NF).
Don’t forget to wear your best skivvies – it really is a run in your undies (yes, even though it’s cold in February!).
Where to Park for Valentine’s Day in Downtown Baltimore
Whether you’re heading out for dinner, gearing up for a night on the town or stripping down to your finest underpants to raise money for NF, plan ahead when you’re traveling downtown during Valentine’s weekend – and figure out where to park before you even start your car.
Harbor Park Garage, located at 55 Market Place right in downtown Baltimore, is central to all the fun downtown this Valentine’s Day. It’s just steps from great restaurants and Power Plant Live! and a short walk to the harbor where you can board Spirit Cruises.
The garage is easily accessible from major routes in and out of the city – including I-83 – and it is safe and well-lit. It’s staffed 24/7 by a friendly and knowledgeable crew who will be happy to answer your questions, point you in the right direction, and wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day.