Valentine’s weekend in Cleveland: Kurentovanje parade, live music, comedy, and late-night aquarium events
A packed February weekend blends Valentine’s plans with winter festivals and big-name shows
Cleveland’s Valentine’s weekend (Feb. 12–15, 2026) arrives with a calendar that spans a major cultural festival, arena entertainment, touring comedy, and themed nightlife. For couples, groups of friends and families, the mix offers options that range from ticketed concerts to free public events and community fundraisers.
Saturday’s centerpiece: Cleveland Kurentovanje festival and parade
The largest single-day attraction on the calendar is the 14th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival and Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, with activities centered at the Slovenian National Home along St. Clair Avenue. Organizers list the main festival and parade as free and open to the public, with no tickets required.
The day’s schedule begins with the Kurent Dash 5K, with check-in starting at 9 a.m. and the race beginning at 10 a.m. Festival gates open at 10 a.m., and the parade steps off at noon. Programming continues into the afternoon with live performances staged throughout the festival footprint and a closing ceremony planned around 5 p.m.
The festival is built around the Kurent tradition, a Slovenian carnival custom associated with chasing away winter and welcoming spring.
Valentine’s-themed nights out: cocktails, jazz, and after-dark attractions
Several events explicitly tie into Valentine’s weekend. 78th Street Studios is hosting an Espresso Martini Festival on Thursday, Feb. 12, with timed entry and a tasting format built into admission. Proceeds are designated to benefit Haven Makers, a nonprofit supporting children recovering from cancer.
For a music-forward date night on Saturday, Feb. 14, area venues list multiple Valentine’s programs, including a Sinatra tribute featuring the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra at Music Box Supper Club and a romantic-jazz program at the Bop Stop with two showtimes.
Those seeking a nontraditional evening can opt for extended hours at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, which is scheduling a Valentine’s weekend program Friday and Saturday nights with optional adult beverages for purchase and themed photo opportunities.
Big stages and broad appeal: comedy, touring acts, and arena events
Downtown theaters and clubs are also anchoring the weekend. Listings include a Friday, Feb. 13 appearance by Jerry Seinfeld at the State Theatre, along with multiple comedy bookings across venues through the weekend. Rocket Arena’s Monster Jam run is slated to begin Friday night and continue through Sunday, offering a large-scale option for families and fans of motorsports entertainment.
Planning considerations
Timing: Saturday’s Kurentovanje parade begins at noon; earlier arrivals may be needed for the 5K, festival entry and street viewing spots.
Cost: Several events are free to attend, while major concerts and specialty festivals require tickets.
Age focus: The weekend spans family programming (festival children’s activities, Monster Jam) and adult-oriented late-night events (cocktail tastings, after-hours aquarium programming).
With Valentine’s Day falling on Saturday this year, the weekend’s lineup concentrates many of the region’s signature February events into a single, highly scheduled stretch—making early planning the key variable for residents hoping to fit more than one outing onto the calendar.