Dinner and a movie is a classic date, but Chicago’s artistic communities have much more creative date ideas to offer. The Chronicle compiled the city’s best Valentine’s Day events for culture-hungry, curious couples and singles alike. Hip, art-consuming, modern people should feel inspired by Valentine’s Day, not pressured, bored and bummed out. Get into the adventurous spirit this year!

A.W.E.: The Art of Sensuality

DuSable Museum, 740 E.

56th Place

Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.  / $15+ / 21+

Art, Wine and Entertainment is a quarterly live performance art event at the DuSable Museum and The Art of Sensuality is their Valentine’s Day-themed segment of the A.W.E. event series. The event will tantalize all five senses with plenty of food and wine, paired well with vocal, dance and spoken word performances.

Recommended for: wannabe Beat poets

Stupid Cupid Party

Drop, 1909 N. Lincoln Ave.

Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. / FREE / 21+

The Stupid Cupid Party, Drop’s first ever anti-Valentine’s-Day party, will feature food, drinks and a live disc jockey. Come out and celebrate being single! It’s free and brand new; what have you got to lose?

Recommended for: Singles who are ready to mingle

Whoopie Pie Baking Class

deca Restaurant + Bar, 160 E.

Pearson St.

Feb. 14 and 15 at 6 p.m.

$40 per couple

First hors-d’oeuvres, then you’ll get to work on your pastry chef skills. You and your sweetheart can make your own edible masterpieces in a whoopie pie assembly class taught by one of deca’s chefs.

Recommended for: the culinary-inclined

The Million Dollar Quartet

Apollo Theater, 2540 N.

Lincoln Ave.

Feb. 14 at 8 p.m., Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

$92+

Showing at the Apollo Theater, “The Million Dollar Quartet” is a rock musical about what was arguably the greatest recording session in history. Featuring songs such as “Walk the Line” and “Hound Dog,” this show should satisfy any rock ‘n’ roll adoring twosome.

Recommended for: theatre-loving, music-loving couples

Contemporary Choreographers

Joffrey Ballet, Auditorium Theater, 50 E. Congress Parkway

Feb. 12–23 / $31+

Three separate pieces choreographed by Brock Clawson, Alexander Ekman and Christopher Wheeldon flow together to form a non-narrative, ultra-modern dance performance.

Recommended for: dance-crazed lovers

Northshore Cupid’s Love Dash

Sponsored by Running Right

661 Central Ave., Highland Park

Feb. 14 at 8:15 a.m. for 10k 

8:20 a.m. for 5k 

10k: $50 

5k: $45 

With two candy stations along the way and a hot chocolate party at the end, this race combines heart health with Valentine’s Day sweetness.

Recommended for: the fit foodie with a sweet tooth