Red alert

You don’t have to be blissfully yoked to celebrate a day that commemorates a martyred saint. We have Valentine’s Day activities for couples, singles, cheapskates, families—even haters. So get out and join the coupled masses, and make your reservations now.

Thursday 7

Valentine’s Day Dances
If you have little sweethearts, you can boogie with them at these Chicago Park District Valentine’s Day dances. Traditional mom and son, daddy and daughter, and family dances take place around the city Thu 7–Feb 17. Little ones with wee attention spans can also spend time at craft stations and refreshment tables. (312-742-7529, chicagoparkdistrict.com for locations and times). Free–$5.

Friday 8

Animal Magnetism
Grab your loved one—that’s man, woman or pet—or show up stag and ready to meet other singles at this Valentine’s fund-raiser hosted by PAWS Chicago. Dinner and dancing are included for both man and beast, while the cocktails and auction are for human consumption only. Galleria Marchetti, 825 W Erie St (773-890-5118, pawschicago.org). 7pm; $150, advance $125, pets $25.

Dream Date
Maybe you can buy love. At this Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation fund-raising gala, guests bid on date packages with local sports, media and business personalities that include perks like international getaways, behind-the-scenes tours and concert tickets. Park West, 322 W Armitage Ave (312-251-7827, ). 6pm; $65, advance $55, VIP $75–$100.

Saturday 9

Couples Cooking Class
Do couples who sauté together stay together? At the very least, you and your beau can learn how to prepare a romantic meal under the guidance of Four Seasons executive chef Kevin Hickey. The class includes Champagne mimosas, breakfast pastries, fruit and a gift bag. Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E Delaware Pl (312-649-2325). 11am–2pm, per couple $170.

Love-o-Rama
Join other theater-supporting singles and members of the House Theatre for dancing, cocktails, a raffle and a make-out booth. Proceeds benefit the House Theatre. Grand Central, 950 W Wrightwood Ave (773-769-3832). 9pm; $25, advance $20.

Tuesday 12

How to Give a Great Blow Job
Impress your valentine with the hummer, the yummer, the flicker, the tickler or any of the other titillating maneuvers you pick up at this workshop. g boutique, 2131 N Damen Ave (773-235-1234, boutiqueg.com). 7:15pm, $35.

Love Fest 2008
Love rules at this singles mixer for straight and gay geeks presented by Nerds at Heart. Play board games, win prizes like tickets to Wicked or The Sparrow, and pick up a fellow dork just in time for V-Day. Admission includes one complimentary cocktail. The Spot, 4437 N Broadway (312-265-6085). 7–10pm; $25, advance $20.

February 14

Anti–Valentine’s Day After-Work Party
Meet Market Adventures, the singles club known for its active adventure outings, hosts what’s being billed as the city’s largest singles Anti–Valentine’s Day bash. While all your committed friends are out doing their sappy thing, you can spend your V-Day networking, flirting and dancing with other singles. Icebreaker games, hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, contests and drink specials are also in the mix. Jilly’s Too, 1009 N Rush St (312-235-6741). 6:30pm; $20, advance $14.99.

Date and Dash Valentine’s Day Singles Party
Another V-Day party is claiming to be the city’s biggest; this event is expecting to draw about 200. Two speed-dating groups geared to singles ages 22 to 32 and 33 to 43 are available at 7pm, for those in need of a little ice breaking. Starting at 8pm, chat up prospective love interests, sip cocktails from the open bar, dance to deejayed tunes or bid on a beau in the Heartbreak Hotel date auction benefiting Children’s Memorial Hospital. Crimson Lounge, 333 N Dearborn St (800-957-3274, dateanddash.com). 7pm; party free, dating event $35.

Spin the bottle
If you’re pinching pennies this Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing like burying your hard-up sorrows in complimentary games and gratis chocolate. Sex-toy purveyor Jimmyjane hosts an early evening round of spin the bottle, which includes treats from Vosges Haut-Chocolat and a chance to take home some Jimmyjane products. W Chicago–City Center, 172 W Adams St; W Chicago–Lakeshore, 644 N Lake Shore Dr (chihappenings@whotels.com). 6–8pm, free.

“The Language of Flowers”
Take your guy or gal to learn the language of love, Victorian-style. The garden’s Lenhardt Library features an exhibit of 12 rare books that display the Victorian fascination with floral symbolism; every bud has a meaning. So the next time he splurges on white camelias (perfected loveliness) or daffodils (egotism), you’ll know just what you’re getting. The exhibit opens today and runs through May 18. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Rd, Glencoe (847-835-5440, chicagobotanic.org). 9am–4pm, parking $12, entrance free.