Ellington

Valentine's Day is coming up fast. It can be one of the most nerve-wracking days of the year, or a day you simply forget about. If it's the latter, don't tell anyone; instead surprise your Valentine with a different date night than the usual. Take a walk on the wild side and remember: Food is always a winning option.

Here are a few ideas.

Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St., 601-948-0888, halandmals.com)

Saturday, 8-11 p.m.

On Feb. 13, Hal & Mal's is hosting "Not Your Normal Valentine's." Start the night off with a cocktail hour that will have hors d'oeuvres, and later, you can attend a cocktail class with bartenders Jessica Rahaim and Jimmy Quinn.

Genesis and Light Center

(4914 N. State St., 601-362-6736)

Saturday, 7-11 p.m.

If you're single and looking to mingle, or are a couple who just wants to party a little, attend the 2016 Celebration of Love Valentine's Ball Feb. 13 at the Genesis and Light Center. The party will have music, dancing, comedy and refreshments.

Martin's Restaurant & Lounge

(214 S. State St., 601-354-9712, martinslounge.net)

Saturday, 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

If you want to hear a little music Valentine's Day weekend, soul band The Quickening will play at Martin's Restaurant & Lounge. For more information, find the band on Facebook.

Big Sleepy's (208 W. Capitol St., 601-863-9516)

Saturday, 5-7 p.m.

If you're looking for a way to express your love, you could head to Big Sleepy's for Inspire Jackson's third annual Make Love Experiment on Feb. 13. At the participatory art and open-mic event, event, youth poets and writers will perform and express what it means to share love. Prymo will perform as well. Admission is free. For more information, find Inspire Jackson on Facebook.

Fat Cat Art Cafe (5352 Highway 25, Suite 1700, Flowood, 601-992-6553)

Sunday, 5-7 p.m.

For Valentine's Day, Fat Cat Art Cafe is hosting a Valentine's Day canvas-painting class. Create a memory and memento to look back on with your significant other. Even better news, a three-legged cat named Eileen and her two other cat friends roam the Flowood studio.

See page 14 for more Valentine's Day ideas. For more events, visit jfp.ms/events.