The day of love us upon us and it’s easy to get bogged down with stress and planning the perfect date. While the holiday traditionally entails a fancy date night, there are plenty of other unique opportunities if flowers and chocolate aren’t your thing. Whether you’re looking to spend the day with your significant other, friends, or kids, here are some great ways to do something different and make the holiday one to remember.
Sip and Swoon at the Sagamore Pendry 2/13: Celebrate Galentine’s Day in the Pendry lounge and enjoy live jazz music, rose specials, and house-made macarons with your girls. Toast your group with Moët & Chandon Vending Machine $35 token and sip on mini-bottles of Champagne for the perfect night out. Starting at $150 per table, each reservation includes up to four guests and Champagne bottle service. 1715 Thames St. 6-9 p.m. $150+
Wear All Black at The Charles’ Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
2/13: If you missed out on cuffing season, then this is the party for you. Anti-Valentine’s Day at The Charles is the perfect way to kick off the loving weekend with drink specials from 8 p.m. to close. With two-for-one mixed drinks, $1 Bud Light bottles, and many Anti-V-Day inspired drinks, there will be plenty of fun surprises. All relationship status’ are encouraged to attend, and wearing all black is encouraged. 1110 S Charles St. 8 p.m.-close.
Jam Out to Psycho Killers at Union Collective 2/14: Talking Heads tribute band Psycho Killers will be hosting an evening of rock and roll and assorted love songs at Union Craft Brewing in Hampden. This adults-only event will feature craft beers, as well as pizza and pretzels from Well Crafted Kitchen inside the taproom. Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W 41st St. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. $20.
Belt Out Familiar Karaoke Songs
2/14: WDLY is presenting its third karaoke fundraiser for independent journalism platform The Baltimore Beat, where attendees are encouraged to perform, eat, and drink. Sing your heart out to love songs and power ballads at this 21 and over event. Studio 4, 235 Holliday St. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. $10.
Tea Party at Gertrude’s 2/14: Gertrude’s at the Baltimore Museum of Art will be seating guests for tea at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m., for those who are looking for a daytime holiday celebration. The $30 package includes various beverages, savory and sweet snacks, and access to an all-out candy bar. Getrude’s, 10 Art Museum Dr. 2 p.m. $30.
Wine and Chocolate Pairing at The Reginald F. Lewis Museum 2/14: Come with your partner, friends, or solo to indulge in a night of wine, chocolate, and art. The “Sweet Love” pairing workshop will feature Markell-Bani Fine Wines and sparkling beverages, Baltimore’s own Pure Chocolate by Jinji, and Elizabeth Catlett’s “Artist as Activist” special exhibit. The price of admission includes chocolate, wine pairing, light fare, and a signature cocktail, with a cash bar available. 830 E Pratt St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers.
Valentine’s Day Sip & Paint
2/14: Little Picasso Events is hosting “Valentine’s Day Sip & Paint,” as a therapeutic alternative to the classic holiday dinner. Adults are invited to join with a significant other, friend, or by themselves in guided acrylic painting. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and drink. Little Picasso, 1110 Cathedral St. 7-9:30 p.m. $30.
Tour the National Aquarium
2/14: With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, enjoy the National Aquarium’s “Half-Price Friday Nights Deal” and see the world from below the surface. Purchase tickets after 5 p.m. to save 50 percent of the usual cost and learn more about the aquarium’s nearly 20,000 animals. National Aquarium, 501 E Pratt St. 5 p.m.- close, $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children.
Take an Intimate Cooking Class
2/14: Take a cooking class with your significant other for a change of pace and create delectable dishes that you can bring back to your kitchen. Plus, at Baltimore Chef Shop, participants are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy as they cook. Baltimore Chef Shop, 807 W 36thSt. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $189 for two people.
Lose Your Voice at a Drag Show
2/14: Celebrate with your “galentine’s” and see the “I Love Night Brunch Drag Show” at The Point in Fells this Valentine’s Day. A $30 ticket includes your seat to the show and access to the brunch buffet, with bottomless drinks available for an additional charge. Drag queen Robyn Ya’men is hosting the live performance which starts at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 1738 Thames St. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $30.
Run in Your Undies for Charity
2/15: Work off your dinner and run a mile to support Cupid’s Charity, an organization searching for the cure for neurofibromatosis (NF). While most run in their briefs to support those who can’t cover their tumors, any sort of attire is welcome to support the cause. Both teams and individuals are welcome to run and indulge in the post-workout dance party across the finish line. Luckie’s Tavern at Power Plant Live! 10 Market Pl. 12-4 p.m. $40.
Do Couples Yoga at The Maryland Zoo 2/15: Refresh after the holiday with a 60-minute Vinyasa style yoga class in the Maryland Zoo’s Penguin Education Center. Tickets include same-day admission to the zoo, so be sure to check out the various exhibits after the workout session. 1 Safari Pl. 8:30-9:30 a.m. $14.99 for members and $24.99 for nonmembers.