Alternative Valentine’s Day Events in L.A.
Go beyond roses and teddy bears
Updated on February 13, 2019
Leave the roses and teddy bears behind and check out these alternative Valentine’s Day events in Los Angeles. Events are taking place on Thursday, February 14 unless otherwise noted.
Grand Park: Lovers Rock
Grand Park makes Valentine’s Day easy, affordable, and fun with LOVERS ROCK, an all-star reggae rendezvous. Enjoy the starry night, romantic lights and iconic views of City Hall and the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain. Bring your picnic basket or order from the food trucks, and chill with your bae.
Taking place from 6-11pm, LOVERS ROCK features DJ sets by Dub Club @ Echoplex residents, Tom Chasteen and Boss Harmony. Hosted by Junior Francis with MCs Jah Faith, Tippa Lee, Judah Eskender Tafari, and Ras Benji. Live percussion from Rootsman and live trombone from Ruben Durazo. No cover!
Grand Park Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
KACEY MUSGRAVES - THEATRE AT ACE HOTEL (FEB. 14-15, 2019)
GRAMMY Award-winning country music singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves brings her Oh, What a World Tour to the Theatre at Ace Hotel for two nights, February 14-15. The all-ages shows feature support from indie rockers Soccer Mommy. Musgraves released her third studio album, Golden Hour to critical acclaim in March 2018 and won Album of the Year at the 2019 GRAMMY Awards. NOTE: Both shows are currently sold out, check resellers for seats.
929 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015//} ?>
Toast from the Top - OUE SKYSPACE (through Feb. 17, 2019)
Celebrate an elevated Valentine's Day with breathtaking views at OUE Skyspace, which is offering the Toast from the Top package through February 17. Toast from the Top includes two General Admission tickets, two rides on Skyslide (one per ticket), two chocolate covered strawberries, and Champagne (choice of Pommery Brut and Rose splits, or a bottle of G.H. Mumm for $25 upgrade). Tickets are available at the OUE Skyspace website.
633 West Fifth Street Los Angeles, CA 90071//} ?>
A NIGHT IN HAVANA - CLIFTON'S REPUBLIC
On Valentine's Day, the spectacular Clifton's Republic will transport guests to A Night in Havana with cocktails, champagne, cabaret, and salsa. Priced at $25 per person, General Admission tickets allow guests Travel Papers into The Republic - featuring the Casino Nacional, Tropicana Ballroom, El Floridita, and four floors of classic wonder and romance. Each GA ticket holder will also receive 5,000 Clifton's Pesos for use in the casino, with chances to win fantastic prizes like a night's stay at the NoMad Hotel, located just two blocks from Clifton's. Champagne specials will be available throughout the evening at all bars. "Classic Golden Era inspired attire" is encouraged.
Currently sold out, Clifton's will release a limited number A Table at the Tropicana tickets ($150), which include two guest Travel Papers, a reserved Stage View table for two from 8-10pm in the Tropicana Ballroom, two glasses of Rose Champagne, Nacional Buffet, and 12,000 Clifton's Pesos for the couple.
Go big with the Big Kahuna package ($1,500), which includes two guest Travel Papers, as well two seats at the helm of the Chris Craft Mahogany boat within the Pacific Seas as you sail to Cuba. The Big Kahuna includes one bottle of premium Perrier Jouet Champagne, as well as access to the Nacional Buffet between either 6-8pm or 8-10pm. The couple can explore the entire Republic before and after their reservation and return to the safety of their craft at any time. Each guest will also receive 10,000 Clifton's Pesos for the Casino Nacional. The Clifton's reservations team will reach out to you after your ticket purchase to review additional options and further dining and drink options.
648 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014//} ?>
AMARO SOCIETY - BAR CLACSON
Bar Clacson presents their first ever Amaro Society on Valentine's Day. From 6-8 pm the Campari Group will be pouring four of their delicious amari - it's the perfect aperitif before your romantic dinner reservation. Charcuterie provided by E Stretto. Pricing is $25 per couple and includes a Welcome Punch that will be served at 5:30 p.m. This will be a cash-only event.
Modern Love Ball - The Edison
This Valentine's Day, embark on an adventure of taste, sight, and sound at The Edison, the "underground cathedral" located in Downtown L.A. At the Modern Love Ball, guests can enjoy a romantic dinner, share their worst dating story (for a prize!), and find out what love has in store with a tarot card reader. Featuring a DJ and live music by Dani Moz and her band. Presale General Admission tickets are available at Eventbrite for $30 - admission is $40 at the door. For table reservations and general inquiries, call (213) 613-0000.
108 W. 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
Broken Hearts Circus - Angel City Brewery (Feb. 17, 2019)
Come one, come all to the annual Broken Hearts Circus at Angel City Brewery in the Arts District! Taking place from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17, the festival for the brokenhearted features comedy and music performances, a roaming magician, stilt walkers, wire walking and snake charmers. A broken hearts photo booth will also be featured. Bar bites from Downtown Taco Co, Afters Ice Cream and other circus food. No cover, 21 and over. RSVP at Eventbrite.
216 S. Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
DELI HOURS - THE LAST BOOKSTORE
On Valentine's Day one of L.A.'s best bookstores, The Last Bookstore welcomes Deli Hours, a local band that fuses jazz and indie sounds to create a unique sound. Enjoy a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with songs to dance to and happy vibes! Browse The Last Bookstore's extraordinary collection of new and used books before the Deli Hours set at 7:30pm.
453 S Spring St Los Angeles, CA 90013//} ?>
Union Station Kind of Love
Fall in love this Valentine’s Day with a night of throwback harmony, doo-wop and soul music at the historic Union Station. Taking place in the famed Ticketing Hall, “Union Station Kind of Love” is a collaboration between Metro Art Presents and The Floor Improv. The event kicks off at 8:00 pm with a Supremes-style dance follow-along led by the Velettes, along with live music by the St. Jukes and social dancing. All ages, genders and orientations are welcome. This event is intended for friends, singles and couples alike. Valentine revelers are encouraged to dress in 1950s and 60s styles and bring their dancing shoes. Doors open at 7:30pm. This event is free and open to the public
800 N Alameda St Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
Biggie! Valentine's Hip Hop Party - Los Globos
Landmark nightclub Los Globos presents Biggie! Valentine's Hip Hop Party, featuring DJ Rampage from NYC for a night of East Coast vibes and West Coast love. Doors at 9:30pm. RSVP at Eventbrite for free admission till 11pm.
LOVE SONG BINGO - BIG BAR
Los Feliz favorite, Big Bar at Alcove Cafe presents a special edition of Love Song Bingo from 7-10pm on Valentine's Day. Featuring guest bartender Kat Corbo (Prank Bar), curated love potion cocktails, dessert pairings, and complimentary bingo boards - listen along and line 'em up for a free cocktail. "Come as a pair, come stag, come with your tinder date ~ all are welcomed!" No cover.
1929 Hillhurst Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027//} ?>
MY BLOODY VALENTINE'S DAY - ZEBULON CAFE CONCERT
Get cherry-colored drunk and cupid come dance to the ethereal sounds of the Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine at My Bloody Valentine's Day, featuring DJ sets by Heaven or Los Angeles residents Olive Kimoto and Paige Emery. Located in Frogtown, Zebulon Cafe Concert will be turned into the romantic prom you wish you had - including a My Bloody Valentine themed kissing booth and L.A. icon Angelyne, who will take you on a ride in her famous pink corvette. No cover, 21 and over.
COMPETITIVE EROTIC FAN FICTION - THE VIRGIL
From 2012-17, Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction had a monthly residency between the Meltdown Showroom and The Virgil, toured nationally, and was a popular and acclaimed podcast. Then, host Bryan Cook got really burned out and needed to focus on things that, well... paid.
For one night only, CEFF returns for a special Valentine's Day show at The Virgil with special guests Karen Kilgariff (My Favorite Murder), James Urbaniak (Venture Brothers), Andres DuBouchet (Conan), Graham Kay (Late Show with Stephen Colbert), Troy Walker (Late Late Show), Joann Schinderle (Bridgetown Comedy Festival) and more! Tickets are $10 and on sale at Brown Paper Tickets.
HAROLD AND MAUDE - EGYPTIAN THEATRE
American Cinematheque presents a Valentine's Day screening of the cult classic Harold and Maude (1971) at the landmark Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Directed by Hal Ashby, Harold and Maude tells the story of the wildly offbeat romance between Harold Chasen (played by Bud Cort), an 18-year-old obsessed with death; and Maude (Ruth Gordon), an eccentric 79-year-old who believes in living life to the fullest. Featuring a soundtrack by Cat Stevens.
6712 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028//} ?>
BreakUp Bar (through Feb. 17, 2019)
Hosted by Severance Wine Bar in the adjacent space on Melrose Avenue, BreakUp Bar is an anti-Valentine's Day champagne celebration running now through February 17. The pop-up bar features an 8-foot wall of broken relationships, a mini art exhibit of relics of Valentine's Day past, and a 10-foot projection screen showing classic breakup movies of past and present.
Guests will enjoy an enhanced menu of champagne, wine-based cocktails, and punches like the "Serious Baggage," which serves 4-6 and is presented in a suitcase. There's also a wide selection of cakes, dessert fondues, cookie towers, and pretty much every sweet imaginable. Reserved tickets at Eventbrite are $20 per person and include a complimentary cocktail or sparkling wine flight (tax & gratuity included). Walk-ins are welcome, but seating is limited so reservations are suggested.
The Moth: Love Hurts - Busby's East (Feb. 13, 2019)
Launched in 1997, The Moth promotes the art and craft of storytelling, from open-mic live events to podcasts and a New York Times bestselling book. The Moth has presented over 30,000 stories and is producing more than 600 shows this year.
For the Valentine's Eve edition of The Moth at Busby's East, the theme is "Love Hurts" - storytellers are invited to tell a five-minute tale about a love that made them go "OUCH." Stories about love that "hurts so good" are also welcome. Tickets are now available at The Moth website. Doors at 6:30 p.m., stories begin at 7:30.
COMPOSE LA: LOVE NOTES - HAMMER MUSEUM (FEB. 14, 2019)
The nonprofit Kaleidoscope is a "conductorless chamber orchestra dedicated to enriching lives through exhilarating concert experiences, artistic excellence, musician leadership, and connecting with the diverse communities of Los Angeles." The Hammer Museum welcomes Kaleidoscope for Compose LA: Love Notes, a special Valentine's Day edition of Compose LA, the Department of Cultural Affairs initiative that showcases L.A.'s leading contemporary composers, innovative music artists, dynamic thought-leaders, and engaging music spaces. As always, this Hammer Museum concert is free and open to the public. The one-hour performance starts at 7:30 p.m. and is open seating. Stay for a free reception afterward and meet the musicians!
10899 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024//} ?>
Escape Reality - Magicopolis
One of L.A.'s best venues for live magic, Magicopolis presents a Valentine's Day edition of the critically acclaimed show, Escape Reality. Experience optical illusions, levitation, mindreading, disappearances and a nail-biting Houdini-inspired escape. The Valentine's celebration includes Champagne / sparkling cider toast, souvenir bag of tricks, a magic class and surprises. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $40 at the Magicopolis website.
1418 Fourth St. Santa Monica, CA 90401//} ?>
ROOTED HARMONY: PLANT WORKSHOP - LOS ANGELES ALE WORKS
Express your love with living art at the Rooted Harmony Plant Workshop, taking place on Valentine’s Day at Los Angeles Ale Works from 6:30-8pm. Enjoy a cold glass of craft beer and create a succulent terrarium that will be perfect for your workspace or home. This event will allow you to choose from a wood, glass, or ceramic vessel to shelter your new succulent terrarium. Pricing is $48 per person, tickets available at the Rooted Harmony website.