If you’ve lived in Loveland for a while, you are well aware of the city’s nickname as the Sweetheart City. The origin of the nickname goes back to the mid-1940s when postmaster Elmer Ivers and marketing extraordinaire Ted Thompson created the Valentine Re-Mailing Program, which is still practiced to this day. Each February, more than 100,000 Valentines are sent to Loveland inside larger envelopes, and are hand-stamped by volunteers with a Valentine’s verse and re-mailed to the intended recipients.
Plus, the month of February is packed with a variety of events celebrating love and Valentine’s Day, like the Loveland Sweetheart Festival. But there’s more going on all month long! Take a look at a handful of can’t-miss events in Loveland this February, including both Valentine’s Day-themed events and unrelated events. Experience an extra dose of love this February in the Sweetheart City!
Mountainfilm on Tour
February 1 | 2 + 7 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Melissa Plantz via Mountainfilm
Experience the great outdoors without stepping foot outside. Mountainfilm on Tour is bringing a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival held over Memorial Day weekend in Telluride. This film showing explores themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission: to use the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. The event features two screenings, including a 2 p.m. matinee and a 7 p.m. evening program with individual playlists. Tickets for the matinee are $15 and tickets for the evening performance are $19.
Michael Carbonaro Live!
February 1 | 7 p.m.
You may recognize Michael Carbonaro from his hit TV series, The Carbonaro Effect, on truTV. He is taking his mind-boggling magic on the road for a national theater tour, making a stop at Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. The performance is jam-packed with audience interaction, hilarious video clips and a whirlwind of mind-blowing magic performed live on stage. See for yourself why Michael was named the “Magician of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts!
Hot Club of San Francisco Concert & Gypsy Jazz
February 14 | 7:30 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of ©Lenny Gonzalez
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Hot Club of San Francisco, a talented group integrating Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s jazz manouche style with their own disparate influences to create a unique sound of their own. The HCSF breathes new life into the music with innovative arrangements of classic tunes and original compositions from the group’s superb lead guitarist, Paul Mehling. Get tickets to their performance at the Rialto here!
Loveland’s Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding
February 14 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
For the Valentine’s Day experience to top all Valentine’s Day experiences, consider getting married or renewing your vows at Loveland’s Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding! The city has received many requests for a group wedding in Loveland, and this is the third annual year this unique, love-filled event is taking place. To either get married or renew your vows, you’ll need to purchase tickets online in advance and follow all instructions related to both. All participating couples will receive signature Valentine’s wedding cupcakes, a love lock and a gift bag. A photographer will be available at the lagoon to take photos of each couple!
Sweet Heart Winery’s Annual Valentine and Wine Party
February 14 | 6–9 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Sweet Heart Winery
There’s no better place to be on Valentine’s Day than Sweet Heart Winery. Head to the Barrel Room for their Annual Valentine and Wine Party, featuring three different stations of hors d’oeuvres and a dessert station, live string instrumental music, and unlimited wine pours throughout the evening. The winery will be closed to the public for this 21+ event!
Night on the Town
February 14 | 5–9 p.m.
On the second Friday of each month (which falls on Valentine’s Day this month!), downtown Loveland comes to life with Night on the Town. Many art galleries and businesses stay open late with snacks, live music, specials and more. Plus, there’s plenty of fine and casual dining, craft beer tasting rooms, and retail shops to explore while you’re there. The Loveland Museum/Gallery remains open during Night on the Town, offering free special events, lectures and activities, as well as free admission to the main gallery exhibits.
The Loveland Sweetheart Festival
February 14 + 15 | 5–9 p.m. + 2–9 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of DJRImaging — 970.744.0176
Considered one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, the Loveland Sweetheart Festival highlights our city’s rich history as the nation’s Sweetheart City and as one of the top art communities in the nation through art installations, attractions, contests and more. A few of the top attractions at the free, two-day festival include the Sweetheart Classic, a laser show, art shows and live music, as well as chocolate, beer and wine tastings which include the Grimm Brothers Brewhouse official Sweetheart City beer, Bleeding Heart.
Sweetheart Classic 4-Miler
February 15 | 2:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the Sweetheart Classic 4-Miler taking place in downtown Loveland on the second day of the Sweetheart Festival. The race starts and ends at the festival stage, where awards will be given at the end of the race. The newly designed race course winds along River’s Edge Natural Area, providing a scenic backdrop for participants. Singles and couples alike may register for the Sweetheart Classic 4-Miler, and the first 200 registrants will receive a complimentary love lock. Proceeds benefit the Thompson School District High School and Middle School Cross Country teams.
Harlem Globetrotters
February 28 | 7–10 p.m.
See the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters up close and personal at their all new show, “Pushing the Limits,” at the Budweiser Events Center. The star-studded roster includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, TNT Lister, Swish Sutton and Torch George. The show will feature a unique blend of hilarious hijinks and impressive basketball skills, including ball handling, high flying dunks and a new record-breaking attempt. Get your tickets in advance for this one-of-a-kind experience!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
What essential Valentine’s Day events are we missing out on? Let us know in the comments below!
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