Ideas for Valentine’s Day 2025 in Rochester

Valentine’s Day is Friday, February 14, 2025

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a significant other, embracing Galentine’s Day with cherished girlfriends, or enjoying Palentine’s Day with your chosen companions, the city offers an array of opportunities to make the most of the month of love.

Rochester hosts a variety of Valentine’s Day-themed dinners and events, live performances, and other delightful festivities designed for Valentines, Galentines, and Palentines alike.

Savor a Delicious Meal

Make reservations to enjoy a fine meal on Friday, February 14. If you’re flexible, the weekends before and after Valentine’s Day will offer more options, including breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

VALENTINE’S DAY BRUNCH & FILM, George Eastman Museum, Rochester, Sunday, February 9. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the George Eastman Museum with a special brunch, raffle, and a Dutch Connection floral display tour in the historic mansion. Following the brunch, enjoy a screening of the romantic comedy classic Moonstruck (1987) at the Dryden Theatre, starring Cher, Nicholas Cage, and Olympia Dukakis. The event begins with brunch at 10 a.m. (doors open at 9:15 a.m.), followed by the film at noon. Tickets for brunch and the movie are $75 per person, with reservations required by February 1, 2025, while film-only tickets are available at the regular admission rate. eastman.org

GALENTINE’S DAY PARTY, Mulconry’s Irish Pub, Fairport, Thursday, February 13. Celebrate friendship in style with an unforgettable Galentine’s Day event at Mulconry’s! Grab your best friend and enjoy an exclusive evening featuring a custom five-course wine and food pairing, a charcuterie-making class hosted by Totally Boards, and special surprises. This private event is the perfect opportunity to share laughs, make memories, and toast to great company. With limited tickets available, don’t miss your chance to experience this unique celebration of friendship. Secure your spot today! spotonreserve.com

VALENTINE’S DINNER UNDER THE STARS, RMSC Strassenburg Planetarium, Rochester, Thursday, February 13, and Friday, February 14. Experience an unforgettable Valentine’s evening at 6 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from an open bar. At 7 p.m., enjoy a romantic three-course dinner at your sweetheart table in the Star Theater, accompanied by wine service, soft music, and a starry display above, followed by chef-crafted desserts with coffee and tea. At 8:30 p.m., the night concludes with an immersive Star Theater show featuring a journey through favorite planets and stars using revolutionary 3-D projection technology. Vegetarian meal options are available, and dietary needs will be accommodated. Tickets are non-transferable and only available through the official site—beware of resales. rmsc.org

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER & DANCING, ARTISANworks, Rochester, Friday, February 14. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic evening at ARTISANworks, featuring a delicious dinner crafted by Madeline’s Chefs, including hors d’oeuvres and decadent desserts. Dance the night away to live music by Moondance, a Sinatra Tribute Band, in a one-of-a-kind setting. Enjoy great food, music, and company for an unforgettable Valentine’s experience. eventbrite.com

MURDER AT OAKS MANOR—A VALENTINE’S DAY AFFAIR TO DIE FOR, Oaks Manor, Brockport, Friday, February 14. Spend Valentine’s Day immersed in mystery and intrigue at Murder at Oaks Manor, an Old Hollywood-themed whodunnit thriller. Join the elegant evening at Sir Warren Peace’s estate, where guests in evening attire will navigate a night of suspense, secrets, and murder. Enjoy a buffet-style dinner by The Hideaway, a cash bar, and a thrilling atmosphere as you try to uncover the killer—or avoid becoming the next victim! Guests will be seated at tables of eight. Dress to impress in Old Hollywood style for this unforgettable Valentine’s night. eventbright.com

VALENTINE’S DINNER | COURSES IN LOVE AND HUMOR, Lincoln on Main, Canandaigua, Friday, February 14. Enjoy a six-course meal complemented by a comedy show featuring headliner Greg Owens, alongside performances by Shirelle Kinder and Tim Vlasic, hosted by Duane Wilt. Begin with stuffed portabella chorizo and Italian wedding soup, followed by smoked chicken ravioli in a roasted pepper basil cream and a lobster salad with arugula, beets, and chipotle crème fraîche. For the main course, indulge in a tornado of beef with German potato cake, crispy onions, and rosemary demi-glaze. Conclude the evening on a sweet note with your choice of apple cobbler with vanilla gelato, molten chocolate cake, or toffee bread pudding. tickets.lincolnhillfarms.com

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER, The Hillcrest Estate, Pavillion, Saturday, February 15. Step into 1901 for an unforgettable evening of intrigue, fine dining, and laughter. Join iconic figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and Ethel Barrymore at the Pan American Games as a thrilling mystery unfolds, brought to life by WNY Improv. Enjoy a delectable buffet dinner featuring Chicken French, Baked Mac and Cheese, Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potato Wedges, and more, with a cash bar available. Collaborate with your table to solve the mystery and compete for prizes while dressed in elegant or period-correct attire. Tickets are $79 per person, with group seating arrangements available upon request. Don’t miss this captivating night of suspense and entertainment! checkout.square.site

Make a reservation at one of Rochester’s most romantic restaurants.

I recently asked the Day Trips Around Rochester community for recommendations on romantic dining spots. I sought places with soft lighting, gentle music, an intimate atmosphere, and fantastic food. The restaurants mentioned in this guide are based on the responses I received, and they showcase Rochester’s romantic spirit and culinary excellence. Be sure to make reservations today!

City of Rochester

• Apogee Wine Bar
• Branca Midtown
• Capri Wine Bar & Restaurant
• Carnegie Wine Cellars
• The Cub Room
• Cure
• Edibles
• Fiorella
• Flight Wine Bar
• Grace & Disgrace
• Leonore’s
• Lento
• Living Roots Wine & Co.
• Mr. Dominic’s at the Lake
• Native
• The Old Toad
• The Owl House
• Pane Vino on The River
• Park Avenue Pub
• Patron Saint
• Polizzi’s
• The Red Fern
• Redd
• The Revelry
• Roam
• Rocco
• Rooney’s
• Roux
• Ristorante Lucano
• Tapas 177
• Tournedos Steakhouse
• Velvet Belly
• Vern’s
• Vesper

Greater Rochester

If you’re up for a road trip, head an hour and a half south to Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn for their seasonal all-you-can-eat pancakes topped with fresh maple syrup harvested and processed on-site.

BATAVIA

• Alex’s Place

CALEDONIA

• Village Inn

CANANDAIGUA

• Bon Ami French Bistro
• COHO Pizza & Wine Bar
• Ferona
• KiX ON MAIN
• Rio Tomatlan
• Rose Tavern at the Lake House

CASTILE

• Glen Iris Inn

CLIFTON SPRINGS

• Warfield’s

CUYLERVILLE

• National Hotel

EAST AURORA

• Roycroft Inn

FARMINGTON

• Prosecco Italian Restaurant & Jazz Bar

GENEVA

• Bellhurst Castle
• Geneva on the Lake
• Halsey’s
• Kindred Fare
• Ports Cafe
• Torrey Park

HAMMONDSPORT

• Park Inn

HIMROD

• Sapalta

KEUKA PARK

• The Mansion at Keuka Lake (Esperanza)

LAKEVILLE

• Galene

LEROY

• D & R Depot

LIVONIA

• Ember Wood Fire Grill

MEDINA

• Harvest at Bent’s Opera House
• Zambistro

NAPLES

• Hollerhorn Distilling
• The Social at The Naples Hotel
• Roots Cafe

NUNDA

• The Whistling Farmer Pub

PIFFARD

• Yard of Ale

ROMULUS

• Field & Vine at Knapp Winery

STAFFORD

• Red Osier

VICTOR

• Otto Tomotto’s

WATERLOO

• Bella’s Seneca Lake Steakhouse

Valentine’s Day-Themed Events

VINTAGE VINES & VALENTINES, Naples, Saturday, February 8. Enjoy a tasteful journey with wines, brews, and spirits from in and around Naples. Join in on the many festive Valentine’s promotions, vendors, and live music throughout the village. At noon, check-in begins at the Naples Hotel, where participants pick up their glasses and maps. explorenaplesny.com

VALENTINE’S MEMBER SOIREE, Memorial Art Gallery, Thursday, February 13. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special Member Soirée at MAG on Thursday, February 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. This exclusive members-only event features sweet treats, a make-and-take art project hosted by the Creative Workshop, a portrait station, a door prize drawing, and shopping at THE STORE @ MAG. Members can also explore the exhibitions Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas and Making Connections: Highlights from a Decade of Acquisitions. Tickets are free for members, and new memberships are welcome to join. mag.rochester.edu

GALENTINE’S DAY, Memorial Art Gallery, Thursday, February 13. Celebrate friendship, art, and fun at this special event honoring the work of Alma Thomas. Enjoy vendors from female-owned businesses, art-making activities, live music, mingling, and mini art tours at 7 and 8 p.m. highlighting female artists in the museum’s collection. The event includes museum admission, with tickets available until Thursday, February 13, at 7:30 p.m. mag.rochester.edu

BEATLES ROC VALENTINE’S DAY, Iron Smoke, Fairport, Friday, February 14. BeatlesRoc is back at Iron Smoke! Hear all your favorite Beatles hits and sing and dance the night away. facebook.com

FILM: DOWN WITH LOVE (35MM), Dryden Theatre, Friday, February 14, 7:30 p.m. Aspiring author Barbara Novak arrives in town to publish her book Down With Love, which teaches women how to gain power and free themselves from the shackles of traditional love. Members save $3 on Dryden Theatre admission. eastman.org

WINE & CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Saturday, February 15. Enjoy an unlimited sampling of wines from regional wineries, distilleries, and cideries, with a complimentary souvenir wine glass and a chocolate treat from Andy’s Candies, included with admission. Shop for delicious treats like chocolates, cheeses, and sweets, and explore mini boutiques offering purses, jewelry, clothing, and more. Don’t miss the chocolate fountain! wineandchocolatefestivals.com

SELF-CARE SOIREE, ARTISANworks, Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16. Kick off the post-holiday season with a self-care extravaganza at the fourth annual Soirée at ARTISANworks, happening Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16. Explore a unique shopping experience featuring 70+ local artisans offering art, self-care products, baked goods, clothing, home decor, jewelry, candles, photography, and more. Treat yourself to a chair massage, a braid at the braid bar, a drink from the bar (NA options are available), or an oracle reading or reiki session. Enjoy delicious catering by Madeline’s, browse exotic plants, create a spell jar, or try permanent jewelry, henna, or even a flash tattoo! Admission is $10, granting access to ARTISANworks’ 40,000 sq. ft. gallery and its fascinating rooms, including the Retro Room, Marilyn Monroe Room, and Vintage French Dining Room. facebook.com

FILM: THE LADY EVE (35MM), Dryden Theatre, Saturday, February 15, 3 p.m. A woman-shy snake expert finds himself the chosen prey of a father-daughter card shark team. Everything is driven astray, however, when the daughter falls head-over-heels in love. Members save $3 on Dryden Theatre admission. eastman.org

FILM: Sabrina (35MM), Dryden Theatre, Saturday, February 15, 7:30 p.m. Audrey Hepburn followed up her breakout success in Roman Holiday with this wonderful romantic triangle featuring Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. Members save $3 on Dryden Theatre admission. eastman.org

February 7–23

• Eastman Museum Dutch Connection, with the option to participate in the Dutch Connection Coffee Talk on Sunday, February 16.

February 6–15

• Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens’ Love Week, including Orchids After Dark

Get Cozy Indoors

Here are a few ideas that may inspire your Valentine’s Day plans:

1. Cozy Indoor Picnic: Create a cozy indoor picnic with blankets, cushions, and your favorite comfort foods. Set the mood with soft lighting and enjoy an intimate meal together.
2. Winter Wonderland Movie Marathon: Build a blanket fort with a movie marathon. Sip on hot cocoa and snuggle up for a cozy night in.
3. Fondue Party: Have a fondue night with various melted chocolates, cheeses, and dipping options. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a good way to start.
4. Winter Spa Retreat: Transform your home into a winter spa retreat. Enjoy relaxing massages, pampering face masks, and a soothing atmosphere with scented candles and soft music.
5. Playful Sharing: Create a cozy nook with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights. Spend time playing games, reading books together, and sharing stories.

Plan This Year’s Adventures

Nothing says “I love you” like planning future adventures together! Use Day Trips Around Rochester, New York to inspire you this Valentine’s Day. Spend a cozy evening creating a “day trip bucket list” as a couple, highlighting the destinations you’d love to explore together. Or, plan a surprise outing to one of the spots featured in the book, like an exceptional art gallery, a scenic trail, or a charming small town. For a fun twist, turn your plans into a “couples’ adventure jar,” writing down destinations on slips of paper to draw from throughout the year.

Nurture Your Relationship with Nature

For nature lovers, the numerous hiking trails in and around Rochester provide a perfect escape. Mendon Ponds Park and Durand Eastman Park offer picturesque trails, allowing individuals or groups to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Explore ideas for hiking, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and tubing to create memorable moments outdoors.

Need a Gift?

How do you plan to spend Valentine’s Day 2025?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.