Philadelphia's Most Unique Valentine's Day Events
Whether Valentine's Day brings out your sugar-and-spice-and-everything-nice or makes you want to pop every heart-shaped balloon in sight, there's an event in Philly that'll keep you entertained – or at least off the edge of the cliff. Here's where to share the love, find the love or just get through it all in the City of BroLo. – Chelsea Karnash
SINGLES
Cupid's Undie Run
Xfinity Live
1100 Pattison Ave
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.cupidsundierun.com
Feb. 15; $30-50 (depending how far in advance you register)
Single and ready to mingle? What better way to do it than by working up a sweat in frigid winter temps — in your underwear — with a bunch of strangers? Well, we can think of a few, but at least it shows you've got a sense of humor…To get in on this "novelty race," simply pay up, strip down and prepare to laugh your — well, you know — off.
First Person Arts "The Ex-Files" StorySlam
World Live Cafe
3025 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
www.firstpersonarts.org
Feb. 14; 8 - 10:30 p.m.
$14, $11 for FPA members
Looking to "slam" your ex? This is the place to do it. From the hilarious to the heart-breaking, these stories of love gone wrong will inspire laughter, shock and maybe even a few tears.
VDay Singles Fun Run & After Party
Ladder 15
1601 Sansom St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.philadelphiarunner.com
Feb. 15
$30
Take back V-Day for singles with this three mile "fun run" and after party. The price of the run includes a free t-shirt, light food and two drink tickets (to help you break the ice with that hottie at the bar!).
10th Annual Mile of Meet
Manayunk Brewery
4120 Main St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.manayunkbrewery.com
Feb. 14; 6 - 10 p.m.
Last year, more than 500 eligible singles attended this Valentine's Day "meet market" event. With an even distribution of ladies and gents between 25 and 55, there's sure to be someone who sparks your interest...or at least a conversation.
COUPLES
'Burn Up With Your Valentine At Pure Barre Main Line'
Pure Barre
503 W Lancaster Ave
Wayne, Pa.
www.purebarre.com
Feb. 11; 7:05 p.m.
$23 + $5 per man
Get your fitness on with your beau at your side during this class, which is normally only for women. Couples will feel the burn (in a good way!) with a combo of Pilates and ballet-inspired moves meant to strengthen and tone all over. Afterwards, indulge in drinks and apps at nearby Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar.
Date Night Workshops
The Clay Studio
137-139 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.theclaystudio.org
Thu., Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 14, 7-9 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 15, 3-5 and 7-9 p.m.
$67.50 per person / $135 per couple ($5 off per person for members)
Get (your hands) dirty and reenact that iconic scene from "Ghost" at the Clay Studio this Valentine's Day. In addition to checking out the galleries, you'll also be treated to wine, chocolates, fruit and other light fare while you learn to throw pots by candlelight.
Spirit of Philadelphia Valentine's Day Cruises
www.spiritofphiladelphia.com
Feb. 14 & 15
$44.90+
With two dinner cruises and one lunchtime offering, the Spirit of Philadelphia's done all the work for you. Hop on board for a cruise along the Delaware that includes a buffet, a champagne toast and a rose for your favorite.
Sweetheart Skate at the Blue Cross RiverRink
RiverRink
201 S Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
Feb. 14; 7 - 8:30 p.m., 9 - 10:30 p.m., or 11 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
$20 per person
Take a spin around the rink with your significant other at this annual outdoor event. Whether you've been together forever or are just getting to know one another, a free photo shoot and V-Day flowers and chocolates is sure to spark some cold-weather romance.
Sweetie Pies
Magpie
1622 South St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.iluvmagpie.com
Feb. 13, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
$125 per couple
Cozy up in the kitchen for Magpie's couples' pie-baking class. Rather than sitting back and enjoying a decadent dessert at a restaurant, you'll learn how to create your own scrumptious mini-pies. Flavors include apple cinnamon crumb and raspberry chocolate, and while you're waiting for those pies to bake, you can also sample chocolate mousse with raspberry puree and brownie chunk pie served with a glass of raspberry Lambic beer.
Valentine's Aphrodisiac Dinner
Day By Day Catering
2101 Sansom St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.cityfoodtours.com
Feb. 14 (SOLD OUT) & 15; 7 p.m.
$75
Learn the dirty little secrets (sort of) behind aphrodisiacs of the past and present at this two-and-a-half hour tasting event. The three-course meal includes chocolates and a glass of wine, plus scintillating trivia and a cooking demo from Day By Day's Executive Chef Dan Tursi.
EVERYONE
An Indecent Proposal: Erotica and the American Civil War
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.laurelhillcemetery.org
Feb. 13, 6:30 and 8 p.m.
$20
Old school erotica in a graveyard? Hey, whatever gets you going! Join the Young Friends group at this adults-only event, which aims to explore the rise of porn and prostitution in America during the Civil War era. Following the discussion, this risqué V-Day gathering comes to a close with wine, cheese and chocolate.
Azuka Theatre's 5th Annual "I Love You/I Hate You"
L'Etage
624 S 6th St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.azukatheatre.org
Feb. 18, 6 - 8 p.m.
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Head to L'Etage for the return of this laugh-out-loud melodramatic reading of the best and worst from City Paper's "I Love You/I Hate You" column.
Free Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop
6030 Torresdale Ave
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.chinkssteaks.com
Feb. 14, all day
Joe's Steaks offers you the perfect incentive to stress eat the lovey-dovey holiday away (or just, you know, treat yo'self). Throughout V-Day, the beloved cheeseteak-and-milkshake spot will be offering a free Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcake to each customer who purchases the decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Milkshake.
Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival
Kennett High School
100 E South St
Kennett Square, Pa.
www.kennettchocolate.org
Feb. 9, 1-4 p.m.
$5
Sate your chocolate cravings at this festival celebrating all things cocoa. Sweets include candy, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and more – all to benefit Kennett High School.
Never Too Spoiled Valentine's Day Craft Bazaar
Never Too Spoiled
108 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, Pa.
Feb. 7, 6 – 9 p.m.
Never Too Spoiled is right! Drop by and pick up something lovely for your Valentine at this First Friday event, or scope out some new outfits during the fashion show. Raffles, prizes and astrology readings are also on the roster.
Sweat Fitness BYO Yoga
All 8 Sweat Locations
www.sweatfitness.com
Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Get into some crazy positions at Sweat's BYO yoga class. Whether you come alone or bring a friend or partner, this completely free, open to the public, bring-your-own-whatever yoga class will have you working up a...well, sweat. Oh, and there will be berries and champagne at the front desk, in case you'd like to treat yourself before or after class.
Valentine's Day Concert
The Painted Bride
230 Vine St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.paintedbride.org
Feb. 14, 8 p.m.
$20 in advance ($25 day of show)
Whether you've got a dance partner or not, get yourself to The Painted Bride for una fiesta caliente featuring master percussionist Pablo Batista and his large ensemble.
Valentine's Day for Swingers
Adrienne Theater
2030 Sansom St
www.adriennelive.org
Feb. 16, 3 p.m.
$15 in advance ($18 at the door)
No, we're not encouraging anything scandalous – this is actually a family-friendly event offering a Valentine's Day twist on traditional swing standards from Cole Porter, The Gershwins and more.
Valentine's Day Ghost Tours
Starting at City Tavern (138 S. 2nd St.) and ending at Powel House (244 S. 3rd St.)
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.ghosttour.com
Feb. 14 & 15; Every half hour from 6:30 – 9 p.m.
$20 per person
The notion of spirits wandering the city streets is romantic in and of itself, but coupled with stories of love won and lost and the glow of candlelight, it becomes borderline cinematic. Now add yourself and your significant other, bundled up and cuddling close, to this candlelit tour.
Wild at Heart
The Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.philadelphiazoo.org
Feb. 15 & 16; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FREE with zoo admission
There are few things more adorable than the playful, fuzzy, innocence of animals, but animals in love? That might just be too much cuteness to handle. Before I lapse into squee mode, here's a summary of the Philly Zoo's Wild at Heart: a personalized tour by a zoo expert of some famous animal couples, hot chocolate, and the chance to ooh and aww over as many of the zoo's 1300 animals as you can, with your own sweetheart.
6th Annual Heart Shaped Box Social
New Boon(e) Artists Collective
253 N 3rd St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.newboone.com
Feb. 15, 6 – 11 p.m.
$5
Get all gussied up and grab a bottle of wine (or whatever you fancy!) before heading to this annual event, which used to be held in "someone's living room." This year, Philly's New Boon(e) is hosting, and the sweet social includes acoustic performances, food, dancing and a prom-style photo backdrop for capturing all those precious moments.