Love is in the air in Southern California, but like so many weekends in the region, where entertainment, dining options and outings are plentiful, navigating Valentine’s Day plans may still be overwhelming.
Valentine’s Day isn’t exclusive to the romantic partner in your life. It’s a day to embrace and appreciate all of our loved ones: Galentines, bromances and kin included. We’ve compiled a list of lovey-dovey happenings for the people in your lives who enjoy spending quality time. Rooftop romance flicks, pasta cooking lessons, soul music performances, “The Lord of the Rings” string quartets, and more are popping off around the region.
Here are 10 events to celebrate Valentine’s Day throughout Southern California.
Valentine’s Paint & Sip Night: Tacos Al Fuego is hosting a paint and sip night at the restaurant. Admission to the taco shop event includes a glass of wine, paint supplies, and instructions on making your best artistic masterpiece with your significant other or friends. Pro tip: Order a taco heart tray for an extra layer of love.
Where: Tacos Al Fuego, 16810 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13.
Admission: Tickets are $44.52 at eventbrite.com.
Hearts of Soul: Enjoy a night of romance with the soul music of The Chi-Lites, Barbara Mason, Ready for the World, The Emotions, The Intruders, The Lovelites, Blue Magic, Norman Carters Tribute to The Delfonics, Dazz Band, The Moments, Amanda Perez and Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny.
Where: Toyota Arena, 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14.
Admission: Tickets start at $46.85 at Ticketmaster.com.
Love is in the Air at the Queen Mary: A classic date idea often involves a dinner and a show, but this event at the Queen Mary takes it up a notch. Attendees are invited to experience a three-course meal with an interactive show that emulates the aesthetics of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers films of the ’30s and ’40s. Expect showgirls, a fabulous big band, and a night of dancing with your love. Be sure to dress to impress.
Where: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14.
Admission: $136.74 for one and $265 for two at queenmary.com. 21 and older only.
Rum & Romance Valentine’s Day Burlesque Show: The Bamboo Club, a Long Beach tiki restaurant and bar known for its nautical-themed art décor, Polynesian-inspired, Asian-fusion dishes and tasty rum cocktails, is hosting a night of burlesque. The event will feature live music with vinyl selections from DJ Caveman Leo. No reservations are required, but seating is first come, first serve.
Where: The Bamboo Club, 3522 E Anaheim St., Long Beach.
When: 9 p.m.-Midnight. Friday, Feb. 14.
Admission: $10 at the door. 21 and older only.
I <3 Horror Movies: For those who love horror and female anti-heroes, there is a Valentine’s Day event for you, too. The Frida Cinema is hosting a fantastic four-film movie marathon of spooky flicks led by some of horror’s most iconic ladies who we can’t help but cheer for, no matter how horrifying they can be. The marathon includes a showing of “It Follows,” “Ready or Not,” “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Love Witch.” The Frida Cinema will have niche merch for sale and a few other surprises.
Where: The Frida Cinema, 305 E 4th St. #100, Santa Ana.
When: 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.
Admission: $31 at thefridacinema.org.
Rooftop Cinema Club Valentine’s Day Weekend: What better way to elevate watching a film with your significant other than watching it on a scenic city rooftop with a warm drink and comfy heated chair? Rooftop Cinema is showing several films for those romantics looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Showings through the weekend include “Poetic Justice,” “Love Jones,” “The Notebook” and “Love and Basketball.” If you plan to attend, reserve your seats as soon as possible, as showings sell out quickly.
Where: Rooftop Cinema Club, 888 S Olive St., 4th Floor, Los Angeles.
When: Different times depending on the date and movie selection. Feb. 14-16.
Admission: $30-$44 for two tickets at rooftopcinemaclub.com.
Pasta cooking class: If cooking is your love language, you won’t want to miss this Italian lesson that will teach you how to craft handmade pasta and Bolognese sauce. Aspiring chefs will learn to make roll-out dough and fettuccine from scratch, create an authentic Bolognese with fresh and seasonal ingredients, and sip on some perfectly paired wines.
Where: Haley’s Wines, 5124 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood.
When: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 14-16.
Admission: $69 per person at feverup.com.
Luxury E-Boat Cruise with Wine: Explore the largest marina in Los Angeles on the Duffy, a fully electric boat. The two-hour ride features a charcuterie board and a choice of red or sparkling wine with a view of the marina’s main channel, filled with yachts, beaches and wildlife cycle paths.
Where: 4360 Via Marina, Marina del Rey.
When: 10 a.m., 12:30 and 3 p.m. Feb. 14-16.
Admission: $154 for a single ticket on a shared tour and $714 for a private tour for two at feverup.com.
Valentine’s Brunch: Join the Jazz Cartel at the Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastro Pub for Sunday Brunch. Attendees will enjoy some smooth jazz and choose from delicious brunch bites such as the Italian omelet, French toast, avocado toast, grilled rosemary chicken salad or a breakfast sandwich.
Where: Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastro Pub, 119 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena.
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.
Admission: $22 per person at feverup.com.
Candlelight Downtown Rings and Dragons: If you’re looking for a magical night out, check out the Orchid Quartet’s candlelit performance, featuring music from “The Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones.” Fans can expect to hear iconic “Lord of the Rings” themes such as “The Shire,” “Gollum,” and “The Caverns of Isengard.” Fans of the George R. R. Martin series can expect themes such as “Winter Is Coming,” “Fire and Blood,” and “Light of the Seven.”
Where: Zipper Concert Hall, 200 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles.
When: 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.
Admission: $52-$86 at feverup.com.