The day of love is nearly here, and there’s a multitude of ways to celebrate beyond the usual prix fixe candlelit dinner. Find out-of-the-box activities around Arlington for you and your favorite people, whether romantic partner or good friend. Here are some fun ideas we’re feeling passionate about:
Almost, Maine
Feb. 4-19
Welcome to Almost, Maine, a fictional New England village where love is in the air on a frigid winter night. The series of scenes, performed by The Arlington Players, captures the intricacies of several romantic relationships, from early sparks to bitter ends. // Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 3501 2nd St. S., Arlington. $15-$25.
Rosslyn LOVE Video Contest
Now-Feb. 14
Calling all amateur videographers—the Rosslyn BID wants you to remix its video love letter to the neighborhood. Share four things you like about Rosslyn in your video and submit it for a chance to win. The top three videos will be posted on Instagram for public voting on Feb. 15, and the winners each receive a gift card to a nearby restaurant, valued at up to $100. // Virtual event. Free.
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Galentine Shopping Event
Feb. 9 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Shop for Valentine’s Day finds for your sweetie, friend or yourself (why not?) at two Arlington boutiques under one roof: Urban Farmhouse and Covet. The former occupies the first floor of a farmhouse some 120 years old, and carries vintage furniture, kitchen accessories and pantry items. (And here’s their Valentine’s collection.) Upstairs, explore Covet, an Arlington shop with loads of style and a definite sense of humor. The event will feature drinks, treats and some TBD “extra fun.” // Covet, 5140 Wilson Blvd., and Urban Farmhouse Arlington
National Chamber Ensemble Valentine’s Concert
Feb. 11 | 7:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Opera soprano Aundi Marie Moore headlines this evening of love-centric music from Black composers and Broadway musicals. “Love. That is what the world needs more of right now and what we will give our audience,” says NCE violinist and artistic director Leo Sushansky. // Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington. $19-$38.
Couples Thai Massage Class
Feb. 11 | 4:30-6:15 p.m.
Why merely go for a couples massage when you and your partner can learn how to give one? This multimodal class from Mind Your Body Oasis teaches massage, yoga and relaxation techniques to inspire calm and connection. Components include yogic breathing and “heart-opening” meditation. (Psst … participants also have the chance of winning tickets to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.) // Crystal City Shops, 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington. $60 per couple.
Spoons, Toons and Booze: Valentine’s Special
Feb. 11-12 | Noon
Join SecretFormula’s cartoon and breakfast aficionados Michael Austin and Nell Casey for a midday romp through dozens of 20th century cartoons, accompanied by “cereal shots” (some booze to tip into your cereal bowl), onstage contests and Valentine-writing. // Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. $7 advance purchase/$15 general admission.
Run Your Heart Out
Feb. 12 | 9 a.m.
Strengthen your heart with a 1K or 5K race that promises swag, awards and a virtual option for those who’d prefer to run on their own time. The route starts and ends in Fairfax Corner, ideal for picking up a coffee or doing a little Valentine’s Day shopping post-run. // Fairfax Corner, 4100 Monument Corner Drive, Fairfax. $30-$45.
Will You Be My Galentine?
Feb. 13 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Join Lily’s Flower Truck in crafting a unique bouquet for one of your favorite people at this outdoor event. Thirsty? The first 50 folks who arrive with a receipt from a participating coffee shop (Beauty, Commonwealth Joe, Mah-Ze-Dahr, The Freshman) will receive their bouquet for free. Proceeds benefit local animal shelters. // Gateway Green, 101 12th St. S., Arlington. Prices vary.
Made in Arlington Valentine’s Day Pop-Up
Feb. 14 | Noon-4 p.m.
Find last-minute gifts for that special someone at this local makers market. Artists, artisans and bakers—including Kingsbury Chocolates, Soul Good Kitchen, Trapillo Art and Karina Gaull Handbags—will be on hand with plenty of sweets and one-of-a-kind items that will make for a memorable Valentine’s Day. // George Mason University, Van Metre Hall, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington. Free.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Feb. 14 | 4:15 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Catch the classic film starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard on the big screen at this swanky theater, carrying a full menu as well as beer and wine. (And maybe throw this on your favorite streaming service to help get you in the mood.) // Angelika Film Center, 2911 District Ave., Fairfax. $15.25
Valentine’s With Beer Babes Drag
Feb. 14 | 6 p.m.
Join Bellamy D. Starr and other queens for an evening of drag and drafts at Caboose Commons next to the Mosaic District. Expect laughs, games and plenty of savory bites (lookin’ at you, fried pickle chips). Note: All ages are welcome, but the show may contain mature content. // Caboose Commons, 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax. $80 table for four/$25 individual tickets at the door.
‘French Kiss’ Cooking Class
Feb. 14 | 6-8 p.m.
Couples who cook together stay together. Or at least it helps. Learn how to make a divine spread of French specialties—including steak frites with bernaise sauce and milk chocolate pot de crème—during this 2-3 hour cooking course at Cookology in Ballston. Alcoholic beverages are on site for purchase, and vegetarian substitutions are available. (Not in the mood for French fare? You can also check out the wide array of additional Valentine’s Day-themed courses.) // Cookology, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $340 per couple.
Paint a Pair of Picassos
Feb. 14 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Feeling creative? Head over to Muse Paintbar in Ballston with your sweetheart for this unique opportunity to paint a self-portrait diptych. Drinks and nibbles are available at an additional cost. (You can also check out the offerings at Muse Paintbar in Mosaic District.) // Muse Paintbar, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston). $45.