Valentine’s day falls on a Friday this year, sparking a weekend-long celebration with food, drinking, comedy, movies, skating and more. See how Bloomington will celebrate Valentine’s and "Galentine’s" Day below.
Feb. 13: Galentine’s Day at Friendly Beasts Cider Company
Attendees will test their “Parks and Recreation” knowledge, eat waffles and sip cider at 5 p.m. Thursday at Friendly Beasts Cider Company. "Parks and Recreation" created the concept of "Galentine's Day." Co-owner Ben Romlein said Friendly Beasts collaborated with the Monroe County Public Library to organize this event.
“It’s a Galentine’s Day event in the spirit of the show ‘Parks and Recreation’ to celebrate friendships,” said Romlein. “We’re encouraging people to show up with their gal pals and hang out."
Feb. 13: SPARKconnection: Galentine’s Day at Switchyard Brewing Company
Spend an evening sipping pink Hibiscus Rose Saison beer, practicing chair yoga (modern yoga poses modified to do sitting in a chair), and self-speed-dating 6-10 p.m. Thursday at Switchyard Brewing Company. This event is presented by UNVEILED, a women’s portrait studio in Bloomington known for bold, boudoir photoshoots.
Tickets are $25 and include one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Feb. 13: Valentine’s Day at Oliver Winery: A Chocolate & Wine Experience
Sit and sample six different wines paired with chocolate and other treats with a companion from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday at Oliver Winery. Tickets are $40 per pair, and attendees will receive a special event discount on wine. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Feb. 13-15: Valentine’s Day Weekend at The Comedy Attic
American comedian Emo Philips will perform this weekend at the Comedy Attic. Philips, who specializes in black comedy, surreal humor and word play, has appeared on shows such as "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "The Weird Al Show" and voiced the character Cuber in “Adventure Time."
He will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets range from $10 to $16 for students and from $13 to $20 for general admission.
Feb. 14: Fat Pockets Valentine’s Day at The Bluebird
The band Fat Pockets, known for playing funk, rock and soul music, will perform a Valentine’s Day special concert 10 p.m. Friday at The Bluebird. They will perform songs about love and heartbreak, covering artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Anita Baker, Beyoncé, Lizzo and Kendrick Lamar. Doors open at 9 p.m., and tickets are $5.
Feb. 14: Alternative Valentine’s Day at Kadampa Meditation Center
The Kadampa Meditation Center will lead a guided meditation, offer an appetizer buffet and mocktails from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday. Attendees can discuss love according to Buddhism and eat dessert. Tickets are $15 per person or $20 per couple. Pre-register by Feb. 13 at their website.
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Dance Party at Arthur Murray Dance Center
The Arthur Murray Dance Center is hosting a dance party for Valentine's Day and music will be provided by Bloomington High School South Jazz Ensemble 7-9 p.m. Friday at Arthur Murray Dance Center. Food will be provided, and tickets are $25 per person. RSVP by Feb. 10 by calling (812) 334-0553.
Feb. 14: He(ART) or Die 2020
Destroy abandoned artwork at 6 p.m. Friday at Artisan Alley (Burl & Ingot location). While the event is free, attendees can only destroy artwork that they bid on using tools from the industrial art workshop. There will also be music and bonfires, and Artisan Alley suggests bringing your own booze. RSVP online at Artisan Alley’s website.
Feb 15: Buskirk-Chumley Theater Presents: Love & Basketball
Watch the award-winning 2000 film “Love & Basketball'' at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The movie is based on professional basketball players Monica Wright, played by Sanaa Lathan, and Quincy McCall, played by Omar Epps, who met as children and developed a romantic relationship while also developing their sports careers. It was directed by Gina Prince-Blythewood and produced by Spike Lee and Sam Kitt.
Tickets are $5.
Feb. 15: R&B Skate Party at Western Skateland
Skate in the middle of the night to R&B music from midnight to 4 a.m. Saturday at Western Skateland. Adult skaters from across the Midwest and the country will attend, as well as three DJs from St. Louis, Ohio and Indianapolis. Western Skateland owner, Sarah Boshears, said talented professional skaters will attend.
“It’s such a wonderful, fun environment and so much love and it’s a really great way to get together with people,” Boshears said.
Entry is $13 and the event is 18 and up.
