The party was free and open house style, open to all women to come for however long they can, said owner Emily Duffelmeyer. They offered activities such as tarot card readings, catered drinks and sweets from local businesses, $5 mini-bouquets for sale and a raffle for locally made chocolates and an antique diamond ring. Flowers were provided by local florist Sparrow Bloom.

 Duffelmeyer was excited for the social opportunity this event offers local women. 

"It's a chance to hang out with your women friends and kind of experience some joy in a safe place," Duffelmeyer said.

She said this was their fifth annual celebration and they offered drinks and treats in collaboration with several other local businesses. All benefits from the raffle will go to the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. 

For those celebrating with a significant other, Sindhu Indian Cuisine is a family run restaurant that has been a part of the East Lansing community for over three decades. They are featuring a couples dinner special that spans the entire weekend. 

"Three to four generations of students have been coming here," owner Fatima Julia Joseph said.

In their special, Sindhu’s is offering two options: a Valentine’s Day buffet with 30+ food choices or a more intimate dinner for two that features a bottle of wine or beer and 10 food items. For those who don’t drink, they’re also offering the Mango Lassi as a pairing option. 

Joseph said while they have always had a food special for the holiday, this will be their first time offering the entire bottle of wine or beer.

Closer to campus, Strange Matter Coffee is hosting events at all their locations, including the MSU Union. On Feb. 14, from open until supplies last, all cafes will be offering bouquets of flowers for $16.50.

Supervisor Dee Mills said this is an annual feature offered by the Lansing-born coffee company, who partners with other local business Sparrow Bloom for their flowers. Mills said all proceeds raised by Strange Matter will be for Sparrow Bloom.

Mills said while other locations typically run out of flower bouquets quickly, the Union, which opens at 7 a.m., does not.

"We normally have supplies longer than every other location," Mills said. "Plus, we're open longer."

Several other businesses in East Lansing and the surrounding area are offering special events or features for Valentine’s Day 2025.

Broad Art Museum

Love is a Monster: An Anti-Valentine’s Day Party will take place at Broad Art Museum on Friday, Feb. 14, from 7-9 p.m. Featuring sweet treats and crafts, this event is hosted by the MSU Broad Art Museum Student Creative Council in partnership with the University Activities Board (UAB) and aims to "destroy all notions of this corporatized holiday with a party." Attending this event is free.

Love Spark 

The Greater Lansing Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt will take place on Friday, Feb. 14, from 5-8 p.m. This couple’s activity includes leading you to local businesses and following a trail of clues through the Greater Lansing Area. Each hunt is customized to the couple and the grande finale is a fun Valentine’s date/activity together using what was collected. Tickets are $150 per couple.

The Avenue Cafe

A Night at the Soul Lounge - Quiet Storm Party will be hosted by The Avenue Cafe on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. Enjoy live DJ sets by Kaels, Ozay Moore and DJ Dolo to celebrate Valentine’s weekend and partake in the Lansing culture, Soul and R&B scene. Organized by The Ourspace Foundation, this event is great for 21+ friends, couples and singles alike. Tickets for this event are $15.