Valentine’s Day Events in Philadelphia

A roundup of events, parties and classes happening in Philadelphia on Valentine’s Day.

Every hour on the hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Society Hill Dance Academy is welcoming couples to take a class in two of the world most romantic dances: Tango (5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.) and Rumba (6 p.m., 8 p.m.). 5 p.m., $40, Society Hill Dance Academy, 409 S. Second St.

Marriage recognition takes center stage in The Equality Forum’s V-Day spectacular, Equality Ball. The party raises awareness and funds for Palladino v. Corbett, a federal lawsuit that asks the state of Pennsylvania to recognize same-sex marriages that were performed in marriage equality states. There will be an open bar and food from local restaurants and catering companies (Zahav, Amis, Fork), and a live band. 7 p.m.–10 p.m., $100, Liberty View Ballroom at the Independence Visitor Center, Sixth and Market streets.

For its Winter Series, BalletX presents works by a handful of award-winning choreographers, including the world premieres of Joshua L. Peugh’s “Slump” and James Gregg’s “L-O-V-E.” The opening-night performance on Wednesday includes a chat with the artists. 8 p.m., $35-$40, Wilma Theatre, 265 S. Broad St.

Philly comedic storyteller R. Eric Thomas hosts First Person Arts annual Valentine’s Day event, The Ex-Files. As you may have guessed from the name, 10 raconteurs will be selected from the audience to tell pithy stories about losing love. Tales in the past have ranged from funny to sad to downright puzzling. 8 p.m.-10:30 p.m., $14, Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St. 

Delaware River Waterfront is hosting three sessions of its annual Sweetheart Skate, complete with a DJ spinning love songs and complimentary photos and roses. Maybe you can impress your sweetie with some of those Olympic triple jumps you’ve been watching on TV all week. 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m., 9–10:30 p.m., 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Blue Cross Riverrink, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. 

The Sh!tshow: Valentine’s Variety in South Philly has it all: a live band led by the Necrosexual, a lineup of  first-rate local comics and the city’s tallest drag queen. Stick around afterward for the comedy open-mic. 8 p,m., $6.66 (pre-order)-$10 (at the door), 8 p.m., Connie’s Ric-Rac, 1132 S. Ninth St.

DTF: Darryl and Timaree Fun Hour is a sex education-comedy game show that challenges attendees to bring someone along — whether it’s your partner, a friend, or even someone you might be crushing on. Oh, you should bring beer, too; it’s BYOB. 10:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m., $10 – $12, Philly Improv Theater, 2030 Sansom St.

For some people a nice dinner and a card doesn’t quite cut it. Enter: Freakshow Gameshow. On the event page, the party creators, Dead Flowers, share photos of some of the performance artists, including one man, Titano Oddfellow, who appears to be keeping a woman suspended above the floor with a strap attached to his … tongue? Unforgettable guests aside, the evening features a contest to find the “weirdest person in Philadelphia.” 7 p.m.-midnight, $12, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N Front St.

The Philadelphia Zoo will be hosting Wild at Heart. The event is family friendly, and offers a variety of love-themed events, and a tour that explores the romantic tricks and tactics used by various animals. Feb. 15– 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., free with Zoo admission, The Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.

Looking to make dinner plans? Here are some fun, unusual options from Foobooz.