Opt Out of Valentine's Day with These Baton Rouge Events

From sports to stargazing, the Capital Region offers plenty of non-traditional ways to spend February 14th.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Sick of the typical Valentine's Day celebrations? The Baton Rouge area has a variety of events and activities for those looking to opt out of the love-focused holiday this year. From watching the LSU Lady Tigers basketball team to solving a murder mystery, there are plenty of ways to get out of the house and have fun on February 14th without participating in traditional Valentine's Day festivities.

Why it matters

With the rise of commercialism around Valentine's Day, many people are looking for alternative ways to spend the holiday that don't involve expensive dinners or cheesy romantic gestures. These Baton Rouge events provide opportunities for singles, friends, families, and couples to enjoy themselves in a non-traditional way.

The details

The options range from sporting events like the LSU Lady Tigers basketball game to more unique experiences like a stargazing session at the Highland Park Observatory and an interactive murder mystery dinner show. There's also a city-wide cleanup in Zachary that allows residents to show love for their community. No matter your interests, there are plenty of ways to opt out of the typical Valentine's Day celebrations in the Baton Rouge area.

  • The LSU Lady Tigers game against the South Carolina Gamecocks starts at 7:30 p.m. on February 14th.
  • The Highland Park Observatory event has two sessions - 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight on February 14th.
  • The Shrek The Musical performances at Abundant Life Church in Denham Springs are at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on February 14th.
  • The True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show takes place on the evening of February 14th.
  • The city-wide cleanup in Zachary runs from 9 a.m. to noon on February 14th.

The players

LSU Lady Tigers

The women's basketball team of Louisiana State University.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The women's basketball team of the University of South Carolina.

Highland Park Observatory

A public observatory in Baton Rouge that hosts stargazing events.

Abundant Life Church

A church in Denham Springs, Louisiana that is hosting performances of the musical Shrek.

City of Zachary

A city in Louisiana that is hosting a community cleanup event.

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The takeaway

This Valentine's Day, the Baton Rouge area is offering a variety of non-traditional ways for people to spend the holiday, whether they're single, with friends and family, or looking for an alternative date night. From sports to stargazing to community service, these events provide opportunities to opt out of the typical romantic celebrations and find your own unique way to enjoy the day.