Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on GoNOLA.com, and has been reprinted with permission.

Valentine’s Day in New Orleans: The air is crisp, the sun is out, and the mood is just perfect for the occasion. Valentine’s Day falls during the Mardi Gras season and it’s just another reason to celebrate. The day is jam-packed with lots of things to do with loved ones. So gather your family, friends, and favorite people and make a date for a good time on Feb. 14.

Valentine’s Day Events

Perfect for friends, families, or that special someone

Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – Cheer on the Pelicans as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Smoothie King Center on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re headed out with friends, on a date, or out with family, this is the perfect way to spend the evening. The game begins at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $11 + fees.

New Orleans Ballet Theater presents Tainted Love – Enjoy an evening of contemporary ballet with the New Orleans Ballet Theater’s latest work. Tainted Love will include a world premiere from Jerry Opdenaker and a NOBT premiere of Maurice Causey’s “SHOTGUN”, performed by the artists of New Orleans Ballet Theatre. Tickets start at $35, and the performance begins at 8 p.m. at Le Petit Theater.

Thursdays at Twilight – One of the most romantic spots in New Orleans, City Park is the ideal place to spend Valentine’s Day. Within the Botanical Garden you’ll find Thursdays at Twilight, a weekly concert series indoors at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters. Enjoy a performance from the James River Movement, a blend of rock, rhythm & blues, progressive jazz, and gospel beginning at 6 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.). Admission is $10.

Whiskey Myers Die Rockin’ Tour + Bones Owen – If you’re looking for a concert to attend on Valentine’s Day, this is the event for you. Country-rock band Whiskey Myers stops in New Orleans at the House of Blues on their Die Rockin’ Tour along with Bones Owen for a performance at 7 p.m. on Feb. 14. Tickets are $28 + fees.

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Visions of Vienna & Salzburg – For a romantic evening of classical music, see the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s presentation of Visions of Vienna & Salzburg. The performance will consist of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 and other pieces that will take the audience on a tour of Austria. Tickets start at $17 and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:15 p.m.) at the Orpheum Theater.

Black Orpheus Ball at the New Orleans Airlift – If you want to have a uniquely romantic Valentine’s day experience with your number one, look no further. On Feb. 14, the Music Box Village will look to the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice, while set against a vibrant Carnival backdrop in Black Orpheus (Orfeo Negro). New Orleans’ own Casa Samba, a Brazilian entertainment house led by founding member Curtis Pierre, will bring to life elements of the film’s iconic visual and musical moments. Chef Al Angelin of Brown Girl Kitchen will create a three-course menu highlighting Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean flavors. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets range from $16 – $80.

Valentine’s Day Dinner and Drink Specials

Special price-fixed menus and drink specials unique to Valentine’s Day

Toups South – This $65 per person price-fixed menu includes five courses: red snapper & cured beef tartare, roasted carrot soup or chilled lobster, spiced lamb terrine or saffron & mussel risotto, braised crispy pork cheeks or seared gulf shrimp, and chocolate bread pudding or apple cobbler. Call (504) 304-2147 for reservations.

Bywater American Bistro – Enjoy a romantic dinner in the Bywater with Chef/Owner Nina Compton and Chef/Partner Levi Raines’ specially-curated Valentine’s Day menu. For $75 per person, enjoy a four-course meal of yellowfin tuna crudo, beet ravioli, ora king salmon, and champagne semifreddo. Make a reservation here.

Jack Rose – Valentine’s Day dinner service at Jack Rose will feature an entrée special of Petit Filet and Lobster Fra Diavolo, haricot verts, romanesco, and fingerling potatoes for $36. Call (504) 323-1500 for reservations.

Toups’ Meatery – For $65 per person, enjoy a five-course meal of speckled trout ceviche, choice of crawfish cacio e pepe or green peppercorn duck, choice of crab fat roasted murder point oysters or black garlic beef tartare, braised short ribs or lobster couvillion, and strawberry ice cream or lemon lavender truffles. Make a reservation here.

Copper Vine – This downtown restaurant features a $50 per person three-course tasting menu of the following: crispy & smoked oysters, seared scallops or rack of lamb, and tiramisu. Make a reservation here.

The Steakhouse at Harrah’s – Indulge in a special “Surf and Turf” dinner featuring filet mignon, lobster macaroni and cheese, and El Ray Chocolate cheesecake for dessert. To add to the celebration, each couple will also receive a half bottle of Veuve Clicquot. The price is $100 per couple. The full Steakhouse menu will also be available. Make a reservation here or by calling (504) 533-6111.

Poydras & Peters – Located inside the Loews New Orleans Hotel, Poydras & Peters is offering a six-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu of Foie Gras BON BON, Beet & Strawberry, Wagyu Steak Tartare, Lobster “Lasagna,” Colorado Lamb Loin, and for dessert, “Coffee & Doughnuts.” The price of the dinner is $85 or $125 with wine pairing. The restaurant will offer a special à la carte menu for Valentine’s Day weekend (Feb. 15 & 16). Make a reservation here.

Couvant – This new restaurant is offering a four-course all-chocolate tasting menu ($74) with an optional wine pairing ($36) for Valentine’s Day dinner. The menu features Seared Foie Gras, Caramelized Scallops, Duck Breast, and Tarte with chocolate incorporated into each dish. Make a reservation here.

Marjie’s Grill Thai Beach Party – From 5-10 p.m. on Feb. 14, enjoy traditional Thai coastal dishes with natural wine pairings as well as Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails at Marjie’s Grill. Reservations are available and can be made by calling the restaurant at (504) 603-2234.

The Big Smooch Double Date Deal – Both Commander’s Palace and SoBou will be participating in this special. Parties of four will receive a round of cocktails on the house. SoBou will be serving their cocktail of the day while Commander’s will serve their Crescent City Cooler, a light and refreshing cocktail made with fresh lime, ginger ale, guava rum, and bitters. Make a reservation for Commander’s Palace here and SoBou here.

Lagniappe

Valentine’s Day-themed events happening not on Feb. 14

Galentine’s Day at SoBou – Celebrate Galentine’s Day on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at SoBou. The restaurant will be pouring Commander’s Palace Cuvée for $10 by the glass and $45 by the bottle as well as offering 2-for-$15 special bites all night long. Nosh on Oyster Tacos, Apple and Andouille Beignets, Shrimp Pinchos, and more while hanging with your girls. Guests can call to reserve a table at (504) 552-4095.

Galentine’s Day Brunch For Dinner – Head to Jack Rose inside the Pontchartrain Hotel for a Galentine’s Day celebration. On Feb. 13, the restaurant is hosting a bash complete with great food, bottomless Veuve Cliquot, designs by Badass Balloons, and beautiful jewelry from Porter Lyons. Guests can follow @porterlyonsdesigns and @jackrosenola for a chance to win dinner and a gorgeous set of stud earrings by tagging their three favorite ladies. The menu for the evening includes Glitter Chicken and Waffles, Wagyu Flank Steak and Eggs, Lobster and Grits, and the Mile High Pie Waffle. Call (504) 323-1500 for reservations.

An Affair to Remember: Valentine’s Day Drag Brunch – If you want to feel the love a little early this year, head to the Pythian Market for a special Valentine’s Day Drag Brunch on Sunday, Feb. 10. From noon to 2 p.m., enjoy performances from drag queens Taze-Ya Ballz, GIA GiaVanni, Lana O’Day, Vida Carlton, and Coca Mesa while sampling brunch options from the Market’s 13 food vendors. Try the Cochon du Lait Benedict from Fete Au Fete, the Brunch Pizza from Meribo Pizza, specialty cocktails, and more while you’re there. No reservation necessary.