WICKER PARK — Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday but that does not mean you can't celebrate all weekend long.
Two years ago, a florist who spent six years commuting to a Melrose Park warehouse to work for 1-800-Flowers opened her own shop. 10 percent of all sales will go to Bucktown's Pulaski School, where Benitz Ocasio's children attend. Order flowers online, or 312-268-0005. Vased, 2121 N. Western Ave.
Looking for sweets?
Try Oak Mill Bakery's mini mousse cakes, 2204 W. North Ave:
Other local spots: the newly opened Mr. Kites (pictured, below), 2120 W. Division St.; Alliance Bakery, 1736 W. Division St.; A Baker's Tale, 2127 W. Division St.; Margie's Candies, 1960 N. Western Ave.; GBD Cakes and Sweets, 2039 N. Western; Veruca Chocolates; 2409 N. Western Ave. Bake, 2246 W. North Ave. Sweet Cakes, 1223 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Tipsycakes, 1944 N. Damen Ave.
Need a drink?
A longtime Wicker Park/Bucktown staple's Valentine's weekend menu includes several drinks like "Love Bites," with tequila, mango puree and a sugar rim. Feast, 1616 N. Damen Ave.
Thursday
Noon. Nike's new floral kicks go on sale. Saint Alfred, 1531 N. Milwaukee Ave.
4 to 10 p.m. Cookie Decorating Party. Bring the kids from 4-6 p.m. or stay until the party ends. For $5 you will get six cookies to decorate, plus there is a make-your-own candy apple bar. The Boundary, 1932 W. Division St.
5 to 8 p.m. Buy a Candle or Plant for your SO. A new lifestyle shop will be offering 20 percent off your purchases, plus food and drinks at a Valentine's shopping party. Gather, 2321 W. North Ave.
7 to 11 p.m. Heartbreakers Bash. A free party hosted by Djs Jason Maek and Zaena will help singles to mingle with each other. The color of your bracelet will determine your willingness for finding a partner: red (taken); yellow (available) and green (single and ready to mingle). The Silver Room, 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Friday
8 a.m - 4 p.m. Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases and infections at one of four free city-run centers. Go early to avoid the long lines. West Town Clinic, 2418 W. Division St.
11:30-12:30 a.m. Glaze and Sprinkle Party for Kids. Learn how to glaze and sprinkle doughnuts. RSVP via email. $15 per child. Stan's Donuts, 1560 N. Damen Ave.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Valentine's Dance in the Wicker Park Field House. All ages; children under 2 and seniors get in free, Wicker Park. 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Saturday
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Love Your Health! Uninsured? Navigate enrollment options in advance of the Feb. 15 deadline for signing up for insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Bring your social security card and photo ID. Presence Saint Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, Cafeteria, 3rd Floor, 2233 W. Division St. Note: The same hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. also apply to Sunday.
Noon to 4 p.m. Shop at a Handmade Market featuring over 30 vendors selling jewelry, paper goods, knitwear and more. Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave.
Earrings made with recycled playing cards by Suzanne Pfister:
7 - 10:30 p.m. Drink for the Dogs. Down a pint for the dog park at Twisted Spoke, 501 N. Ogden Ave.
10 p.m. - ? Swingin' Singles Party. Enjoy live band karaoke and pizza, including the new Little Goat 'za from chef Stephanie Izard, with pickled peppers, cheddar cheese, sour cream and spices. Piece Brewery and Pizzeria, 1927 W. North Ave.
Sunday
11 a.m. Make Meatballs Together. Learn how to butcher an entire hog at a monthly class. $40/person. Chop Shop, 2033 W. North.
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Shop for Slipper Socks. A local Kmart will be closing in mid-April. The liquidation sale started last weekend. Kmart, 1360 N. Ashland Ave.
It's going to be a cold weekend! Snuggle up and watch one of several thousands of movies available for rent at a Bucktown movie shop.
"Punch-Drunk Love" at Odd Obsession Movies, 1822 N. Milwaukee Ave.
