Best Valentine's Day Parties For Singles In Chicago

By Megan Horst-Hatch

Did Cupid forget to hit you with his arrow this year? Whether you're single by choice or circumstance, you don't need to feel as though you should stay home on Valentine's Day. Grab your friends or go solo to make it a fun night on the town with the numerous activities that abound in the Chicagoland area. From watching a storytelling show to enjoying a few drinks, you won't need to be lonely on February 14. Check out the following list of things for singles to do in Chicago on Valentine's Day.

The Kerryman
661 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 335-8121
www.thekerrymanchicago.com

Date: February 14

Did love leave you single this year? Then consider going out with friends and kicking back with a few drinks at The Kerryman. The Irish pub is throwing its annual anti-Valentine's Day party on February 14, complete with champagne and themed drinks like "It's not me, it's you" and the "Red sole" martini. DJ RUKI will be on hand at the event, ensuring you stay away from sappy love songs for the night. To raise spirits and give a literal lift, The Kerryman is giving away one free pair of Christian Louboutains during the event.

"Let's Make Out!: Stories Of Awkward Love" At Webster's Wine Bar
1480 W. Webster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-0608
www.2ndstory.com

Date: February 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.

When it comes to relationships, just about everyone has a war story or two, whether it's a missed connection or a date gone sour. Revel in the awkward, weird and sentimental sides of relationships at "Let's Make Out!" Presented by 2nd Story, a group of storytellers, the spoken-word event features stories from writers like Laura Krughoff, Ames Hawkins, Lott Hill, Robyn Okrant, Jim Stevens and Wyl Villacres touchingly recounting their awkward moments of love. The event takes place at Webster's Wine Bar, which offers wine flights during the event as well as snacks and entrees. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Be My Valentine Bash At Whiskey Bar
1015 N. Rush St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 475-0300
www.speedchicagodating.com

Date: February 14 at 7:30 p.m.

If you haven't yet given up on love, you might want to consider checking out the speed dating event "Be My Valentine." Held at Whiskey Bar, the event is open to men and women between the ages of 24 and 39. A complimentary makeover will be available for women, making it perfect timing for adding an updated touch right before the event. Ever gone on a speed date? Designed for today's faster pace, the ladies remain seated during the event while the men visit each woman for six to seven minutes. After the event, you'll find out who is interested in you. Appetizers are included in the price, and be prepared to participate in ice breakers. To reserve a ticket, call (866) WE-SPEED.

Seductive Sculpture Tour At The Art Institute Of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600
www.artic.edu

Date: February 14 at 12 p.m.

When you think of the Art Institute of Chicago, you probably think of its massive lion sculptures outside or the Thorne Miniature Rooms, but did you know it can be a place to find love? For both art connoisseurs and those who want to spend their lunch break among priceless works of art, consider taking the "Seductive Sculpture Tour" at the Art Institute. The one-hour tour kicks off at Gallery 100 and is led by a lecturer from the museum. If you can't make it to the talk, there are still plenty of ways to find art focusing on love at the museum. Self-guided tours highlighting masterpieces from its collection that focus on love and weddings are available from the Art Institute's website.

Over Him Package at Avieve Salon & Day Spa
2558 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-3330
www.avieve.com

Date: All month in February

After going through a bad breakup, a makeover can do wonders to rejuvenate and refresh a broken heart. Enter Avieve Salon & Day Spa in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. The salon is offering the appropriately titled "Over Him" package for the entire month of February, which includes a brow and lash tint followed by a brow wax and a glycolic peel. Just mention the package by name when making your appointment. The salon's other services include hair care, tanning and waxing, so consider going all out and treating yourself to a makeover. It also offers hair and skin care products, so you can polish and scrub away to a nice glow. After all, isn't looking good the best revenge?

Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I'm a Trader Joe's Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.