Weekender: 23 festive things to do this Valentine’s Day weekend

The Weekender is proudly presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway. If you’ve ever wanted to take a trip to Jurassic Park, head to the zMAX Dragway this weekend for the Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Experience. The exhibit will be there from February 12-21. The NASCAR season also kicks off this weekend and it’s not too early to snag your tickets for the Coca-Cola 600.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

56. Rain. 93% chance of rain.

Valentine’s Day Gift Delivery feat. Homer the Dragon: Have Homer the Dragon safely deliver your loved one a special Valentine’s Day gift. The package includes a flower bouquet from Flowers of Charlotte, a Homer the Dragon Plush Doll, a Charlotte Knights hat, face mask and three full-size candy bars. Feb 11-12. $75. Details.

Sweet Spot at Home: Sweet Spot Studio is bringing the fun of baking right into your home. Now through the end of February, baking classes will be offered virtually with lessons including French macarons, cake donuts and DIY Twix & Kit Kat bars. $30-$45. Details.

Valentine’s Sidewalk Sale at Laura Park Charlotte: From Feb. 11-12, shop up to 50% off duvets, pillow covers and accessories. Feb. 11-12. Details.

Warm Winter Wishes Coat Drive hosted by Lil Baby at Arbor Glen Outreach Center: Grammy-nominated rapper, Lil Baby will be donating over 1,000 coats to Charlotte families. If you want to receive a coat, you must register online. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details.

Smart Take: Economic Recovery in Charlotte, online: Join us for our first-ever Smart Take event. Today’s conversation centers on how local industries and their leaders in Charlotte have pivoted during the pandemic — highlighting the sports and entertainment industry in economic recovery. 12:30-1 p.m. Free. Details.

Family Movie Night at Protagonist Brewing South End: Enjoy a family-friendly movie night and $4 pizza slices at Protagonist South End. 6-10 p.m. $4. Details.

Virtual Cocktail 101 Class by Billy Sunday, online: This virtual class will provide an introduction to classic cocktails, tools of the trade, and the basics of bartending. This class is perfect for both the cocktail aficionado and casual drinker. Billy Sunday’s beverage director Stephanie Andrews will walk you through creating 3 cocktails that are guaranteed to make you the star of your next gathering. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $30. Details.

Valentine’s Cheeseboard Creation with SkillPop, online: Local cheese enthusiast and caterer, Tori Tippin, will teach you the tips and tricks of styling the perfect Valentine’s cheeseboard. You’ll learn the art of placement, cutting, pairing and even choosing the right cheese board. 7-8:15 p.m. $20. Details.

[Related Axios Charlotte guide: 15 must-try charcuterie and cheese boards in Charlotte]

Skyline Drive-In at 400 Camp Road in Camp North End: Head to Camp North End to catch a drive-in screening of the classic film, West Side Story. While you’re there, grab food from one of Camp North End’s delicious food stalls. 7-10 p.m. $30 per car. Details.

Romance Package at the Ballantyne Hotel: Enjoy a romantic, Valentine’s Day retreat at the Ballantyne Hotel. The package includes luxury accommodations for two including breakfast in bed as well as flowers and champagne upon arrival. Details.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12

41. Showers. 49% chance of rain.

Copain Valentine’s Day Specials: Enjoy a Valentine’s Day meal at home with to-go dinners and brunch kits from Copain. Dinner options include crab cakes or lobster ravioli, and for brunch, there is galena de rois which is a traditional French pastry. Prices vary. Details.

Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Charlotte Motor Speedway’s zMAX Dragway is being transformed into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring more than 70 moving and life-like dinosaurs, as well as a 50-foot-long Megalodon. Through Feb. 21. $49 per vehicle. Details.

Valentine’s Beer Dinner at The Suffolk Punch: Enjoy a special five-course Valentine’s Day dinner prepared and presented by Executive Chef Michael Rayfield. The first four dishes will be paired with a Suffolk Punch Brewing beer hand-selected to compliment the flavors on each plate. The final dessert course will be paired with a special Valentine’s Day-themed cocktail to finish off the night. 6:30 p.m. $65. Details.

 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

42. Rain. 70% chance of rain.

Loving Local at South End Market: Shop last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts from local vendors like JF Chocolate, Two Chicks Candles and Jewelry by SusanJ. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Details.

Galentine’s Day at Spindle Bar: Head to Spindle Bar with your Galentine for Valentine’s Day-themed drinks and Parks and Rec trivia. There will also be a card decorating station to decorate and photo windows with single-use props. Masks are required. Feb 13-14, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Details.

Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop at Brown Sugar Collab: Bring your gal pals out for a fun Galentine’s Day outing at Brown Sugar Collab. Shop candles, beauty products, and accessories, or indulge in some of the special offerings. A VIP ticket gets you up to two signature cocktails, chocolate-covered strawberries, chair massages and manicures. 2-6 p.m. GA: Free, VIP: $30. Details.

Valentine’s Day Weekend at Skiptown: Who said your pet couldn’t be your Valentine? Saturday and Sunday, Skiptown will be celebrating Valentine’s Day all weekend long with a “Pup-Up” Market and “Smooch your Pooch” photo session, and a guest appearance from Kenny Barnes from the hit Netflix show Love is Blind. Feb 13-14. Free. Details.

Valentine’s Day at Little MaMa’s Italian: Little MaMa’s is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu that will include lobster ravioli, veal cannelloni, dark chocolate cake with a white chocolate mousse, and themed cocktails. Dine-in or order a meal to-go. Feb 13 & 14. Menu pricing. Details.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14

48. Showers. 37% chance of rain.

‘Now That’s What I Call Brunch’ at Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo: Starting this Sunday, Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo is kicking off its 90s themed Sunday brunch series ‘Now That’s What I Call Brunch.’ The brunch items are sure to bring back 90s nostalgia with offerings like Sunny D mimosas and donut charcuterie boards. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Reservations are highly recommended and face masks are required. Noon to 5 p.m. Menu pricing. Details.

Valentine’s Day at Flower Child: Flower Child is offering 20% off all to-go orders for Valentine’s Day only. Use code VDAY online for pickup or delivery. Details.

First Dance Charlotte Valentine’s Day Date Night, online: Looking for a romantic and safe date night idea? Learn a dance with your partner through virtual lessons from First Dance Charlotte. Choreography tutorials include classic love songs like “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis, “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra, and even the recent hit “Lover” by Taylor Swift. $99. Details.

 Valentine’s Day with Chef Corey at Summit Seltzer: Bring your boo or your crew to enjoy a creative five-course dinner prepared by chef Corey Jones paired with five seltzers, including a specially brewed Valentine’s seltzer for the dessert course. 7-10 p.m. $75. Details.

Valentines Day Food and Wine Experience with Sun Raised Foods: Explore the Relationship between Food & Wine in this virtual class led by sommelier and wine educator, Stephanie Roberts. You’ll pick up pairing secrets that will help you elevate your food and wine experiences. This package includes a Sun Raised Foods Charcuterie box and access to the event. 8 p.m. $120. Details.

Check out more upcoming events on the Agenda Event Board. Hosting an event? Reach more Charlotteans through an Event Listing, which includes placement on our Event Board and in our newsletters’ Classifieds section. Have a scoop about a cool event? Email [email protected].