Valentine's picks around the Hub
Credit: iStockphoto
As the old saying goes, it wouldn’t be February unless a dating blog covered Valentine’s Day. Multiple times, even. Because singles! Couples! Hallmark! And the grey-hair inducing act of trying to secure last-minute dinner reservations.
Which is why I've crafted a quick roundup of love-tinged parties, readings, and things to do that, if nothing else, will get you away from a stale Whitman’s sampler for at least a few hours. (I’m not judging.) In a few instances, the fetes are anti-romance, and to that, I say wear head-to-toe red at your own risk. (Also, Boston restaurateurs: that Beyoncé-themed Valentine’s Day menu. When can we have ours?)
Eat Boutique at Gather Here
Sunday, February 9
Gather Here
Noon to 4 PM
The way to a person's heart is through their tastebuds. Make something sweet for your something sweet (or for yourself, if you're so inclined) at Eat Boutique's Cambridge pop-up event this Sunday. There'll be small-batch foods on hand to taste and purchase, plus DIY Valentine's Day card making. Make it rain with paper hearts, people.
#JessMeetKen launch party
Tuesday, February 11
Middlesex Lounge
6 PM to 9 PM
It’s how they met. And on February 11, it’s how you’ll meet—from start-up types to just-your-types—at the #JessMeetKen launch party. Jess, Meet Ken is a new online dating service that takes the guessing game out of whether a guy you like is a catch (or a dud) by presenting only men that other women have recommended. If that’s not enough for you, the fete will feature beats by DJ Ryan Brown and complimentary libations from Narragansett Brewing Company. RSVP (for free) here.
Discussion and author talk with Sara Eckel
Tuesday, February 11
Trident Booksellers
7 PM to 9 PM
Why are you still single? It’s the question every singleton dreads—so much that writer Sara Eckel took to the page in a highly-popular Modern Love column, which eventually spurred the material for her first book: It’s Not You: 27 (Wrong) Reasons You’re Single. The author, featured in the Globe’s book review last month, will be reading from the book, as well as answering audience questions at Trident Booksellers on February 11.
Mortified Boston: Doomed Valentine’s Day
Thursday, February 13
Oberon Theater
8 PM
Got V-Day horror stories? At this special rendition of Mortified (which, if you haven’t been to one yet, why not?), you’ll hear the most cringeworthy, awkward, and just plain awful tales of love gone horribly wrong. The show almost always sells out in advance, so book your tickets now—especially if you’re trying to impress your date.
"Love Yourself" with Barry’s Bootcamp
Friday, February 14
Barry’s Bootcamp
Times vary
“Forget the pressures of date night!” So say the folks at Barry’s, who invite Bostonians to partake in a free (free!) bootcamp class of their choice on February 14. The complimentary classes, which require both online and telephone registration, will take place at staggered times between 6 AM and 6:30 PM. A single class usually goes for $28, so consider this getting the most bang for your V-Day booty.
XOXO Valentine's Day party
Friday, February 14
Liberty Hotel ballroom
8 PM
Come single, come attached, come couldn't-care-less. The folks at the Liberty Hotel just want you to have a good time this Valentine's Day, with a party that features complimentary in the form of three—admission, fortune tellers and a candy bar—plus smooth sounds from award-winning DJ Frank White. RSVP is required; email valentine@libertyhotel.com to get on the list.
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