Valentine’s Day falls on Saturday this year, which means the entire North Atlanta corridor — Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Chamblee — is programming around it.
Thursday and Friday lean romantic and ticketed. Saturday splits cleanly between family-friendly mornings and date-night evenings. Sunday slows down with nature walks and matinee theater. Monday carries a few lingering attractions for families with school flexibility.
Thursday, February 12
Early Valentine’s and “Galentine’s” Starts
Galentine’s Day at Avalon – Alpharetta
6:00–9:00 PM
Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta
Avalon opens the weekend with a friend-focused evening that blends pop-ups, concierge treats, and optional ticketed workshops. A Sip & Script lettering session is listed at $65 per person, while other elements are free to browse.
Why it works: It’s flexible. You can shop, dine, or participate in a structured activity without committing to a full dinner reservation.
Parking: Free self-parking in decks and surface lots; valet available (published rate $12).
Info: https://experienceavalon.com
Enchanted Woodland Trail Date Night – Roswell
5:30–7:30 PM
Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell
A quieter option for couples who prefer nature over crowded restaurants. This after-hours guided trail experience includes a craft element and treats.
Why it works: Low-key, outdoors, different from a standard dinner date.
Info: https://www.chattnaturecenter.org
Friday, February 13
Dress-Up Friday
Vienna Boys Choir: Strauss Forever – Sandy Springs
8:00 PM
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, 1 Galambos Way
A formal Friday night option that feels occasion-worthy without being Valentine’s-specific. Student seats are advertised at $25; other pricing levels vary by section.
Accessibility: Assisted listening available; ASL by request.
Parking: On-site deck and valet; MARTA-connected bus routes available.
Info: https://www.citysprings.com
Saturday, February 14
Family-Friendly and Flexible Options
DHA Farmers Market – Dunwoody
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road
Free
Art & Soul Kids and Family Day – Roswell
9:30 AM and 11:30 AM showtimes
Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street
Tickets: $9
Part of the Roswell Roots programming, this includes stage performances and interactive lobby activities.
Info: https://www.roswellgov.com
Clay Heart Ornaments – Alpharetta
10:00–11:00 AM
Children’s Art Classes, 875 N. Main Street
A contained one-hour craft session — ideal for families who want a “morning win” before bigger plans. Pricing requires registration checkout to view.
FairyTale Village Spring Experience – Alpharetta
11:00 AM–6:00 PM
North Point Mall
A walk-through fantasy story village designed for younger children. Long open window reduces stress over arrival times.
Saturday Socials – Johns Creek
12:00–2:00 PM
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
Free
Intergenerational programming that blends a guided visit and hands-on craft. Works especially well for grandparents visiting.
Saturday Evening
Valentine’s Date-Night Standouts
Love in the Key of Swing – Sandy Springs
8:00 PM
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
A high-energy big band concert positioned directly for Valentine’s. Pricing requires entering the ticket flow to view exact levels.
Pre-Show Dinner at City Springs – Sandy Springs
6:30 PM
Studio Theatre, same complex
A three-course dinner designed to pair with the 8:00 PM show. This sequencing removes the usual Valentine’s reservation scramble. Pricing appears inside the checkout flow.
Valentine’s at The Velvet Note – Alpharetta
Multiple showtimes (4:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 9:30 PM)
4075 Old Milton Parkway
An intimate jazz club setting — arguably the most “date-coded” venue in the area. Tickets listed at $44–$49; some showtimes indicate sold-out status.
Info: https://www.velvetnote.com
Make It Last Forever – Dunwoody
8:00–11:00 PM
Okay Anny’s Cocktail Bar
A $35 couples package combining a mini photo session and karaoke. More activity-based than dinner-centric.
Urban Hang Sweet – Chamblee
7:00–8:00 PM
Distillery of Modern Art
A curated tasting of whiskey and boozy desserts. Listed at $13 for tasting access, with additional dessert tiers available. A short format that pairs well with dinner elsewhere.
Valentine’s in the Garden – Atlanta (Worth the Drive)
6:00–10:00 PM
Atlanta Botanical Garden
$155–$160 (parking add-on noted at $15)
The most “eventized” premium option. Formal timing, curated atmosphere, and clearly stated accessibility.
Info: https://atlantabg.org
Sunday, February 15
Slower Pace
Great Backyard Bird Count Walk – Dunwoody
9:00–10:00 AM
Dunwoody Nature Center
Free (registration required)
Guided winter bird walk contributing to the national count. Limited capacity.
Fools by Neil Simon – Alpharetta
2:00–4:00 PM
Alpharetta Arts Center
$22–$25 range
A light comedy matinee that works for couples or families with older teens.
Extended Through Monday
Garden Brothers Nuclear Circus – Alpharetta
North Point Mall
Tickets start around $22.40; “kids go free” with each paying adult is stated in listings.
Large-format circus production running through February 16. Useful for families who prefer Monday flexibility.
Planning Notes for Readers
City Springs and Avalon function as “event ecosystems.” You can park once and sequence dinner, entertainment, and dessert without moving your car. That matters on Valentine’s weekend when traffic and reservations tighten.
Nature centers and mall-based experiences offer the most flexible timing for families. Open windows and recurring sessions reduce the risk of missing a single start time.
Ticketed performing arts venues publish the clearest accessibility and arrival guidance. Pop-up listings often require direct venue contact for specifics.
Final Takeaway
If you want formal and premium, Saturday night belongs to Sandy Springs or the Botanical Garden.
If you want intimate, Alpharetta’s Velvet Note is the most clearly romantic room.
If you want activity over atmosphere, Dunwoody’s photo-and-karaoke event offers structure.
If you’re planning with kids, aim for Saturday morning in Dunwoody, Roswell, or Johns Creek — and keep North Point Mall in reserve as a weather-proof fallback.
