Love is in the air in Chicago! It may be hard to feel as temperatures dip to freezing, but it’s there. Ravenswood businesses are feeling it as neighbors “shop small” heading into Valentine’s Day. To make sure you don’t miss anything, we’ve collected details about the Valentine’s Day celebrations, specials, and gift ideas from around the neighborhood.
Whether you’re looking to create something beautiful, enjoy something indulgent, or find an excuse to get closer, we’ve got you covered. Ravenswood small businesses are hosting a variety of unique, stimulating, and fun Valentine’s Day events.
Events & Celebrations
2/7, Cocktail Class: Valentine’s Drinks @ KOVAL Distillery
Join KOVAL for a cocktail class and get ready to impress this Valentine’s Day! Learn everything you need to know to craft the perfect date-night drinks in this hands-on class.
Class includes the instruction and enjoyment of 3 cocktails, with the guidance of an instructor and provided recipes. All bartending equipment is included – simply show up ready to learn!
7pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $75 SOLD OUT! More Info
2/10, Valentine’s Weekend Party @ KOVAL Distillery
Swing by the KOVAL Tasting Room for an evening of specialty Valentine’s cocktails, truffles from Katherine Anne Confections, a live DJ, Valentine writing, and more!
RSVP to be entered to win a private tour voucher for you and up to 20 guests! We’ll announce the winner at 7:30pm and you must be present to claim your prize. Music begins at 8PM.
7pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info
2/10, Build-a-Bouquet Blossom Bar @ KOVAL Distillery
Looking for a handful of color in these last gray days? Come build your very own seasonal bouquet, just in time for Valentine’s. For this special collaboration, Indigo & Violet Studio and Vivant Gardens will be hosting a Pop-Up Blossom Bar at KOVAL!
Bouquets will be available for pickup in the Tasting Room during KOVAL’s Valentine’s Party. Vivant will have an array of seasonal blooms for you to choose from. Each bouquet will feature 6 feature blossoms, plus some greenery for full floral effect.
6-10pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $35 More Info
2/10, Valentine’s Date Night Throwdown @ Lillstreet Art Center
Get your “Ghost” on at Lillstreet for a night of learning to throw clay on the potter’s wheel. A hands-on experience where you’ll make magic happen. They’ll event set the mood with some Unchained Melody. Register early – this popular Valentine’s Day class fills quickly every year!
6:30-9:30pm, 4401 N Ravenswood Ave, $75 SOLD OUT! More Info
2/10, Valentine Flower Arranging Workshop @ JASC
Let your creativity bloom by creating your own Valentine flower arrangement with instructor Mrs. Yuko Inoue Darcy of the Ohara School of Ikebana. Take home your beautiful arrangement after the workshop. Come early at 5:30 pm for a pre-workshop social tea time before we get started at 6 pm.
All flowers and materials needed for the workshop are included in the class fee. Free parking in the lot north of the building.
6-8pm, 4427 N Clark St, $65 or 2-for-$105 More Info
2/11, Espinas Flower Bouquet Pop-Up @ Bon Femmes
Join florist Serena Madrigal in the shop and watch as she constructs a lovely custom bouquet for you or a loved one.
12-4pm, 4917 N Ravenswood Ave More Info
2/12, Valentine’s Pairing Tour @ KOVAL Distillery
Try something new on this Valentine’s Day weekend tour designed to delight and excite your senses. The experience begins at check-in, as you travel through KOVAL’s museum quality visitor center. Follow your guide onto a platform overlooking a state of the art distillery, where you will gain insight into KOVAL’s distinctive process. Experience culminates with a tasting of 3 spirits, each paired with a sweet treat.
3pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $20 SOLD OUT! More Info
2/13, Valentine’s Dance Class: Private Lessons @ Ballroom College
Ballroom College is hosting 45 minute private lessons in any dance style that interests you and your Valentine! They are limiting availability to two lessons per time slot so that you will be able to surprise your date with an intimate and private lesson. Lessons are available at 4:30pm, 5:15pm, 6:00pm, 6:45pm, and 7:30pm.
Multiple times, 4011 N Ravenswood Ave, $85 per couple More Info
2/14, Valentine’s Dance Class: Group Lessons @ Ballroom College
Ballroom College is hosting multiple styles of group classes for you to add to your special date night!
•5:15pm – Salsa Class – start the night smiling and feeling warm
•6:00pm – Tango Class – add some stimulating tension to the night
•6:45pm – Ballroom Class – will have you spinning, dipping, and feeling nostalgic
•7:30pm – Rumba Class – slow down, light some candles, last class of the night
Multiple times, 4011 N Ravenswood Ave, $85 per couple More Info
Sips & Sweets – Beer and Chocolate Pairing @ Begyle Brewing
Have a sweetie with a sweet tooth? Enjoy an evening of delicious Begyle beer and artisanal chocolates from Katherine Anne Confections! Each ticket includes an in-person guided tasting with five beer and chocolate pairings.
7pm, 1800 W Cuyler Ave, $35 More Info
No matter your flavor, there’s something bound to delight your tastebuds in Ravenswood. Find the perfect food for a cozy night in, a romantic night out, or a sweet treat for the end of the night.
Eats & Sweets
Heart-Shaped Pizzas from Chicago’s Pizza
Whether it’s a pumpkin for Halloween or a shamrock for St. Patrick’s Day, holiday-themed pizzas from Chicago’s Pizza (1919 W Montrose Ave) are a Ravenswood tradition. Their heart-shaped pie is always the most anticipated- perfect for Galentine’s Day parties, family celebrations, solo splurges, couples, and throuples. To get yours, order a large thin-crust or stuffed pizza and select the “Make it heart-shaped” option. Available through February 8-14, 20223. Order online at www.chicagos-pizza.com.
Give a “Box of Love” from Lucila’s Alfajores
Leave the cheesy box of factory assembled chocolates for the kids. Ravenswood’s favorite Lucila’s Alfajores is offering 10% OFF online orders for their decadent, handmade, dulce de leche-filled Argentine pastries. Covered in dark and white chocolate, these unique sweets are perfect for any loved one (and a wonderful way to treat yourself too!). Nationwide shipping and curbside pickup from their Ravenswood Avenue bakery are available. Use promo code VDAY2023 to save 10%. Shop their full collection and place your orders at www.lucilas.com.
2023 Valentine’s Day Chocolate Collection from Amy’s Candy Bar
Make your Valentine’s Day one to remember by gifting the Valentines Chocolate Collection from Amy’s Candy Bar (4704 N Damen Ave) to your special someone. The collection comes nestled in an elegant red gift box, tied off with a ribbon. Amy’s chocolates are handcrafted in their Ravenswood kitchen. They make a perfect gift for everyone from sweethearts and grandparents to teachers and colleagues.
This year’s crave-worthy collection features the following flavors: Champagne, Blueberry Yuzu, Salted Caramel, Hibiscus, Strawberry Basil, Cinnamon Peanut Crunch, Palet d Or, Tangerine Anise, and Mint Meltaway.
Place your orders online at www.amyscandybar.com.
Enjoy a Romantic Night Out at a Romantic Local Restaurant
Delicious Food. Romantic Vibes. Tasty Treats. For a great night out with your loved one, we recommend the following Ravenswood restaurants:
- Carbon Arc Bar & Board – 4620 N Lincoln Ave
- Cultivate by Forbidden Root – 4710 N Ravenswood Ave
- Land & Lake Ravenswood – 1970 W Montrose Ave
- Rojo Gusano – 4217 N Ravenswood Ave
- Spacca Napoli – 1769 W Sunnyside Ave
- Tuscan Hen Market – 4019 N Damen Ave
Looking for a truly special gift? Something you can’t find anywhere else? Ravenswood’s shops and boutiques have a vibrant selection of Valentine’s Day cards, work from local artists, and hundreds of handmade gifts. From cute and quirky to
Gift Ideas
Traditionally Crafted Valentine’s Day Cards from Starshaped Press
Looking for a thoughtful or funny card for your Valentine? Skip sifting through last year’s Hallmark reprints at Target and go retro with a handmade card from Starshaped Press (4636 N Ravenswood Ave). Starshaped is a traditional letterpress that’s operated in the heart of the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor for over 20 years!
Online shopping and local pick-up available. Explore the Starshaped collection at www.starshaped.com.
Gifts for Everyone at Hazel and Hazel Apparel
Located just step from one-another, Hazel (1835 W Montrose Ave) and Hazel Apparel (1825 W Montrose Ave) are your two-stop gifting destination. No matter the time of year, you’ll find something special for the person on your mind (even if that person is you!). For Valentine’s Day, you’ll find an incredible selection and apparel and fashion, jewelry, home décor and fragrance, specialty and classic candies, a gift cards made by local artists.
A limited selection of items are available for online order, with a much larger variety available in-store. Complimentary gift wrapping is available on in-store purchases. Free shipping for online orders over $100. To learn more, visit www.hazelchicago.com.
Handcrafted Jewelry from Minerology
Mineralogy (1944 W Montrose Ave) offers a collection of limited edition and one-of-a-kind jewelry designed and crafted by Ravenswood metalsmith, Theresa Cowan. Inspired by an earth science class lecture on minerals, Theresa creates unusual statement and heirloom quality pieces that pay tribute to the beauty of natural gems and minerals. Her work makes an elegant and unique Valentine’s Day gift. Shop online at www.mineralogydesign.com.
