Romantic Pittsburgh Valentine's Day Ideas in 2024

It doesn’t matter that Valentine’s day is on a Wednesday this year – the Steel City has romantic events for sweethearts all weekend long. We’ll take you through some of the events we’re looking forward to – so consider taking a friend or loved one to any of these amazing options for a Valentine’s Day in Pittsburgh they won’t soon forget!

If you’re looking to treat someone you won’t be spending the day with, you could always get a Giftya personalized gift to send to a friend or loved one from any one of these fine Pittsburgh venues. It’s so simple to use for you and the recipient!

• Choose any shop or restaurant (even online retailers).
• Purchase a giftya e-gift certificate in any amount.
• The gift certificate is then texted to the recipient's phone and can be connected to their debit card making it super convenient!

No more plastic cards to carry around or lose. No more tracking remaining balances. It’s the easiest way to gift someone a special local gift!

Unique Events + Date Ideas

Pittsburgh is a unique city – and it’s home to some equally unique Valentine’s events! So whether you’re looking to make a great impression on a new pattern or want to switch things up after doing dinner and drinks with your boo for years, these are the coolest and trendiest Valentine’s events in town!

(Don’t worry – we’ll cover the classics in a sec)

Friends and Lovers (21+)

Carnegie Museum of Art - Oakland

Whether you’re just friends, dating, or married, the Friends and Lovers event at CMOA in Oakland is the perfect way to get creative with your Valentine’s Day plans. Participants will enjoy tours by curators and art critics that focus on the link between love and design. Not to mention there will be sweets, a cash bar, and Valentines-making activities – meaning there’s something for everyone at this artsy 21+ event in one of Pittsburgh’s most hoppin’ neighborhoods.

Dandy Andy: Warhol’s Queer History

Andy Warhol Museum - North Side

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate love, and Dandy Andy: Warhol’s Queer History takes a look at how the artist’s romantic life unfolded against major events in LGBTQ+ history. You’ll learn about Andy’s boyfriends Edward Wallowitch, John Giorno, and Jed Johnson – people who also collaborated with Andy and inspired some of his famous work.

The tour begins on the 7th floor of the museum at 3pm the last Saturday of every month.

Create Your Own Candle

Mix Candle Co. - Lawrenceville

Candles are always romantic, and going DIY to make your own unique scent is a fun date any time of the year. Mix Candle Co. has locations in Lawrenceville and the South Side, and for Valentines Weekend (Fri Feb 16th & Sat Feb 17th) they’re even adding a ticketed event to the mix.

Get a free glass of champagne and polaroid picture of you and your date with your candle making purchase!

Couples Float

Victory Float - Lawrenceville

Everyone is fighting their own battles – whether it’s stress or poor sleep, floating promises relaxation and a much needed break from whatever might be going on in your life. Share the experience with the person you love most. Bring your swimsuit or go commando and float in perfectly warm, super salty water that allows you to float better than a regular pool (and don’t worry – everything is drained and sanitized between each session!)

Some people just chill for an hour, others have visual experiences – what will it be like for you?

Cupid’s Undie Run

McFadden’s Pub - North Shore

This “brief” interruption to your Valentine’s celebration is for a good cause – Cupid’s Undie Run supports NF research through the Children’s Tumor foundation. NF is a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. Right now there is no cure, but with events like these funding life-changing research, it will! Your love can make a difference.

So strip down and hit the streets for this one-mile(ish) run for a good cause.

Dinner & Drinks

Enjoying a romantic meal on Valentine’s Day is a classic way to enjoy the holiday with your special someone.

Animal Instincts Valentine's Dinner

@ Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Image courtesy of @PghZoo on X

Head to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium at the Water’s Edge for dinner, cocktails and an adults-only presentation by Henry Kacprzyk, who will reveal the intimate secrets of exotic animal mating. From the most violent mating battles to the subtlest courting rituals, learn how the animals of land, sea, and air find love in the wild. Along with Henry’s presentation, the night includes small animal visits, hors d’oeuvres, a formal dinner, dessert, and a cash bar.

Gateway Clipper Valentine’s Day Dinner

Station Square

Spend the most romantic day of the year against the stunning backdrop of the City of Pittsburgh! Cruise down the Three Rivers, roses and champagne in hand. Enjoy fabulous views of the city, with music from our house DJ. Enjoy a romantic dinner as you feast on our fabulous Valentine’s Buffet. You’ll even have a chance to win the love of your life sparkling gifts!

Valentine’s Day Mystery Dinner Show

Omni William Penn Hotel - Downtown

Deliciously entertaining, the Dinner Detective is a modern twist on murder mystery dinners. Described as Law and Order meets Saturday Night Live, your evening will involve a challenging mystery and loads of laughs served up along with a four course dinner at the Omni William Penn Hotel.

Valentine’s Day in La Bodega

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina - Strip District

Indulge in a four course meal at Gaucho Parrilla Argentina’s downstairs La Bodega space. Known for their Argentinian cuisine, particularly their steaks, they will be serving family style meal that will include champagne, but you can BYOB if you’d like other cocktails during the meal. Be sure to reserve your spot before it fills up, this hot eatery almost always attracts lines around the corner for their regular service so it’s sure to sell out fast!

Valentine’s Day Couples Cocktail Night

Downtown

Enjoy an intimate treat at the cozy, candlelit Wigle Whiskey Tasting Room & Bottle Shop Downtown to build your significant other a customized Old Fashioned! Enjoy a whiskey and Edward Marc Chocolatier chocolate pairing flight.

Date Night at Terrene Food & Wine Pairing

South Side

Image courtesy of Terrene Facebook

At this ongoing event, you can enjoy three wines and paired appetizers presented by Court of Master Sommelier Haugh while learning about their origins, why they are paired, and what it takes identify these primary varieties.  This is a casual event with plenty of time to relax and create conversations, with breaks for food and wine presentations.  Walk away from this evening with memories of great times with friends, meeting new friends, and learning a bit about wine and food.  All food and beverage included in the price per person, gratuity is at your discretion.  

Cocktail Class: Valentines Day Drinks

Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries (Boyd & Blair Vodka Distillery) - Shaler

Pump up the romance while working hand in-hand to craft three delicious cocktails inspired by the season of love! Participants will leave with the basic knowledge of how to mix and muddle a tasty cocktail for yourself and your sweetheart! Of course, you don't need to be a lovebird to attend — the class is open to non-couples as well!

All classes include: Individual place setting with all the tools and materials for the class, a tour of distillery, straight spirit sampling, step-by-step instruction for cocktails, take home recipe card, and light hors d' oeuvres.

Sweetheart Distillery Tour

Wigle Whiskey - Strip District

Head to Wigle Whiskey Distillery where they will walk you through how they start with organic, local grain to produce a portfolio of award winning spirits. Throughout the tour they’ll regale you with the true tale of the Pittsburgh’s Whiskey Rebellion, one of the country’s quirkiest and most pivotal events.
The tour includes a cocktail to start, a hands on tour of our distillation process, a history of the Whiskey Rebellion told through the eyes of our namesake Philip Wigle, and a seated tasting of straight spirits. The total length of the tour is 1 hour and is limited in size to ensure a fun experience for everyone!
This makes the perfect gift for the whiskey lover in your life!

Valentine’s Dinner Date

Giant Eagle Market District - Robinson

Looking for a romantic alternative to the crowded restaurant scene on Valentine's Day? Head to this romantic hands-on(meaning you are cooking with your loved one) dinner. This year's menu is starting with Beet & Hearts of Palm Salad with Goat Cheese, Miso Soup, your choice of Veal or Chicken Milanese, Anna Potatoes and Stuffed Tomato. You will finish with a Pear & Brie Tartlet. It also includes a bottle of Sparkling Wine and a bottle of Rose...complimentary chocolates will be your favor.

Uncover Squirrel Hill Valentine's Day Weekend Wine Walk

Squirrel Hill Business District

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Join Uncover Squirrel Hill for premier Valentine's Day Weekend Wine Walk: self-paced wine tasting experience. The Valentine's Weekend Wine Walk will take place in the Squirrel Hill Business District located on Forbes and Murray Aves in the heart of Squirrel Hill.

‍That’s it for our Pittsburgh Valentine’s Day ideas.

We hope you loved one of these 💕 If not, consider sending a GiftYa digital gift card to your love’s favorite local spot – they’ll <3 it as much a they <3 you!