It’s that time of year when everything starts being heart-shaped and special menus are popping up at your favorite bars and restaurants. But whether or not you’re coupled up — or acknowledging Valentine’s Day — there are still a bunch of fun events around town in the next week that are themed around love. Here are our picks:
SHOWSTOPPERS
THEATER: Mark the season of romance by catching a performance of the comedy “Love, Love, Love” at Studio Theatre on 14th Street NW. The play by Mike Bartlett follows two carefree characters from 1967 until, several decades later, their adult daughter confronts them about how they used the world they inherited. (Studio Theatre; Running through March 3; $80+)
SINATRA AT THE HAMILTON: Spend Valentine’s Day listening to the dulcet tones of Tony Sands, known for his voice’s uncanny similarity to Frank Sinatra. Sands will be at the Hamilton on the day itself, performing love songs inspired by the original Frank Sinatra and the Great American Songbook. (The Hamilton Live; Feb. 14, 8 p.m.; $15+)
VOCALIZED: On the Friday after V-day, award-winning jazz vocalist Christie Dashiell will perform her show Be My Valentine at Prince George’s Public Playhouse. Dashiell was born in the District before moving to North Carolina; she’s also a graduate of Howard University and the Manhattan School of Music. (Prince George’s Publick Playhouse; Feb. 16, 8 p.m.; $20+)
SINGALONGS: For a sloppier Valentine’s Day, join BAD Singalongs (that’s Broadway and Disney, for the uninitiated) for their “Love & Hate, Breakups & Makeups” singalong event on the second floor of Little Miss Whiskeys. There are no karaoke mics or sign-up lists, just show up and sing. All night. (Little Miss Whiskeys; 7 p.m.-10p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Love Songs: The Beatles (The Hamilton Live; Feb. 10, 8 p.m.; $25+).
COMEDY
AWK: For the ninth year, Black Cat is hosting their anti-Valentine’s Day show, Awkward Sex…and the City. Through the evening, comedians Natalie Wall, Karolena Theresa, Melissa Rich, and Calvin Cato will relive stories of breaking barriers and intimacy (and the awkward experiences that happen along the way). (Black Cat, Feb. 9, 8 p.m.; $20)
QUEER GAME SHOW: Spend your Valentine’s Day with Rails Comedy, where The Carmichaels (comedians Krystal & Samiyyah Ali) will host The Ultimate Queer Game Show: Cupid Edition. The improv show will feature two teams competing to win the Queer Championship. (DC Arts Center; Feb. 14; $10)
MORE: Valentine’s Day Wine Bar Comedy Show (Pop Fizz Bar; Feb. 13, 7 p.m.; $10)
FOOD
AT HOME ROMANCE: This Valentine’s Day, Founding Farmers is offering specials in their restaurants — and also to-go. Turn your apartment into a romantic pop-up with their date-to-go package, partially made in their kitchen, and ready to be finished up in the comfort of your own apartment. (Order by Feb. 10 at 12 p.m., for pick up on Feb. 14; Locations and prices vary)
LOVE & SEAFOOD: Throughout February, Hank’s Oyster Bar is offering heart shaped ravioli and build your own seafood towers — complete with a pop up garden bar at their Q Street location — with a “Love in the Air” cocktail list. Expect specials including Any Port in a Stormy and the Swipe Right Spritz. (Hank’s Oyster Bar, food specials at all locations, Pop-up garden at Dupont; Through February; Prices Vary).
LUNAR NEW YEAR: On Valentine’s Day, ChiKo locations is offering a four-course menu inspired by Lunar New Year. The menu includes a Mala Shrimp Cocktail (shrimp as a symbol for romance and good fortune), Longevity Noodles, and Galbi Jjim. (ChiKo; Feb. 14; $75 / person)
1789: This Valentine’s Day, 1789 Restaurant and Bar is offering a three-course dinner with optional beverage pairings and/or Périgord black winter truffle add-on. Diners can choose to start with a foie gras mousse paired with a passion fruit-champagne cocktail, before indulging in a selection that includes New Bedford scallops and brioche-crusted halibut. (1789; Feb. 14; $120/person, with optional beverage pairing $70/person, and/or Périgord black winter truffles $30/person)
MORE: Perry’s Valentine’s Day Menu (Perry’s; Feb.; $95/ person, with optional sake/cocktail pairing $45/person); J. Hollinger Valentine’s Day (J. Hollinger’s; February 14; $75 per person); The Grove Valentine’s Day Specials (The Grove; February 14; $95/person, with optional wine pairing $40/person); dLeña ($150/person, with optional beverage pairing $95/person); Moonraker (Moonraker at Pendry; $75/person with optional sake and champagne pairing $65/person)
MORE DRINKS
NO LONELY HEARTS: Serenata is on a mission to spread the love. From now through Feb. 13, guests are invited to write anonymous Valentine’s Day cards that will later be distributed to other guests on the 14th. All card-writers will receive happy hour pricing of their favorite cocktail, and for every card written, they will donate $2 to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI DC). (Serenata; Write a car until Feb. 13; Specials available through Feb. 14; Prices vary)
ANTI-VALENTINE: Are you over these Valentine’s Day specials? Head over to Present Company Public House for their “Single AF” cocktail specials. Drinks include “No Chemistry” (half lager and half stout) and a “Red Flag” shot (Chacho with a grenadine float). (Present Company Public House; All Month; Prices Vary).
GALENTINE’S FLIGHT: Wheels up. Starting on Galentine’s Day (that’s Feb. 13, if you didn’t have it on your calendar) through Feb. 18, Immigrant Food is offering $21 wine flights of women-owned or produced wines. The servings feature a sauvignon blanc from Lulu Martinez Ojeda and a gelber muskateller from Heidi Schröck. (Immigrant Food Planet Word and White House locations; Feb. 13-18; $21)
MORE: Old Flames Night (ChurchKey; Feb. 14, 4 p.m.; Prices vary); Valentine’s x Mardi Gras cocktail menu (Buffalo & Bergen Capitol Hill and Union Market; through February; Prices vary) For the Love of Lambic (The Sovereign; Feb. 14, 5 p.m.; Prices vary);
MORE (FRIEND) DATE IDEAS
ARTISAN MARKET: On the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, Other Half Brewing is hosting Deaf Artisan Market Day at their location in Ivy City. Support local creatives and shop handmade goods from deaf artisans — with an optional pint in hand. (Other Half Brewing; Feb. 10, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; Prices vary)
BEYOND THE LIGHT: Right now, Artechouse is hosting its immersive and space-inspired exhibit Beyond the Light, and they have a night night special for Valentine’s Day week, featuring two tickets and one cocktail per person. The romantic drink list includes Cosmic Love (includes prosecco and strawberry shrub), Heart Nebula (featuring Bourbon, citrus, and egg white) and Designated Pilot (with spice strawberry and citrus soda). (Artechouse; Date Package Available Feb. 12-Feb. 18; $51)
PAINTING WITH PAPER: Head to Shop Made in DC for a cardmaking workshop, where Ariana R-G will teach attendees modern collaging styles to produce their own cards. Both first-time and seasoned collage artists are encouraged to attend, and each person will receive enough material for up to three cards. (Shop Made in DC Georgetown; Feb. 14, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $55)
MORE: Valentine’s Secret Door Tour (O Museum in The Mansion; 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; $40); Valentine’s-themed cookie class (Lost Boy Cider; Feb. 13; $68)
MORE EVENTS
HOT YOGA: On Feb. 13-14, Park View’s Hot Yoga Reunion is celebrating the love of community and movement with $10 drop in classes, followed by fruit afterwards. Treat yourself to some self-care or come with a friend. Beginners are welcomed, and attendees are encouraged to bring a water bottle and clothes that they can move in. (Reunion Hot Yoga; Feb. 13-14; $10)
PROFS & PINTS: The Day before Valentine’s Day, head to Penn Social for “Profs & Pints DC: “Kink” or “Disorder”?. The talk will be held by Dr. Brian Sharpless, and explores how psychology impacts sexual behaviors. (Penn Social; Feb. 13; 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $14.31)
SEX POSITIVITY: A new series of the District’s Women Uncorked Sex Positivity Collective begins Feb. 13. Attendees who join the sex discussion/education group sign up for the entire series and meet every three weeks for six total sessions. The conversations prioritize building a safe, open, community. (Sense Salon; Feb. 13-May 28; $175–$295 for six sessions, pay-what-you-can options are available)
MORE: Asking for a Friend (Sixth & I; Feb. 13; $15+); Profs & Pints DC: The Love Lecture (Penn Social; Feb. 12, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $14.31)
