I have such fond memories of Valentine’s Day growing up.
In elementary school, exchanging Valentine’s cards with friends and classmates was the highlight of every February. Cards often featured Care Bears, Disney characters, Looney Tunes, or even Michael Jordan, and they almost always came with a sweet treat or those heart-shaped candies stamped with love notes.
In high school, Valentine’s Day brought a new kind of excitement with “crush grams.” These were notes or small tokens you could send to friends - or maybe to that one special person you hadn’t yet worked up the courage to talk to. I’m not going to lie, those were the days - filled with equal parts fun and butterflies.
Valentine’s Day may look different for me now, but its charm hasn’t faded. It’s still a time to celebrate love in all its forms, whether through cherished traditions or creating new ones. From romantic date nights to family road trips, indulging in foodie adventures, or unwinding with spa days, there are endless ways to make the day/month special and meaningful.
While February often highlights and celebrates couples, let’s not forget that love is for everyone, no matter your relationship status. These days, we’re constantly bombarded with an “ideal” version of love: happy couples, picture-perfect lives, and fairytale romances, all curated and filtered on social media. But life isn’t always like that. For many, this time of year can stir up feelings of sadness, especially if they’ve experienced heartache, lost a loved one, or feel left out of all the "love" festivities.
That’s why I believe Valentine’s Day should be about celebrating love in all its beautiful forms. Whether you’re single, have an SO, or somewhere in between, take this time to honor the love you share with yourself, your friends, your family - even the kindness you extend to strangers. Love is universal, love is powerful, and most of all, love is what keeps this world turning.
Peace, LOVE, and kindness,
-Kat
P.S. I may have hit publish a bit quickly on this post because I didn’t want anyone to miss out on even a sprinkle of magic. Rest assured, I’ll be back to fine-tune and update this guide with anything I missed or that pops up later. Businesses, friends, and future friends - please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s something you’d like me to add.
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*The first part of my winter guide may still be of interest to those looking for local local shops & winter activities.
Valentine's Day Ideas
*Couple Massage
*Movie Marathon:
If you haven't watched these romance movies yet, they're absolute HITS!
The Notebook
Titianic
Pride & Prejudice
*Wine Tasting - The Lodge has a wide selection, including imported wines from Europe- Location of Lodge in beautiful Galena Forest | Engine 8 Brewery offers flights, shareable platters, & live music.| Riverwalk District Wine Walk (3rd Th of every month) |
Starting February 1, 2025 |
*Paint N Sip Class - Crafted Palette has ongoing classes year-round AND they have bomb food too! Score! *Axe Throwing
*Scenic Overlooks - I have yet to add Emerald Bay & Sand Harbor to my list - both MUST-SEE spots. *Sledding - Mt. Rose Meadows - free. Just past Mt. Rose Summit, you'll find a flat area with a bunch of cars parked on each side. You can't miss it.
*Board Games - Play them for free at Coffee N' Comics, along with Super Nintendo *Stargazing - Jack C. Davis Observatory, 2269 Vanpatten Ave, Carson City, NV 89703. Every 3rd Saturday of the month. 30mins., FREE
RAD Local Coffee Shops to Fuel your Everyday Life
We’re so lucky to have so many amazing and unique local coffee shops that add so much character to our city. These places are run by passionate people who genuinely love what they do and aim to brighten your day. With all the different styles and flavors to choose from, I can’t help but feel spoiled.
EVENTS
-January 16 | 9pm-11pm
Dolly Dapper Duo
*Location:
Pignic Pub & Patio
235 Flint St,
Reno, NV 89501
"New event!! Happening Thursday, January 16th 9-11p. 🎻 Dolly Dapper is a new original folk/Americana duo presenting soulful lyrics and melodies from Jenna Talbott and Chandler Seipert, who have recently relocated to the Reno area. With an emphasis on harmonies and traditional country/blues guitar, the project encompasses original tunes and rootsy covers with dynamic spins."
-Description from Instagram
-January 17 - 19
Mochinut GRAND OPENING (Northwest Reno)
5150 Mae Anne Ave, Ste.213,
Reno, Nevada 89523
-January 18 | 9am
National Forest Foundation & Truckee Meadows Park Foundation
Guided Snowshoe Hike - Chickadee Ridge
"🌲❄️ Join Our Partners at National Forest Foundation for a Guided Snowshoe Adventure! 🥾✨
This Saturday, January 18th, at 9:00 AM, we’re exploring Chickadee Ridge with a 2.3-mile out-and-back snowshoe hike.
🌟 Details:
Enjoy a guided hike through the beautiful snowy trails.
Free Trailhead Medium Roast coffee (thanks to @Coffeebar) served 15 minutes before we begin!
👟 Need Snowshoes?
There is a limited supply available, or you can bring your own.
📅 RSVP Required: Secure your spot today via the link in bio!
Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and enjoy the winter wonderland."
-Description from Instagram
-January 19 | 1pm-2:30pm
Novel Planning
All ages & all experience levels are welcome.
"It's time to ring in the new year with new writing goals! But this year, the Heretics are going to do something different—by focusing on prewriting materials. Join us during our Grand Reopen weekend on Sunday, January 19, from 1-2:30, to learn how to plan your next long writing project—and how to make those plans a reality. Bring the project you want to focus on in 2025 so we can discuss brainstorming, character motivations, big plot points, and more, and how to use those tools to actually work on your project. Pantsers and planners alike are not going to want to miss this! Free and open to the public to writers of all ages and experience levels."
-January 20 | 9am-12pm
MLK Day of Service BioBlitz Day (FREE)
*Location:
Rosewood Nature Study Area
6800 Pembroke Dr,
Reno, NV 89502
*My REEL of BioBlitz 2024
"MLK Day is more than a holiday—it’s a National Day of Service, a call to action for all Americans to make a difference in their communities. 💚
This year, be part of our BioBlitz:
🌿 Clean up the habitat.
🦋 Identify flora and fauna—no expertise needed!
A BioBlitz helps us document species and understand the ecological health of the area. Every observation makes a difference!
Register now through the link in our bio and join us for a meaningful day of service in honor of Dr. King’s legacy." -Description from Instagram
Truckee Meadows is doing such amazing work in the community - they are the driving force behind the functionality of our parks and trails.
Every year, they host a variety of fun and meaningful events that highlight the beauty of our incredible outdoor spaces. From nature walks and restorative planting in the spring and fall to "Carpe Diem" events where participants help control invasive carp populations in the wetlands, there's always something engaging happening. They also offer free science talks at the Rosewood Visitors Center, children's camps, and so much more. I’m incredibly grateful for this organization and thrilled to help spread the word about the amazing work they do in the community. It’s such a wonderful group to be a part of! I hope you get a chance to check out one of their events soon.
-January 21 | 6pm-8pm
Arts & Drafts Community Events
A Roving Micro-Market & Craft Night
*Location:
Pignic Pub & Patio
235 Flint St,
Reno, NV 89501
*Pay what you can, with a capped contribution of $5
-January 31| 8pm - 11pm
Brew HaHa - Sierra Arts Foundation 28th Annual Fundraiser
*Location:
The Nugget Casino Grand Ballroom
1100 Nugget Ave, Sparks, NV 89431
-January 31
Loteria Social (FREE)
*Location:
Tacos Tijuana Cantina
7499 Longley Lane
Reno NV 89511
-January 31 | 9pm - Late
Soul Night 1 Year Anniversary Party
*Location:
Lo Bar Social
445 California Ave,
Reno, NV 89509
***Recurring event, every Friday at 9pm.***
"*SOUL NIGHT ANNIVERSARY PARTY*
Come join residents DJ Andrew and DJ Sax One, along with special guest DJs Mark Sexton and Ivan The Terrible to celebrate Reno's longest running dance party!
Celebrate the 1 year anniversary at Lo-Bar, originally established in 2008 - Hard guess.
FREE SHIRT GIVEAWAY! Supplies are limited. Be there when the first needle drops to secure yours!
Soul, Funk, RnB, Latin and 60’s
All Vinyl 45s All Night Long"
-Description from Instagram
-February 5,6, & 14
Hosted by Heart & Soul Sparks
*Locations:
Beer NV, Final Draught, 10 Torr
-February 7 | 9pm
*Location:
Alturas Bar
1044 East. 4th St.
Reno NV 89512
-February 7 & 8 | 10am-6pm
*Location:
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Facility Building
34 Reservation Rd.
Reno NV 89502
-February 8|10am-6pm
Hands ON! Second Saturday - Color me in Love
*Location:
Nevada Museum of Art
160 W Liberty St, Reno, NV 89501
-February 13| 5pm-9pm
Lover's Market & Feral Affection (Grand Opening)
Location:
The Generator
2450 Oddie Blvd Suite 110, Sparks, NV 89431
The Generator is an expansive venue where artists come together to create, collaborate, and showcase their work. It also hosts some of the most exciting events in Reno. If you're familiar with the Third Thursday Markets at The Generator, it will now be held on a new date and time under a fresh name. This space is perfect for all ages, uniting the community around a shared love for art and entrepreneurship. At the market, you'll find a wide variety of unique items, from art and tote bags to crocheted stuffies, baked goods, clothing, and so much more - featuring 100% local talent.
-February 14| 6:30pm
Valentine's Day Comedy
*Location:
Midnight Coffee Roasting
1401 S. Virginia St.
Reno NV 89511
Duration: about 3 hrs.
Free Parking
18+
"Get ready to laugh your heart out at our Valentines Day Comedy event!
Join us at Midnight Coffee Roasting for a night filled with hilarious stand-up performances guaranteed to make your Valentine's Day unforgettable. Grab your sweetheart or round up your friends for a night of laughter and good vibes. Don't miss out on this special event - mark your calendars now!"
-Description from Eventbrite
-February 14 | 8pm - Late
Disco For Lovers
*Location:
Alibi Ale Works
10069 Bridge St,
Truckee, CA 96161
-February 15 | 9pm
Mr. Johnson's Round-Up
*Location:
Midnight Coffee Roasters (Midtown Location)
1401 South Virginia St. STE 250
Reno NV 89502
"Well, here it is! I've been talking about it for a while now. This is the beginning of the return of my Round Ups! Cracking this at 9pm is going to be a solo performance of Captain Kitten, and then we will get it shaking and warmed up for @jade_brobro to blow the doors off the first Round Up of 2025! @midnightcoffeeroasting will be hosting this debacle of Honky Tonkin madness! Come have a coffee, a beer, a cocktail, or some tasty grub! A night of Country and Western for real!"
-Description from Instagram
-February 22| 7pm-10pm
Social Science: Spells & Incantations
*Location:
The Discovery
490 S Center St, Reno, NV 89501
Admission
*Ticket price includes two drinks & complimentary bites
Members: $20
Nonmembers: $25
At the Door: $30 (Tickets may sell out prior to event. Secure your tickets ahead of time.)
-February 22 | 8pm
Shrektacular
A Night of Shrek Themed Drag
*Location:
Coffee N' Comics
1235 Baring Blvd.
Sparks NV 89434
-March 15 | 8pm-2am
*Start Location:
Rum Bullions (Circus Circus)
407 N Virginia St,
Reno, NV 89501