You don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy Valentine’s season. Plenty of love-themed events in Philly this February will be inclusive and out of the box.
Whether you are cuffed this season or not, there are plenty of Valentine’s and Galentine’s events to explore. Here’s our list of fun, love- and friendship-themed celebrations that go beyond the typical dinner date.
Bitty and Friends: An Anti-Valentine’s Day Cabaret
When: Thursday, Feb. 19, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 339 N. 11th Street
Sometimes you just need a good cabaret for all your Valentine’s bitterness. Enjoy the darker sides of the holiday with Philly playwright and actor Tenara Calem. Calem is performing at The Trestle Inn as her alter ego, Bitty Fitzleapord, to celebrate lost loves, missed connections and tragic romances.
Awkward Sex … and the City: Galentine’s Edition
When: Friday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m.
Where: 33 E. Laurel Street
Comedian Natalie Wall is taking down taboos, and getting into the nitty gritty of dating life at Punch Line Philly this Friday. The 21-and-over show, “Awkward Sex … and the City,” is great for your Galentine’s group to laugh and air out all the dating faux pas reserved for girl talk.
Glue Sticks and Feelings: An Anti-Valentine’s Day Grief Crafting Circle
When: Friday, Feb. 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 704 South Street
For those who have lost a loved one or are grieving someone important, Valentine’s can hit hard. Wooden Shoe Books is having a special Anti-Valentine’s Day crafting circle, all about grief. The idea is to craft through your feelings, and embrace what can be a “funny and strange” holiday with fabric, collage paper and glue sticks.
Valentine’s Day Plant Workshop
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, from 12 to 1 p.m.
Where: 1023 Hamilton Street
Love City Brewing is hosting a cute terrarium workshop on Saturday. Guests can create their own little botanic wonderland, with soil, moss and succulents. You can also fill your little habitat with cute, love-themed decor and dried florals. If that’s not enough, guests also enjoy complimentary beer with their ticket.
Valentine’s at 48 Record Bar
When: Thursday, Feb. 12, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday, Feb. 14, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Where: 48 S. 2nd Street
One of Philly’s favorite listening rooms is hosting a myriad of events this week in honor of Valentine’s. On Saturday, there will be a popup vinyl market where visitors can take home a selection of favorites. On Thursday, 48 Record Bar will also be hosting a Galentine’s event with tarot card readings, vinyls for sale and music from performer Stone Cold Grace.
Pilates and Purrs
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 801 S. 48th Street
Project Meow is throwing a pilates and purrs event this Saturday with Everybody Movement and Wellness. Get into the flow while cats roam around the studio. Afterwards, you can learn more about the center’s mission and even adopt or foster a cat.
Jazzentine 2026
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: 601 W. Allens Lane
The Allens Lane Art Center is putting on its 3rd annual Jazzentine this weekend. This year singer Khadijah Renee will perform with a jazz trio, channeling the sounds of the greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan. The night is BYOB.
Valentine’s Day Fire & Ice Party
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
If forecasts are correct, the weather will finally be above freezing this weekend. Just in time for The Delaware River Waterfront’s Fire & Ice Party with live music, a Valentine’s crafting station and specialty-themed menu items. Order some Valentine’s hot cocoa or a heart-shaped funnel cake.
The Love “Doctors”
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, at 9 p.m.
Where: 2030 Sansom Street
Philly’s favorite ASMR whisperer, Betsy Kenney, is performing live this weekend with her husband Ryan Haney at CSz Philadelphia. The improv pair performs as unlicensed psychologists and “the world’s best married couple,” asking those in the audience to share their relationship troubles, and then responding with silly advice.
Valentine’s at the Zoo
When: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14-15
Where: 3400 Girard Avenue
Instead of gifting your Valentine a stuffed bear, why not hang with some real ones at the Philly Zoo? Grab your bestie for the zoo’s Valentine’s Day weekend events. Their date package includes drinks, a meet-and-greet with an ambassador animal and a free gift to take home. Plus, you can take a lovely ride and a view of the city on the new ferris wheel.
“Sip Happens”: Galentine’s Day Sip N’ Paint
When: Sunday, Feb. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: 1601 Sansom Street
Tapster is throwing a special Galentine’s Sip N’ Paint party. In addition to the bar’s pour-it-yourself drinks on tap, attendees will get to unleash their creative side and paint an original artwork.
Galentine’s Day Candle-Making Party
When: Sunday, Feb. 15, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: 1433 W. Girard Avenue
Sistah Scents is throwing a Galentine’s themed candle-making party full of good energy and scented fun. Not only do guests get to create a homemade candle, but the party includes bottomless mimosas, music, dancing and some good-old-fashioned karaoke.
The Cupid’s Nest pop-up at Newsroom Philly
When: Now through February
Where: 1102 Germantown Avenue
The Newsroom Philly is putting on a limited-run Valentine’s and Galentine’s speakeasy behind a 7-up soda machine in Northern Liberties. Inside a rose-covered tunnel, guests will find a room full of pink and red twinkly lights and glowing hearts. Grab some love-inspired cocktails, or get the entire meal with champagne and a special souvenir.
