Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovebirds. Here’s your guide to celebrating the holiday whether or not your Bumble match was a keeper.
Buy local for Valentine’s
Flower Power: Pick up a bouquet for yourself (or whomever) from Lily’s Flower Truck. On Palentine’s Day (a burgeoning February 13 holiday, sometimes known as “Galentine’s Day,” to celebrate friendship), the flowered truck pop-up store will be in National Landing before setting up shop on Valentine’s Day at CityCenterDC. (National Landing & CityCenter; Feb. 13 and 14; Prices Vary).
Valentine’s Market: On the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, Capitol Cider House is hosting an artisan market with gifts for your special someone (or yourself). Expect goods including soy candles, pottery, and glass art. (Capitol Cider House; Feb. 11, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.; FREE)
Box Set: Shop Made in DC has a spread of Valentine’s Day gifts produced by local businesses. Options include a Valentine’s Day box (with goods like truffles and bath salts), bow ties for your dog, and nail polish. (Shop Made in DC; prices vary)
Music

Candle-Lit Piano: Head to the Fainting Goat on Valentine’s Day for a candle-lit performance by singer/pianist Joel Brandon. He’ll serenade you with a mix of covers and original songs, but plan ahead: the setting is intimate, which means space is very limited. (Fainting Goat; Feb. 14, 6 p.m.; $20)
Broadway Valentine: On the big day itself, head to Sixth & I for “A Broadway Valentine,” featuring vocalist Jessica Vosk and music director/pianist Michael Mitchell. You know Vosk for her role as Elphaba in Wicked — and her personal story of going from having a Wall Street career to pursuing her musical passions. (Sixth & I; Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.; $45)
Wild Days: On February 24, Wild Days — the bar on the rooftop of the Eaton — will host a “Valentine’s Day on the Roof” musical event. Bring your boo, your friends, or go solo to catch R&B vocalist Melan will headlining the celebrations. (Wild Days; Feb. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; NO COVER)
More: Valentines Day Soirée (Feb. 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; FREE)
Conversations and comedy shows

Storytelling: On the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, Story District is coming back to the Lincoln Theatre for a night of storytelling. The 15th annual “Sucker for Love” event will feature Angel Penn, Renée Moore, Tori Ball, Mel Harper, Esmond Fountain, Joani Peacock, and Elizabeth Cutler. (Lincoln Theatre; Feb. 11, 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; $35+)
Breakups: Two days after Valentine’s Day, author Florence Williams is coming to Sixth & I for a conversation with Rabbi Nora Feinstein. Williams explores her new book, “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” with “real talk” about the process of heartbreak. (Sixth & I; Feb. 16, 7:00 p.m.; $15+)
Busboys and Comics: On Valentine’s Day, Busboys and Poets in Takoma is hosting the “Sweet & Sour Valentine’s Day Comedy Show.” The event is both for patrons who love the holiday and those who detest it. Please note that attendees must be 18 years of age or older. (Busboys and Poets Takoma; Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.; $20+)
Dating Talk Show: In early February, DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern are hosting a comedy talk show to address one of the District’s enduring questions: “Why is dating in DC so hard?” The event is followed by a “Mingle with Single hotties,” and attendees are invited to bring “an open mind and sexy vibes.” Plan accordingly. (DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern; Feb. 2, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.; $18-$25)
Awkward Sex: Close out your Valentine’s celebrations at the Black Cat. On Friday, February 17, Natalie Wall brings her “Awkward Sex… And The City” show to the District as a part of her “One Night Stand” tour across the country. (The Black Cat; Feb. 17, 8 p.m.; $20)
DC Improv: On Valentine’s Day, DC Improv is hosting an evening for everyone, regardless of your relationship status. Comedian Wil Sylvince will headline the show, with openers by Ty Davis and Ashley Mayo. (DC Improv; Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.; $25+)
Food, drink and cruises

Wine Tasting: On February 11, head to the Black-owned Wine & Organic store for a Valentine’s Wine Tasting. Attendees can expect snacks and a guided tasting four wines and a champagne. (Wine and Organic; Feb. 11, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.; $58.51)
Loveboat: Through Valentine’s Day weekend, City Cruises is offering romantic brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises on the Potomac River. Toast your friendship or relationship, dance, and enjoy scenic views of the monuments like you’ve never seen them before.Formal dress to celebrate the holiday is encouraged, but not required. (Cruise on Potomac River; Feb. 11 – 14; $84+)
Define the Relationship: On February 8, Chicken + Whiskey’s Ballpark location is holding a party where attendees are invited to indicate their relationship status with their outfit colors. Expect dancing, DJs, and specialty cocktails all night long. (Chicken + Whiskey; Feb. 8, from 8 p.m. to close; FREE admission)
China Chilcano: On the weekend before Valentine’s Day, bring your besties to China Chilcano. The fusion restaurant combines Peruvian Criollo with Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei — and they are pulling out all the stops with a Valentine’s tasting menu. Expect everything from ceviche apasionado (with king salmon and passionfruit) to causa limeña (with potato causa and chicken salad) to suspiro limeña (sweetened condensed milk custard with meringue and passionfruit). (China Chilcano; Available Feb. 10 – Feb. 14; $65 per person).
Ambar: Two Ambar locations (Capitol Hill and Clarendon) are offering unlimited orders of small plates and drinks on Valentine’s Day. The Balkan restaurant’s menu will include special Valentine’s items, including a lobster risotto and duck carpaccio. Please note that there is a two hour time limit per party. (Ambar Capitol Hill and Ambar Clarendon; Feb. 14, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; $99 per person, excluding tips and tax).
More:Zaytinya Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu (Zaytinya; Available February 10 – February 14; $95/person); Oyamel Five Course Menu (Oyamel; Available February 14; $95 per person, beverage pairing $45 per person); Vermilion Four-Course Valentine’s Menu (Vermilion; Available February 14; $80 per person, wine pairing $40 per person); dLeña Valentine’s Day Four-Course Menu (dLeña; Available Feb. 14; $150 per person, beverage pairing $75 per person).
Valentine-themed activities

Card Making: On both February 13 and February 14, Rosedale Neighborhood Library is hosting “Valentine’s Day Craft: Card Making.” The free event is best suited for budding artists ages twelve and under. (Rosedale Neighborhood Library; 4 p.m. – 5p.m.; FREE)
Have Your Cake: Bring the family to Le Fantome to learn the art of cupcake decorating. On Saturday, February 11, the Riderdale Park food hall is hosting celebrity chef Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman (you know him from Bake it Til You Make It) for two cupcake decorating classes. Bakers aged 5-11 years old are invited to the first session and those aged 12-16 are invited to the second. (Le Fantome; Feb. 11, sessions run 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; $40)
Cookie Decorating: Kick off your Valentine’s celebrations early with Amalea from Sugar Coated Bakery. On February 7, the local baker is hosting a Valentine’s Day Cookie Class at Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria. This beginner class is open to bakers of all ages — and all attendees will complete the class with three freshly decorated confections. (Lost Boy Cider; Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.; $62.50)
Prints Charming: On February 11, printer and bookmaker Sarah Matthews is holding a Valentine-themed block print workshop. Eventgoers will learn how to design and carve their own custom stamp before using it to print their designs on Valentine’s Day cards. No experience necessary. (Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington; 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.; $85)
Candle Making: On Valentine’s Day, bring your besties to Capitol Cider House for a candle making event with Fahrenheit99 & Co. Attendees will be led through the course with the materials to make their own candle — plus a free glass of hard cider and a surprise gift. (Capitol Cider House; Feb. 14, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.; $80 – $140).
More: Valentine’s Hunt w/Champagne & Chocolates (O Museum in The Mansion on O Street; Feb. 14; $55)