Whether you're boo'd up or looking to treat yourself this Valentine's Day, we got you covered.
6AM City In-house

Heart eyes for days ❤️

Last-minute local ideas for Valentine’s Day
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Our city is teeming with romantic potential. | Photo by @thecolorfulkid
There’s no dodging Cupid’s arrow — Valentine’s Day is here. Whether you’re celebrating your friendships or sugaring up your sweetheart, we’ve got last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas that will have you loving love.

🌵 Get fantastical with botanicals

If you’re quick, you might have your pick of bouquets using Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally.

Or, get creative and nab a potted plant from these plant spots. Nothing says forever like a hardy succulent.

🥂 Keep spirits up

If you didn’t score reservations, don’t overthink… grab a drink. The following spots have weekday happy hours:
  • Vintage Brewing Company | Weekdays, 3-5:30 p.m. | Stop in at the brewery for $3 VBC beers from the tap or opt for something with a bit more of a kick and sip on $2 rail mixers.
  • Canteen | Everyday, 2-5 p.m. + 9 p.m.-close | Grab half-priced margaritas and sip on $2 Tecates.
  • Sardine | Mon.-Fri., 4:00-6 p.m. + Sat.-Sun.. 4:30-6 p.m. | Imbibe during dollar off oyster happy hour paired with a glass of the house red, white, or rosé for just $5 per glass. Must try: The moules frites + a glass of the house white.
For more options, check out our happy hour guide.

🌟 Go stargazing

It doesn’t get much more idyllic than bundling up and looking at the stars. Grab some blankets (and maybe a hot drink) and head to one of these spots away from man-made light to take in the sky.

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Today, Feb. 13
Tuesday, Feb. 14
  • Tango/Salsa Social Dance | Tuesday, Feb. 14 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | What’s more romantic than dinner and dancing? Stop by The Brink Lounge after dinner for a night of casual beginner-friendly dancing.
  • Cupid Makes Me Cringe... Pour Me Some Gin! | Tuesday, Feb. 14 | 5-10 p.m. | State Line Distillery, 1413 Northern Ct., Madison | Free | Enjoy spirits, cupcakes, and liquor-infused chocolates.
Wednesday, Feb 15
  • Cocktail Class | Wednesday, Feb. 15 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Cider Farm, 8216 Watts Rd., Madison | $30 | Learn how to make cider and apple brandy craft cocktails while enjoying a cheese plate and 10% off all products.
  • Piano Man | Wednesday, Feb. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | Billy Joel fans are invited to this three-piece band tribute concert.
Thursday, Feb. 16
  • Mix + Mingle | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 5-7 p.m. | Cordial, 516 S. Park St., Madison | Free | Join OPEN in making community and career connections at this casual networking event.
  • Free Family Night: Black History Month Celebration | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 5-8 p.m. | Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St., Madison | Free | Celebrate Black History Month with performances, food, craft activities, and a pop-up book shop with Itty Bitty Bookstore.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
6AM City In-house

Weather
  • 44º | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain
Development
  • City officals are proposing a new zoning ordinance for the downtown area. If approved, developers will be allowed to add more stories to new downtown housing developments as long as at least 50% of added space goes towards affordable housing. (Cap Times)
Civic
  • It’s been two years since a Madison teenager was given a curfew citation. The Public Safety Review Committee will review Ald. Grant Foster’s proposal that the ordinance — requiring 12-16 year olds to be home by 11 p.m. on weekdays and 12 a.m. on weekends — be lifted. 🌙 (Madison.com)
Community
  • The City of Madison is introducing its new Community Connector Program. This community resource will work to create relationships and offer support to community members who face language barriers when interacting with local government.
Concert
  • Hyper-pop duo 100 Gecs will be making a visit to Madison during their North American tour. Grab tickets for their Sunday, April 16 show at the Sylvee. 🪩
Health
  • The COVID-19 national and public health emergency is ending on Thursday, May 11, ceasing free test kits. In light of this, The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is now allowing households to order two free COVID-19 test kits — increased from one — through the Say Yes! website. (Channel 3000)
  • Want to keep your heart healthy? With estimates showing that 80% of heart disease is preventable, the daily choices you make matter more than you may think. Check out these five tips to improve your heart health — and see how small changes can make a big difference. 🫀*
Seasonal
  • Valentine’s Day may be tomorrow, but it’s not too late to order that special someone a bouquet of fresh flowers. Don’t have time to cross reference all of the florists in town? Enter: Floom, an online marketplace that partners with talented florists that deliver locally. Shop Valentine’s Day arrangements. 💐 *
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Solo in the city 🌃

Solo night in Madison
purple bouquet
Grab a mini vase punch card from Naly’s and get every 5th bouquet free. | Photo by @nalysfloralshop
Not amused by our date ideas? Sometimes, Valentine’s Day is all about spending quality time with the one person you can always count on — yourself.

Ditch the date this Valentine’s Day and soak up the city solo with this foolproof itinerary:
  1. 💐 Flowers | First, make Miley proud and buy yourself some flowers at Naly’s.
  2. 🥘 Dinner | No need to stress over cooking, Pasture and Plenty’s Farm to Freezer selection never disappoints.
  3. 🍷 Drinks | After picking up a pot pie or pasta for one, hop across the street to Lombardino’s, where you can grab a glass of wine at the bar and people-watch any awkward first dates.
  4. 🛁 Relax | End the night with some self-care courtesy of Restoration Soap + Body Care. City Editor Ally recommends the coconut milk bath.
There you have it, the perfect Madison night with even better company.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: I checked out Plain Spoke for the first time this weekend, I’ve often steered clear since it’s always so busy (for good reason). I braved the crowd and snagged a window seat overlooking the Majestic Theatre. Each of the draft cocktails I tried was a hit, and the aesthetic vibe was so fun. I’ll have to keep my eye out for their canned products sold around town.

Missed our last newsletter? We checked out some of Madison’s current City Projects.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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