16 Things to Do this Valentine’s Weekend
The Convention Center
Photo courtesy of Denise Sabia.
Philadelphia Home Show
This should make you feel right at home. For the 35th year in a row, The Home Show is coming to Philly, featuring trends that are hotter than the Property Brothers. Show highlights include the Chic Shed, a Habitat for Humanity Upcycle Challenge, the newest IKEA kitchen sets, DIY challenges, and so much more. Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14, 10 a.m., $10, 1101 Arch Street.
Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention
Whether you’re looking for some new ink or just want to gawk, your tattoo needs will be met at the Convention Center this weekend. Expect vendors, music and seminars being all weekend, but be careful not to make a wrong turn into dangerous Home Show territory. Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14, Friday: 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 11 p.m., $22 day, $45 three days, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 131 N Broad Street.
Outdoor Romance
Photo courtesy DRWC
Winterfest Sweetheart Skate at the RiverRink
You and your sweetheart can enjoy gourmet fare and specialty cocktails from Garces Group and Franklin Fountain before or after hitting the ice at the RiverRink. Special Valentine’s Day tickets include chocolates, flowers, a photo booth and a DJ who will be on hand to take any song requests. Sunday, February 14, 5 and 7 p.m., $25, Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
Sweetheart Skate at Rothman Ice Rink
A loving embrace is the best way to stay warm during a record cold weekend. If hugs are not enough to thaw you, there’s always ice-skating. The Rothman Ice Rink will provide the romantic tunes, complimentary hot chocolate, flowers, photo souvenirs, and more to any couples celebrating their love for one another on ice. Sunday, February 14, 7 p.m., $20, Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street.
Valentine’s Day Tour at Philly Magic Gardens
Love is in the air at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens. Take your sweetheart on a candlelit journey through the glittering galleries and colorful corridors of the mosaic garden. The night will get a little warmer with wine specials included throughout the night. Through Sunday, February 14, 6:30 p.m., $20, Philadelphia Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street.
Indoor Romance
Photo courtesy of Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting
Valentine’s at James Turrell Skyspace
We may live in a city, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stargaze. Chestnut Hill’s Skyspace is open for business. Cozy up with a lover or friend under the beautiful night sky. Those interested should register online here. Sunday, February 14, 5:30 p.m., free, Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, 20 E. Mermaid Lane.
Valentine’s Day at The PFS Roxy
The perfect relationships only exist in Hollywood. PFS Roxy will screen some of our America’s favorite love stories this weekend, including The Princess Bride, Romeo and Juliet and Titanic. Sunday, February 14, noon, $4, PFS Roxy Theater, 2023 Sansom Street.
Second Sundae Valentine’s Breaking Battle With DJ Fleg at Silk City
Whip out your dancing shoes. Every second Sunday of the month Silk City calls on old-school-jammers to tear up the dance floor. This event often brings out a diverse array of dancers, from young professionals showing off their moves to beginners just trying to break a sweat. Sunday, February 14, 10 a.m., $5 cover, $10 to battle, Silk City, 435 Spring Garden Street.
16th Annual Print Love In
Who needs Hallmark when you have Fleisher? Make your own personalized valentine card while experimenting with different forms of printmaking. Attendees will have a chance to try out silkscreening, relief, collograph, letterpress, and lithography. Professional artists will be onsite to make sure you achieve the look your going for. Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14, more info here.
Audience Participation
Shakespeare in Love: Open Mic Poetry Night
No one does love better than Willy Shakes. Take the stage to spew your favorite love sonnets from some of the greatest poets of all time — and don’t miss out on the complimentary wine and cheese. Friday, February 12, 7 p.m., $10 per person, $5 per performer, The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom Street.
Secrets of the Heart: Lusted, Trusted and Busted
The Tongue and Groove improv team is taking requests. Improvised scenes will be inspired by anonymous audience revelations pertaining to love and lust. Watch and listen as the ensemble create witty and heartfelt scenes that have never been performed before and will never will be again. Friday, February 12, 8 p.m., $18 day, $15 advance, The Playground at The Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom Street.
6th Annual “Ex-Files” StorySlam
If you’re flying solo this Valentine’s Day and feeling a little bitter about it, there’s a place to let out your frustration. The “Anti-Valentine’s Day” StorySlam returns; 10 storytellers will be chosen at random from the audience to get up on stage and divulge personal accounts of past relationships. Sunday, February 14, 8:30 p.m., $14, Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street.
See a Show
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at The Wells Fargo Center
The Boss is back. For most fans that’s really all you need to know. But here’s some context anyway: Columbia Records released The Ties That Bind: The River Collection last month, a set that includes 52 songs, four hours of never-seen video and a big glossy book. During the show, the band will play an in-sequence performance of The River. Friday, February 12, 7:30 p.m., Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S Broad Street. –Sarah Jordan
Dressy Bessy at Boot and Saddle
This quirky ensemble has been jamming together for nearly 20 years. They are currently touring in support of some of their most compelling and accomplished music yet. Come out to the Boot and Saddle to hear their latest catchy acoustic tunes such as “Lady Liberty” and “Make Mine Violet.” Saturday, February 13th, 8:30 pm, $10-$12, Boot and Saddle, 1131 S. Broad Street.
Carnage at The Fillmore
Heads up — Carnage the Executioner is in town. The Minnestoa rapper is widely recognized for his lyrical dexterity and unparalleled beat boxing skills. Listen before you go: “Minnesota Mean.” Friday, February 12, 8 p.m., Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 East Allen Street.
https://vimeo.com/104960640
The Unofficial Guide To Audience Watching Performance
Experience the life of hip-hop artist Raphael Xavier. His performance guides audience on a journey filled with dance, music, lyrics and poetry that reflects the core of his being. Through Saturday, February, 13, 8 p.m., $29, FringeArts, 140 N. Columbus Boulevard.
