We understand: Life gets hectic, and between work, kids (if applicable), social schedules, and more, planning that perfect Valentine's Day date may get lost in the shuffle.

No pressure, but Americans are set to spend $26 billion this year on Valentine's Day — that's nearly the most ever. So, be prepared to spend — but, we're hoping, for a good payoff later.

Here, then, are some last-minute date night ideas — dining, entertainment, and staycation spots — to spread the love on Cupid's Day in Houston.

Rock with The Boss

Bruce Springsteen performed at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in 2014. Photo by Jo Lopez

For many, this is a bucket-list show, as Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band hit Toyota Center (1510 Polk St.) in support of the 2020 album, Letter to You (See? Romantic!). Those ready to splurge can still find tickets available — ah, stadium concerts — for some Boss classics like "Valentine's Day" or "Tunnel of Love." 7:30 pm.

Get jazzy on Valentine's with Raquel Cepeda

In what's become a bit of a local Cupid's Day tradition, jazz singer-songwriter Raquel Cepeda performs at MATCH (3400 Main St.) for her seventh annual Jazz on Valentine's concert. The sultry show celebrates love, romance, and even friendship through some moving music. Find tickets here.

Groove with Tank in concert: Love & Laugh Valentine's Day Special

R&B star Tank returns for his third annual Love & Laugh Valentines Day Special at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby St.) He'll include jams from his most recent, and final, album: 2021's R&B Money. Find tickets for the show at the always-lush Sarofim Hall here.

Naughty dining: The Aphrodisiac Valentine's Day Menu at Musaafer

Musaafer's Spoon Me dessert by Ruchit Harneja.Photo by Raydon Creative

While fine-tuning his skills with the ayurvedic benefits of food and spices, executive chef Mayank Istwal was inspired by Amy Reiley’s cookbook Fork Me, Spoon Me last year. The result: A blush-worthy menu full of Instagram-and-swoon-worthy sensory delights at one of Houston's most visually appealing restaurants. Behold the menu, crafted with a dessert by executive pastry chef Ruchit Harneja:

1. Pill Me: Reduced watermelon, ashwagandha, gokshura, shatawri
2. Lick Me: Black garlic emulsion, truffle soil, crispy mushroom powder
3. Suck Me: Oyster : kokum, cumin, aam papad, jaggery, yuzu foam or (Vegetarian Option) Lychee ceviche, kokum, cumin, aam papad, jaggery, yuzu foam
4. Finger Me: Prawn toast, soy, ginger, cilantro, corn salsa, habanero aioli or (Vegetarian Option) Beet and asparagus toast, cilantro, corn salsa, habanero aoili
5. Fork Me: seabass tikka, scallion and ginger congee, fried onion, garlic or (Vegetarian Option) Tandoori morel, scallion & ginger congee, saffron crème, fried onion, garlic
6. Wrap Me: Lamb loin, roasted broccolini, crispy madras onion, paratha or (Vegetarian Option) Paneer, roasted broccolini, crispy madras onion, paratha
7. Spoon Me: Kirsch chom-chom, cherry namelaka, cocoa crumble
8. Swallow Me: Berry fluid gel

A lovely feast at Kiran's

Affable, charming, and supremely talented, chef Kiran Verma, has been called Houston's "godmother of Indian fine dining." Plenty of tables are still available for a sumptuous meal at a newly minted James Beard Award semifinalist — that's some dinner conversation, no? Book a table here.

All the Houston love at the The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

The lush outdoor Trellis Spa space at the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa. Photo courtesy of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

Houston's royal hotel and manse (111 North Post Oak Ln.) welcomes lovebirds with a special Valentine's to Remember Package on February 14. The package includes a bottle of prosecco and chocolates upon arrival, plus complimentary self-parking. Available add-ons include a dozen red roses designed by Sage ‘n’ Bloom, a rose petal turndown, and more.

Stretch out at the new gym studio or take a swim at the pool. Adoring couples should most definitely take a stroll along the sprawling, wooded 27 acres, pamper at the Trellis Spa, or book a table at the private Wine Room table. More details are available at www.houstonian.com or by calling 713-685-6710.

The art of the couples retreat at La Colombe d’Or

Gaze into each other's eyes at Bar No. 3 at La Colombe, then head upstairs. Courtesy of La Colombe d'Or

Those ready for a Valentine's Day staycation can opt for La Colombe d'Or (3410 Montrose Blvd.), easily one of Houston's most romantic spaces nestled in Montrose. We heartily suggest a nighttime couples' sway in the front-door swing and a walk among the art-lined courtyard.

The artful hotel is offering an ‘Amour’ hotel package featuring a craft cocktail and an in-room bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. The next morning, enjoy breakfast for two (in-room or at the on-site restaurant, Tonight & Tomorrow) and can indulge in-room with a luxe bath spa gift basket.

Can't make it on February 14? Fear not: The ‘Amour’ package is available the entire month of February to spoil your special someone. Book a date stay here.