Once Upon a Valentine®: Stories for the Loved & Loveless is almost here, and it’s time to start planning your trip. As a two-day micro-festival, each day counts, so planning ahead of time is key to making the most of the experience. From romance to revelry and everything in between, find fun pro- and anti-Valentine’s activities at this festival from noon to 3 PM on February 7 & 8. Here are five activities that absolutely deserve a spot on your must-do list.
HEARTBREAK HYMNAL SING-ALONG
When: February 7 at 3 PM
Location: Kister Park Gazebo (400 block of South Main Street)
Sometimes the only cure for heartbreak is a no-apologies sing-along to your favorite breakup anthems. Attend Heartbreak Hymnal, the Lonely Hearts Club’s cathartic sing-along session where you can release your heartbreak through song. Lyric books are provided so everyone can join in and belt out classic, angst-filled hits like Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” and *NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye”. Once grievances are aired, the Queen of Hearts steps in to guide the group through positive affirmations, sending everyone off feeling lighter and stronger with their heads held high.
For those who want to listen to poppy love anthems, Once Upon a Valentine® also features love-song serenaders, The Conversation Hearts. Find them on the bridge near the Old Millstream Inn (900 block of South Main Street) during festival hours as they set the tone for a day full of love.
GET A CUSTOM POEM FROM THE POETESS
When: February 7 & 8, Noon to 3 PM
Where: St. Charles Tourism Center Lobby (230 South Main Street)
Let the click-clack of an old-fashioned typewriter draw you into the lobby of Tourism Center. At the Roses are Red Poet Society, the Parisian Poet brings feelings to life. Strike up a conversation, share a thought or a feeling, and when inspiration strikes, she’ll type a short, personalized poem just for you to take home. These spontaneous poems make for a charming keepsake from your time in St. Charles.
HEART PINATA BREAKING CEREMONY WITH THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII
When: February 7 & 8 at 1 PM & 2 PM
Where: Berthold Square (200 block of South Main Street)
The Six Wives of Henry the VIII are at Once Upon a Valentine® to share their ill-fated relationship experiences with their royal ex. Release your own pent-up emotions during their cathartic heart-shaped piñata breaking ceremony. Take a swing at the piñata and share in the candy winnings when the heart breaks, proof that there’s always a silver lining to getting your heart broken.
COLLECT ALL OF THE FREE SOUVENIR POSTCARDS FROM EACH ACTIVITY LOCATION
When: February 7 & 8, Noon to 3 PM
Where: Throughout Main Street
Collect charming, postcard-sized Valentines from both the pro- and anti-Valentine’s activities located throughout the festival. Each postcard features a quaint vintage photo of Saint Charles on one side and an informational blurb on the back sharing lesser-known stories and fun facts about Valentine’s Day history. Each postcard is related to the activity where it’s found. For example, the Queen of Hearts’ “KISS”-ing Booth postcard reveals how chocolate became a classic Valentine’s gift. There are 14 postcards total to collect, 9 pro-Valentine’s and 5 anti-Valentine’s. Make your way down St. Charles Main Street during Once Upon a Valentine® to collect them all!
VOW RENEWAL CEREMONY
When: February 8 at 3 PM
Where: Kister Park Gazebo (400 block of South Main Street)
Say “I do” all over again alongside dozens of other couples at the Once Upon a Valentine® Vow Renewal Ceremony. Set at the Kister Park Gazebo on picturesque Main Street, this symbolic reaffirmation of love serves as the festival’s heartwarming finale, closing the weekend on a high note full of joy and romance. All couples are welcome, and since these vow renewals are purely ceremonial with no legal standing, there’s no paperwork involved. Just love and fun!
Participate in all of the activities Once Upon a Valentine® has to offer. This annual micro-festival has something for the romantics, skeptics, and everyone in between. Plan your visit now and experience Missouri’s most unique Valentine’s festival this February.