Valentine’s Weekend comes with expectations—flowers, reservations, and the hope of planning something that feels genuinely special. Whether you’re celebrating a long-time love or a new romance, the perfect date in Des Moines can end on a soaring note with the Des Moines Symphony’s Love – Romeo & Juliet.

Saturday Night: Dinner, Drinks & Drama
Kick off your Valentine’s Weekend on Saturday evening with a cozy dinner at one of downtown’s favorite restaurants. (Looking for inspiration? Check out these options!) Share a bottle of wine, linger over dessert, and let anticipation build as you head to the Civic Center for an unforgettable concert. Inside the hall, the lights dim and the Orchestra sweeps you into the heart of Shakespeare’s timeless love story. Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet captures the passion, tenderness, and tragedy of young love in music that feels cinematic and emotional. Paired with Sibelius’s powerful Second Symphony and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major (performed by Anna Geniushene in her Des Moines debut!), the program offers both intensity and sparkle—perfect inspiration for post-concert conversation over a nightcap nearby.

Sunday Afternoon: Brunch & A Beautiful Escape
Prefer a slower, more leisurely Valentine’s celebration? Make it a Sunday to savor. Begin with brunch before heading to the Des Moines Symphony's afternoon performance. Sweeping strings, dramatic climaxes, and moments of quiet intimacy create a shared experience that feels both grand and personal. After the concert, take a stroll downtown or stop for dessert, carrying the glow of the music – and Valentine’s Weekend – into the rest of your day.

However you choose to celebrate, make this Valentine’s Weekend one to remember with the Des Moines Symphony and let love, music and unforgettable moments take center stage.