ORLANDO, Fla. – Valentine’s Day will be on a weekend this year. If you’re off work, you’re also probably without an excuse for waiting until dinner to show up with roses.
In no particular order, here are some ideas for things to do in and around Central Florida on the second Saturday of February:
Go to the Florida State Fair
We’re immediately beginning with something outside of our designated market area, but it’s not a bad drive and just can’t be ignored.
The 2026 Florida State Fair runs Feb. 5-16 out in Hillsborough County. Ticket pricing varies depending on the day of the week, with Saturday prices $16 for adults and $11 for children with $45 ride armbands. Click here for the website.
See a live show
What better time to hold your partner’s hand than during a live show?
Omar Jose Cardona: “Rock & Romance” at Orlando Shakes looks fun, featuring “The Voice” finalist Omar Jose Cardona in what’s billed as “an unforgettable evening of romance and electrifying music” in one of my favorite venues, but I’m otherwise making a blind recommendation here.
I also found multiple Valentine’s Day shows at SAK Comedy Club and of the off-Broadway musical “From my Hometown” at Winter Park Music House; showtimes for “Drawn to Life” at Disney Springs, musical performances at Harry P. Leu Gardens, House of Blues Orlando, Judson’s Live, The Beacham and The Plaza to name a few; and some of my co-workers said that they really enjoyed “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at the Dr. Phillips Center, which is also doing “Carmen,” the opera, and “Zafra,” a tribute to Afro-Puerto Rican heritage.
See a not live show
What better time to hold your partner’s popcorn-buttery hand than during a movie or something?
The Enzian in Winter Park has Feb. 14 showings (currently available at the time of this writing) of “This is Spinal Tap” and ”The Princess Bride" in honor of filmmaker Rob Reiner. There’s also a cute-sounding Valentine’s Day brunch happening, and they’re playing “Amélie,” but that has understandably sold out.
I saw that the Met Opera’s “Cinderella Encore” is playing in multiple Central Florida theaters that day, as well as “Wuthering Heights,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Love & Basketball,” so just search around for those if they sound nice. At Regal, Epic Theatres or Premiere Cinemas, you can woo them with the 1942 classic “Casablanca.” The more recent but also iconic 2004 film ”The Notebook" is playing at Orlando Premiere 14 Fashion Square Mall, as well.
You also have the option to rent out an entire theater in some of these places, but you may have to pick from a provided list of movies, so do read into that before spending as much money as it would surely cost.
Visit a market
Central Florida is all about buying other people’s stuff.
For some of your Valentine’s Day market options, many of them already happen every Saturday. We have Vendor Rush Orlando at Lake Eola Park, the Winter Garden Farmers Market at the downtown square, the Winter Haven Saturday Market, the Longwood Farmers Market, and the Winter Park Saturday farmers market.
Just get out of the house
Bring a picnic basket with you while you’re at it.
If the weather is good on Feb. 14, you can take that picnic basket to Bok Tower Gardens for a whole day of walking around, daydreaming, and picture-taking in the gem of Lake Wales.
At ICON Park, the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium would have already begun. That’s sure to be cute.
In Mead Botanical Garden, enjoy Yoga in the Garden at the Grove stage.
See about pricing and availability for the Winter Park Boat Tour.
Say “I love you” with the gift of 79 Tasers, a pallet of fire hoses, really anything from the quirky Orange County surplus auction.
Or, take the plunge and try to get your foot in the door at any of the local theme parks.
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