Whether it’s the first date or 500th, Valentine’s Day is still the perfect day to spend lavishing your loved one.

While jewelry and flowers are nice, now more than ever folks are valuing experiences over material possessions. Cheering on your team, laughing along with a comedian, or rocking out with the band is the perfect way to bond, plus if the date is going poorly it’s also a great distraction. With this in mind we’ve set out to see which cities have the best live event options on Valentine’s Day this year, taking into consideration not just the number of events but the variety.

#5: Memphis

Certainly the most surprising city to make the list, this city on the banks of the Mississippi River has something for everyone on Valentine’s Day. Those looking for laughs will want to head just south of the city to the Landers Center where Katt Williams will perform his unique brand of comedy. Those seeking a more active date night should head to the New Daisy Theater where electronic duo Big Gigantic will be hitting the stage. The Orpheum Theater will be hosting The Color Purple, a Tony-winning musical, and for the sports lover Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Grizzlies at FedExForum.

#4: Las Vegas

Although it may not be the first city one things of for a romantic night (bachelor and bachelorette parties come more to mind) Las Vegas is always loaded with great live performances. This Valentine’s Day there is a trio of concerts that are especially attractive for a multitude of music fans. For those looking to see Elton John before he rides off into the sunset on his farewell tour, he will be performing some of his final shows at The Colosseum. Relive the late 90s down the street at Planet Hollywood where the Backstreet Boys are performing. And finally, for those looking for a little (uptown) funk, Bruno Mars will be bringing his dancing skills to the Park Theater.

#3: Chicago

For the theater-lover there’s no better date night event than Hamilton, the hit Broadway history lesson. Chicago is currently hosting the show at CIBC, and it is sure to be a popular Valentine’s Day destination. For folks opting to dance over sit, AWOLNATION is performing at the Aragon Ballroom in Uptown. Finally, the United Center will host the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors.

#2: Washington, D.C.

D.C. is hands-down the city with the most eclectic set of events on Valentine’s Day this year. They’ll play host to everything from Disney on Ice’s Frozen at Capital One Arena to The Washington Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet at the Kennedy Center. Those looking for live music have the option of Sleigh Bells at 9:30 Club, or Trey Anastasio at Sixth and I. There’s also Something Rotten at The National Theater and for those dying for college basketball action George Mason hosts Dayton in the suburbs.

#1 New York City

It may come as no shock that New York tops this list, with an abundance of Broadway shows, two different NBA games in the city, and a number of musical artists performing throughout the borough and suburbs. Of course New York has Hamilton too, but some may go for Dear Evan Hansen, a powerful coming-of-age story that’s almost certain to have attendees in tears. Looking to laugh? There’s always The Book of Mormon, or go sing along instead with Jersey Boys. New York is always a popular destination for Valentine’s Day, and with dozens of live options it never disappoints.

(Cropped image courtesy Jörg Schubert via Flickr.)