Valentine’s Day feels like it crept up this year. But there’s lots of love to go around, from lessons in animal courtship at the Maryland Zoo to the annual Cupid’s Undie Run, chocolate tastings to speed dating, and more.
If you’re still trying to make plans, we’ve got you covered whether you’re celebrating the holiday early with a weekend outing with a romantic partner, or enjoying the thrills of single life with friends or solo. Plus, there are several events where you can buy that last-minute (but still thoughtful) Valentine’s gift.
Here’s the weekend lineup:
Wine + Chocolate, 5-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11, The Garage Baltimore, 6 E. Lafayette Ave. Sample chocolate desserts, wines, appetizers and other treats, and even buy some as gifts for your Valentine. Also, learn about wine pairings, watch a fashion showcase, and enjoy live entertainment – including erotic poetry and prose (so leave the kids at home).
Night of Love Songs, 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11, An Die Musik Live!, 409 N. Charles St. Revel in a night of love songs – old and new – and let the music take you away. The performance, with both in-person and streaming options, will feature woodwind musician Brent Birckhead, pianist Warren Wolf, bassist Romeir Mendez and drummer Tyler Leak.
Online Speed Dating, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11, online. Not everyone wants a romantic partner(s) and that’s completely valid. But if you are looking to meet someone, the dating app Ever is hosting an online speed dating event for Baltimoreans. The Baltimore Date Night Mixer will connect participants with other local singles, each for a three-minute speed date to get to know one another better and see if there is mutual interest.
Valentine’s Day Benefit, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday, Feb. 11, Ottobar, 2549 N Howard St. Ottobar is hosting a benefit to raise funds for Baltimore Safe Haven, which supports LGBTQ+ Baltimoreans, sex workers, drug users and other communties; and the Philly Red Umbrella Alliance (RUA), which supports sex workers. The event, titled “Dyke Nite,” will feature music by DJs Jacqjill and WebbieWeb, vendors, a spanking booth, and a bootblack to polish your leather attire.
Cupid’s Undie Run, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, Luckie’s Tavern at Power Plant Live!, 10 Market Place. They’d wear their hearts on their sleeves if they were wearing any, but runners with not much more than their underwear will take to the streets of Baltimore on Saturday during the Cupid’s Undie Run. The annual event will raise money for research into neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 3,000 children, through the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Although undies are part of the fun of the run, participants are not required to strip down to their skivvies for the approximately mile-long event (so feel free to don a colorful — and warm — costume instead). Register to run with a team of friends or solo, or just cheer on the participants from the sidelines.
Makers Market, noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, Cross Street Market, 1065 S. Charles St. With pre-made floral arrangements and build-your-own bouquets from The Baltimore Florist; cakes and cookies from Charlsie’s Bakehouse; and chocolates, candles, jewelry and more from an array of pop-up shops, there’s bound to be a gift for pretty much any Valentine.
ChocolateFest, noon, Saturday, Feb. 12, Union Collective, 1700 West 41st St. Chocolate ice cream from The Charmery, chocolate casks from Union Craft Brewing, s’mores pizza from Well Crafted Kitchen, a brand new chocolate and chili pepper liquor from Baltimore Spirits Company, chocolate coffee beans from Jinji’s, chocolate and coffee treats from Vent Coffee. Personally, we don’t think there can be enough chocolate. Plus, learn about chocolate and wine pairings with The Wine Collective, check out a Lukeworks open house, and get discounted passes for Earth Treks.
“Amistad” Film Screening, 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt St. In honor of Black History Month, the B&O Railroad Museum is hosting three films this month about slavery, racial discrimination against Black people and the influential figures who fought for freedom. This weekend, they will screen “Amistad,” about the Spanish slave ship La Amistad. The movie is rated R, so people under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian, and the film is not recommended for children under 10. Some seating will be available, but guests are also encouraged to bring blankets and snacks to watch the movie “picnic style.”
Zoo Valentines, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Place. Learn about animal courtship and wildlife matchmaking. The adults-only event will feature hors d’oeuvres, desserts, live music by Jazz Caravan, and an open bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks. Visitors can also enjoy a Galentine’s Flamingle Brunch on Sunday.
Book Lovers Popup, Saturday, Feb. 12, and Sunday, Feb. 13, Mobtown Brewing Company, 4015 Foster Ave, Suite 400. Browse the popup bookshop from Dreamers & Make-Believers and see if you find the perfect literary match for yourself or a book lover in your life.
Burlesque Show, doors open at 8:30 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, The Crown, 1910 N. Charles St. The Baltimore burlesque troupe The Naughty Menagerie will perform in their “Pearls & Poison” show. Advanced tickets are sold out, but some tickets will still be available at the door.
Wagner Opera Spectacular, Thursday, Feb.10, through Sunday, Feb. 13, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Conductor James Conlon will present two pieces by German composer Richard Wagner from “Die Walküre,” featuring soprano Christine Goerke and bass-baritone Greer Grimsley. The program will also feature German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.
Thank you for including our Friday evening Night of Love Songs in your column.