Valentine's Day is just 3 days away – and on February 14, you’re either this:

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Gif via Giphy

Or this:

https://giphy.com/gifs/valentines-day-love-IQgXoqONKJmV2

Gif via Giphy

But regardless, if you are still in need of plans we’re here to help. Because in Columbia, this holiday is for everyone – whether you’re happily in a relationship or embracing the single life. We’ve got plans for you that consist of everything from a traffic light party to a romantic five-course meal.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and celebrate a little early, here are some pre-Valentine’s Day events.

○ WIP Valentine’s Day: Self-Love and Self-Care | Thursday Feb. 13 | 12-1:30 p.m. | United Way of the Midlands, 1818 Blanding St. | $10 for WIP members, $15 for guests | Women in Philanthropy will be hosting a lunch that highlights the importance of self-love and self-care. Get tips and guidance from professionals on how you can live a better life.

○ Valentine at the Brewery | Thursday Feb. 13 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Swamp Cabbage Brewing Company | $35 per person (Beer pairings available for an additional $10) | Enjoy a four-course meal with optional beer pairings. Reservations are required and must be made by Feb. 12.

And here’s what’s going on Valentine’s Day – that still has reservations available or doesn’t require one.

Dinner

○ Valentine’s Day at smallSUGAR | Reservations available from 5-9 p.m. | smallSUGAR | $150 per couple (drinks available for purchase) | 4-course dinner for two with a menu featuring aphrodisiac-driven dishes.

○ Valentine’s Day with ColaJazz | 6-10 p.m. | Main Course, 1626 Main St. | $50 per person | 3-course meal, along with jazz music from ColaJazz. Ticket price does not include alcohol.

○ Valentine’s Day Special | Reservation times vary | Market on Main | $40 per person | 3-course dinner with options for each course. Call, email, or message to make a reservation.

○ Valentine’s Day Specials | 12-11 p.m. | River Rat | $20 per person | Meal includes your choice of a brined pork tenderloin or marinated chicken breast, your choice of beer/wine, caesar salad + a Prairie Girl dessert bar.

Activities

○ Valentine’s Day ‘Axe’citement | Reserve a lane from 12-11 p.m. | Craft Axe Throwing | $20 per person, per hour | Reserve your lane ahead of time to ensure that you have a spot by the 14th.

○ Blue Bike: Cupid’s Ride | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | S.C. State House | Free | A romantic loop around the State House. Personal Bikes are welcome once Blue Bikes run out. Arrive early for a free couple portrait.

○ Valentine’s Day Special | 6-7:30 p.m. or 8-9:30 p.m. | Mad Platter | $10 to reserve a table | Reservation includes a decorated table, dessert + a hand-painted gift. B.Y.O drinks + snacks.

○ Amore Under the Stars | 7-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $28 for members, $35 for general public | A romantic evening with live music, dance demonstrations, a planetarium show, special museum tours + more.

○ In the Name of Love Pop-Up Valentine’s Improv Show | 7:30 | The Gold Den, 110 Columbia Northeast Dr. | $15-25 ($70 per couple for VIP) | Improv show with games, food, music + more.

○ Le Ballet De L'amour | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College | $25-50 | Watch Columbia City Ballet’s dancers feature some of the greatest love stories of all time.

○ Valentine’s Day Traffic Light Party | 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. | Tin Roof | Free | Where do you stand this V-day? Before you enter the party, choose a glow bracelet to match your status (Green for single, yellow for “it’s complicated” + red for taken).

○ All The Single Ladies: Valentine's Day Ball with Beyoncé & Justin Timberlake | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Senate | $10 | Back-to-back Beyoncé & Justin Timberlake tribute sets. All tickets also include entry to the Tin Roof Traffic Light party next door. Ⓟ

Are you notorious for waiting until the last minute to make plans + missing out? Don’t worry – we have post-Valentine’s Day plans for you, too.

○ Double Date Around Town Scavenger Hunt | Saturday Feb. 15 | 1:30-8:30 p.m. | Greater Columbia/ Lexington | $20 per couple | Pair up with another couple and explore the local area while participating in a scavenger hunt. The winners will win a $1000 cash prize. Participants will receive a starting location after registration. Click here for how to register.