A dozen last-minute ideas for Valentine's Day events

Valentine's Day - a holiday with so much expectation, promise and possibility. It's nearly here, and if you didn't plan ahead, you're probably in panic mode.

No worries. We've compiled a list of local activities and events that can double as last-minute special dates. Some go the traditional route, while others are a little more out-of-the-box.

So whether you opt for a romantic musical or Monster Trucks with the kids, your special someone will never have to know you didn't plan weeks in advance.

One bit of advice, though: Get your tickets online now or call before you head out the door. Procrastinating is one thing; gambling on box-office availability with your date beside you is quite another.

1. Dinner and a show at Drury Lane Theatre

Enjoy the musical “Bye Bye Birdie” and dinner at Drury Lane's newly revamped restaurant, Lucille, at the Oakbrook Terrace theater.

The classic musical, winner of four Tony Awards, takes the stage at 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday. The production depicts life in the 1950s, when teens were obsessed with rock star Conrad Birdie. When he receives a draft notice to join the military, his manager stages a PR stunt for him to kiss a lucky fan before leaving.

Guests can enjoy a four-course dinner at Lucille, with seating times at 4 and 8 p.m.

Show tickets begin at $55; dinner only is $50 per person; and the theater package is $105 per person. drurylanetheatre.com or (630) 530-8300.

2. 'Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical'

Learn more about the legendary cabaret singer and actress in this musical biography being staged at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake.

The production, which ends its run with a 3 p.m. Valentine's Day showing, offers a personal and poignant look at the life of star Rosemary Clooney, chronicling her childhood roots in Cincinnati, rise to Hollywood stardom, battles with depression and addiction and a triumphant comeback.

Tickets begin at $32.50. Indulge with a special holiday package of champagne and chocolates, starting at $15, while supplies last. To order, call the Raue box office at (815) 356-9212 or see rauecenter.org.

3. Dinner with royalty

The Valentine's Day show at Medieval Times in Schaumburg is sure to get couples in the mood for some old-fashioned romance. A $110 couples' package includes admission for two, a four-course meal, a couples' photo, two cheering flags, a light-up sweetheart rose and two glasses of champagne. Discounted tickets can be purchased online at medievaltimes.com/chicago with the code VDAYWEB16 or at the box office in Schaumburg.

The venue, which offers guests a chance to enjoy a live jousting tournament, complete with horsemanship and falconry, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

4. Circus Spectacular at Sears Centre

Make Valentine's Day special for the whole family with a visit to the circus. Circus Spectacular has showings at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Guests will see exotic animals, amazing stunts, clowns and more.

General admission is $18 for adults and $16 for children ages 12 and younger. See searscentre.com for tickets.

5. Valentine's Day Cruises at Navy Pier

Feel the love with the scenic Chicago skyline as your setting for romance. Spirit Cruises is hosting a buffet-style Valentine Dinner from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Boarding begins at 6 p.m.; tickets start at $110 each. Odyssey is hosting a plated Valentine Dinner on its cruise, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with tickets including a champagne toast. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m.; tickets start at $120 each. To see all cruise options, visit navypier.com/blog/love-at-navy-pier.

6. 'Love' at Steel Beam Theatre

It's the opening weekend of “Love,” an original musical revue featuring theater and cabaret tunes, at Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles. The show, at 3 p.m. Sunday, features six women sharing Broadway songs centering on the experiences of looking for, finding, losing and sustaining love. Tickets are $20; admission includes a chocolate and a glass of champagne. steelbeamtheatre.com or (630) 587-8521.

7. 'A Fine Romance' at The Estate by Gene & Georgetti

Enjoy dinner and cabaret at The Estate by Gene & Georgetti. The events venue, adjacent to the Gene & Georgetti restaurant in Rosemont, turns into a supper club with a four-course dinner and a “A Fine Romance,” featuring romantic tunes from Chicago entertainers. Seating for dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.

Cost for dinner and the show is $95 per person and includes a bottle of prosecco for each couple. Show reservations are required; call (847) 653-3300. Cost for the show only is $30 per person; a cash bar will be available. geneandgeorgetti.com.

8. Monster Jam at Allstate Arena

Here's a chance to test comedian Aziz Ansari's Monster Truck Rally Theory, which suggests that most people see traditional dates as boring, and more unique dates - like going to see monster truck shows - as producing stronger connections.

The popular Monster Jam tour has returned to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, featuring action, action, action. The tour, a showcase of endurance with the best lineup of Monster Jam trucks, is highlighted by more racing, freestyle, doughnuts and wheelies than ever before. Teams are competing for a bid to the Monster Jam World Finals, held in Las Vegas next month.

Showtimes are at 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday at Allstate Arena. Tickets cost $22 for adults. rosemont.com/allstate/events/monster-jam.

9. D.O.A. Room Escape

Instead of getting a room, try escaping from one.

D.O.A. Room Escape in Addison is an interactive game where guests try to escape from a room in 60 minutes by working with others to solve a series of clues, puzzles and codes. A fun, mentally intense challenge, the experience offers an escape version called “The Garage,” which takes guests back to Valentine's Day in 1929, with a job from Al Capone. If you are interested, book now. Time slots are going fast. doaescaperoom.com.

10. Valentine's Day Mala Workshop

The couple who beads together, stays together. If you're looking for a hands-on activity, try creating a Mala, a string of 108 beads that's worn as a reminder to pause, breathe and be compassionate with yourself.

The workshop is taught by a yoga instructor and takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chicago Fit Life Yoga, 541 Northgate Parkway in Wheeling. Sign up and get ticket prices at www.eventbrite.com.

11. Mind-reading with Marc Salem

Want to know what your date is really thinking? Mark Salem, a mentalist and purveyor of mind games, has brought his mastermind skills to the Apollo Theater Chicago. Debuting this weekend, Marc Salem's Mind Over Chicago is an interactive 90-minute show.

The Valentine's Day show is at 3:30 p.m.; tickets cost $50, with discounts available. apollochicago.com or (773) 935-6100.

12. A Valentine's Day Salute at the Arcada

It's the perfect date show - and the perfect way to experience the music of Carole King and James Taylor.

Singer-songwriter team Kirsti Manna and Jonathan Birchfield join a live orchestra for a special performance of “You've Got a Friend” at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. The nostalgic performance celebrates the music and legacy of King and Taylor. Manna and Birchfield will cover classics including “How Sweet It Is,” “I Feel the Earth Move” and “You've Got a Friend.” Tickets start at $29. oshows.com.