Historic Main Street St. Charles transforms into a magical world for the loved and loveless on February 10^th and 11^th from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M with Once Upon a Valentine™: Stories for the Loved and Loveless. This is not a typical date-night affair, Valentine’s and romance-centered characters will host activities on Main Street for both lovebirds and anti-Cupids. Become immersed in the fascinating, lesser-known history of Valentine’s Day through fun characters and activities dotting the street like at Legends & Lanterns® and St. Charles Christmas Traditions ®. Collect each activity’s special postcard-sized Valentine’s card as you explore St. Charles’ newest festival.

Do you enjoy the cute and sappy parts of Valentine’s Day? Dive head first into a whirlwind of love and laughter with activities that will make your heart skip a beat. Craft Valentine’s cards with Casanova, the infamous “king of romance,” watch Romeo & Juliet read Shakespearean love sonnets to each other, and test your aim at archery practice with Cupid. Celebrate international love traditions and learn how to tango from two French dancers and snag a kiss (Hershey’s that is) from the Queen of Hearts. Purchase a timeless red carnation for your beau from flower girls dressed in 1900s Main Street attire. Leave with memories as sweet as chocolate after visiting these characters.

If you’re tired of the traditional, sappy Valentine’s Day activities, Once Upon a Valentine™ has activities for you, too! A lineup of characters on Main Street are ready rebel against Valentine’s Day and take matters into their own hands. Get over your ex with the famous jilted bride of “Great Expectations”, Miss Havisham. Using art therapy, she helps guests write their ex’s name on a small clay disc or a piece of paper and then destroy it. Smash it, tear it, set it ablaze; do whatever your heart desires. Get your mugshot taken with 1920s gangsters from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and celebrate Galentine’s Day with the six wives of Henry VIII. They carry protest signs “exposing” their regal ex and once a day hoist a black heart-shaped piñata that you can take a swing at. Witness the ultimate heartbreak while snacking on some candy. Proudly embrace the single life this Valentine’s Day with these characters and activities.

Two a cappella singing groups will sing love songs and heartbreak anthems on Main Street. The Conversation Hearts (dressed as candy hearts) serenade lovebirds with a variety of love songs. Their counterpart, The Lonely Hearts Club, has a lineup of sad songs focusing on heartbreak, loss, and most importantly, empowerment. They will have a karaoke machine on hand so that guests can get their emotions out through song, too.

Don't forget to buy exclusive Once Upon a Valentine™ merch! Are you team "pro" Valentine's or team "anti-" Valentine's? Show your pride with a themed sweatshirt! The pink "pro" Valentine's sweatshirt says "I left my heart in St. Charles" on conversation hearts and the black "anti-" Valentine's sweatshirt says "Heartbreak Club St. Charles, MO" in a broken heart. Sweatshirts are $25 each and can be purchased in-person at the Tourism Center at 230 S Main Street or online here.

Church bells ring through the air at the culminating event: a large-scale vow renewal ceremony on Main Street. Picture this: a romantic backdrop of historic buildings, the mighty Missouri River, and the magic of the inaugural Once Upon a Valentine™ on your special day. It is the place to say “I do” in style. Come to Main Street St. Charles on February 10^th and 11^th and find many where love and a touch of heartbreak come together for Once Upon a Valentine™.