As the Sweetheart City, Loveland has been celebrating all things love for more than 80 years, and the annual Sweetheart Festival continues to be the most delectable tradition. This Feb. 14, the festival will take on a special one–day format in a new downtown layout, and visitors can expect exciting activities, heartwarming moments and plenty of Valentine charm throughout the day.
A fan-favorite celebration in a new location
With 4th Street under construction, the majority of this year’s Sweetheart Festival events will be held within The Foundry Plaza, a walkable plaza between E. 3rd St. and E. 2nd St. to the north and south, and N. Lincoln Ave. and N. Cleveland Ave to the east and west. If you’re walking around downtown Loveland, you can’t miss it! The condensed footprint keeps all activities close together, making it easy for families, couples and visitors to enjoy the day without missing a beat.
New this year: Sweetheart Ball at the Pulliam
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s celebration is the debut of the Sweetheart Ball inside the newly renovated Pulliam Community Building at 545 Cleveland Ave. This 40s, 50s and 60s themed event will bring vintage elegance to Valentine’s night with era-inspired music, dancing and nostalgic vibes. This one-night experience will be limited to just 75 couples, with tickets going on sale Jan. 6 and expected to sell out quickly. Get your tickets and plan on a charming night out worthy of the Sweetheart City.
Live ice sculpting, fire performances, music and more
The Foundry will be filled with activity, featuring live ice sculpting, fire and art demonstrations and a full lineup of musical and dance performances throughout the day. Entertainment runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Watch ice sculptors turn massive blocks into delicate works of art while fire performers bring festive, whimsical energy to the plaza.
Local businesses will also host themed Valentine specials and workshops throughout the weekend, including a mixology class at Desk Chair at 201 E. 4th St. Visitors are encouraged to check back throughout the month as new events are added.
Little Miss Valentine and Little Mr. Cupid contest
A long–standing festival favorite, this lively contest invites children to take the stage in their favorite Valentine attire and compete for the titles of Little Miss Valentine or Little Mr. Cupid. Held at the Historic Rialto Theater on 228 E. 4th St. at 11 a.m., the event is free to attend. Registration opens later this month and will be found on the Sweetheart Festival webpage.
Sweetheart Classic four-mile race
Runners can kick off their Valentine’s Day with the Sweetheart Classic at 9:30 a.m. The race begins at 4th and Railroad and follows a scenic four–mile course along the recreation trail, with views of downtown Loveland and the foothills. Whether you are running with your partner, forming a team with friends or tackling the miles solo, it’s an energizing way to start the day. Participants finish back in the heart of the festival, where spectators cheer along the final stretch and awards are given out.
A community love notes campaign
Visitors can also take part in an uplifting new tradition: a love notes campaign hosted at both Loveland Visitors Centers. Throughout January and February, residents and visitors are invited to stop by either location to write handwritten notes that share kindness, encouragement or a touch of Valentine fun. Each visitors center will have a paper hearts and supplies available, making it easy for people to make a note and leave it or take with them to pass on. Notes that are left at the Visitors Centers will be displayed. Guests are also encouraged to snap photos of their messages and share them on social media to help spread the love beyond the Sweetheart City.
Sweetheart Stroll: a downtown venue crawl
Another fun new way to experience the Sweetheart Festival is through a special Sweetheart passport, call the Sweetheart Stroll which invites visitors to explore downtown Loveland through 10 curated stops, each offering a Valentine-themed activity, performance or experience. The Stroll locations will include:
- Loveland Museum for children’s and family activities
- 477 Distilling for live music
- Desk Chair for sweets and pairings
- Venue at 319 for a Valentine-themed flea market
- Rialto Theater for romantic comedies and comedy performances
- Above the Rialto for a children’s market
- Artworks Center for Contemporary Art for live art and music
- The Foundry for fire and ice demonstrations
- Haunted Valentine’s Day for a playful and unexpected twist
As an added incentive, the first 200 groups to complete the passport and stop by the downtown Visitors Center will receive an official love lock to commemorate their Sweetheart Festival experience. More details on how to participate will be shared closer to the event.
Loveland’s annual group wedding returns
If the festivities inspire you to mark the day in a meaningful way, Loveland’s annual Valentine’s Day group wedding offers a unique chance to say “I do” or renew your vows in the Sweetheart City. The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. at the Pulliam Community Building and includes music selected by participants, keepsake photos, signature cupcakes, a lock to place on a love lock sculpture and the chance to win a special prize basket. Though it’s not officially part of the Sweetheart Festival, the event shines as one of Loveland’s most memorable Valentine traditions.
Plan ahead for a memorable Valentine’s Day in Loveland
From ice carving and dancing to running, music and new traditions, this year’s Sweetheart Festival offers a full day of ways to celebrate. Various downtown businesses will announce additional Valentine experiences as the date gets closer, making downtown Loveland an exciting place to explore throughout the week. And once HIP Streets renovations are complete, the Sweetheart Festival will return bigger and better than ever in 2027!