This year’s Valentine’s Day has it all, for better or worse. It falls on a Friday before a long weekend, the same day as the Eagles victory parade. It’s going to be a lot. Your evening date might not be showing up sober — or showered.
Even so, and maybe as an embrace of the first paragraph, the best thing about Valentine’s Day in Philly is the dozens of ways to celebrate love in a City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
Who needs to mark the holiday with dinner and a trip back home when you can be playful, mingle with strangers, and view or create art? Whether you’re honoring romantic or platonic love, here’s a list of things to do for a unique Valentine’s weekend.
Snaps & Claps with Artsi
Dancer Keila Perez-Vega and her partner Pradhan Sharma co-founded Artsi back in 2018 to promote affordable artistic experiences for diverse audiences. The Love Edition of the Snaps & Claps series returns on Friday at 8 p.m. Snaps & Claps is a BYOB event showcasing three kinds of art: poetry, film and live music. Guests can purchase solo tickets for $20, duo tickets for $40 and double-date tickets for $80.
Perez-Vega is excited to host a second love-themed Snaps & Claps at the Maas Building, and hosting this first Love Edition on the actual holiday.
“Usually [with] Valentine’s, we think of more of the romantic love, but [in our] series we really want to welcome people in all walks of life,” Perez-Vega said. “Whether people are coming in solo or with their friends or on a date, these artists are going to be showcasing their work through the lens of love.”
While artists will explore the upside of love, Perez-Vega and Sharma are holding space to commiserate the downsides of love and life in general. One of the short films by Douglas Williams will address widowhood and grieving your lover, and another one is about finding new love. Poet Sincerely L. will explore topics outside of romance, including her experiences as a Black woman and political tension. Married music duo Connor and Jessica O’Neill will top off the night with a jazz number, which the Artsi founders expect will be “a little more raw in delivery.”
Here are a few more unique opportunities.
Fall in Love with Circus
What: The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is hosting Fall in Love with Circus, a two-hour circus workshop that serves as a mixer. Coaches Josh and Jenny invite singles and duos to try various circus acts, from aerial swings to juggling, and spark new conversations over refreshments. The event has limited openings, and early-bird tickets are $40 per person. Ticket prices will increase to $48 on Thursday, Feb 13.
When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 4:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
Valentine’s Day Paint and Sip with Portable Picasso
What: Portable Picasso is a sip-and-paint party organizer who has served Philly and surrounding areas since 2023. If you want to make crafts in a laid-back setting, go to Evil Genius Beer Company for a guided sip-and-paint experience. This Portable Picasso event is ideal for celebrating Valentine’s Day with a loved one, friend or someone else. General admission tickets cost $35 and include a free beer.
When: Sunday, Feb. 16, 4 – 6 p.m.
Where: Evil Genius Beer Company
Straight from Venus Valentine’s Extravaganza
What: Artist Hannah Francis is hosting an extraterrestrial-themed market for Valentine’s Day at Tattooed Mom. Straight from Venus Valentine’s Extravaganza celebrates “cosmic love of all sorts,” where guests can mingle, eat, get tarot readings and shop at local vendors. Space-themed costumes or drag is encouraged, and entry is free.
When: Friday, Feb. 14, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Tattooed Mom
Belles and Chimes Galentine’s Tournament
What: The Philly chapter of Belles and Chimes pinball club is going to Barcade for a Galentine’s tournament on Sunday. Players of all skill levels are invited and can sign up to participate 30 minutes before the tourney starts. The tournament will begin with a four-strike group knockout in groups of four. The entry fee is $6 to contribute to prize funds and the IFPA.
When: Sunday, Feb. 16
Where: Barcade in Fishtown
