8 LGBTQ+ Chicago Valentine’s Day ideas to celebrate queer love

L is for love and LGBTQ+ this Valentine’s Day in Chicago. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Gay with a partner, a lover, or friends, you’ve come to the right place. Chicago offers a plethora of romantic and fun activities for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Here are 8 lesbian parties, queer meet-ups, inclusive events, and dinner plans to make your Valentine’s Day extra queer this year. XOXO

The Lesbian Social Club Hosts “Be Mine” at Tao Chicago

Friday, Feb. 2
Join The Lesbian Social Club at Tao Nightclub for an inclusive Valentine’s Day-themed sapphic event. The Lesbian Social Club curates electrifying events tailored to Chicago’s lesbian community. Tickets are $25. The party starts at 8 p.m., couples and singles are welcome.
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Totally Lit LGBTQ+ Speed Dating at Volumes Bookcafe

Thursday, Feb. 8
Escape into a steamy gender-bending literary love story at Volumes Bookcafe’s LGBTQ+ speed dating event, A Totally Lit Speed Dating. Bring a book to spark up a conversation. Participants are invited to register for the group that best aligns with their identity, and each guest will go on a variety of mini-dates throughout the evening. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. sharp, early arrival is encouraged.
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Love is Lovefest at Elastic Arts

Saturday, Feb. 10
Love is in the art at Love is Lovefest, an annual showcase of queer artists celebrating all things related to love. This year’s show has a stunning array of dancers, musicians, vendors, and artists at the Elastic Arts Center in Logan Square. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to browse multiple vendors. Open drum jam starts at 7 p.m. and performances begin at 8 p.m.
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String Workshop by Queer Quilting

Sunday, Feb. 11
If quilting is more of your vibe, check out Queer Quilting Chi’s newest event. Welcome to all levels, Queer Quilting is a relaxed workshop series focused on using recycled fabrics to create artwork and bring together queer community in Chicago. Learn the traditional approach for using up small scraps. Tickets are $35; tea, coffee, machines, and materials are provided. Feel free to bring a snack of your choice (and/or a date).
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Shake your Pom Poms at Pop Up PomSquad Class

Sunday, Feb. 11
It’s time to shake your pom poms, queers. Join the (hyper-inclusive) pom squad at Visceral Dance Center in Avondale for a Pop Up PomSquad Class with Mattrick and Jenarator. This hyper-inclusive hour-long sweat season is guaranteed to make you smile. Poms are available to borrow or for purchase, but feel free to BYOP. Tickets are $20 or $35 for a pair.
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Pick-up Dinner for Two at Queer-owned Restaurant, Sfera Sicilian Street Food

Wednesday, Feb. 14
Sfera Sicilian Street Food in Edgewater is bringing back its signature scaccia just for Valentine’s Day. Scaccia, a folded semolina “pizza”, is a traditional Sicilian dish. Your at-home dinner for two includes arancini, focaccia, cheese and salumi, salads, cannolis, and a saffron sour base to make a signature cocktail or mocktail at home. It’s the perfect feast for a romantic night in.
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Anti-Valentine’s Day Paint and Sip

Thursday, Feb. 15
The creators of Strapped x Painted Faces are here, queer, and proud to present an inclusive paint & sip event with a twist. This Anti V-Day Topless Paint & Sip will include (optional) topless painting, heartbreaking performances by Georgia Rising, PB, Spade Slick, and Sundae, a spicy giveaway by Early to Bed, and more. All art supplies are included and no art experience is required — just paint, sip, and have fun!
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Male Call: A Valentine’s Day Special Edition

Saturday, Feb. 17
End your Valentine’s Day celebrations at one of Hyde Park’s hottest venues, The Promontory. Male Call: A Valentine’s Day Special Edition is a curated celebration for LGBTQ+ lovers and friends. Step in the name of love with DJs Darryl Garcon and JukieThaKidd. Tickets are $20, and $10 for early bird tickets. The party starts at 10 p.m. and goes until 3 a.m.. Everyone 21+ is welcome.
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