Valentine’s Day is upon us. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you celebrate. Whether you want a crazy party, some old-school R&B to keep the mood romantic, to get in shape so you can live your best life for your loved ones, or even to revisit the much-beloved (and sometimes maligned) erotic thriller genre, Weekend Guide has got you covered. We’ve got kids’ activities too, if you want to include the whole family.
And, if just the idea of Valentine’s Day makes you want to forget everything, well, we’ve got something for that too. There’s great live music—no date required—and also an evening of dance that is literally all about being in the moment and letting go.
Dive in below.
Friday, February 14
Wild at Heart: Rubulad’s Valentine’s Day Party!
8 p.m.
Rubulad parties are multi-sensory, multi-genre experiences that are always wildly fun. This holiday-themed gathering has live music, a DJ, a photo booth, a “secret item shop,” tattoos, Spin-the-Bottle, and something billed as “non-fake pony rides.” That last one alone is worth showing up for.
Jodeci @ Kings Theatre
8 p.m.
Jodeci reunited in 2021 (the 30th anniversary of the R&B group’s classic debut) and has been going strong since. What could be more romantic than you and your partner together, swaying to “My Heart Belongs To U” — or, depending on the mood, maybe “Freek’n U.”
NYC’s Biggest R&B Party Hosted by Eric Bellinger @ Polygon Brooklyn
10 p.m.
As billed, R&B singer/songwriter Eric Bellinger is the host for this Valentine’s Day party, which promises celebrity DJs, food, and, as a consolation prize for having your big day overshadowed every single year, free entry if it’s your birthday.
Saturday, February 15
Junior Keepers: Love Is In the Air and Water @ New York Aquarium
2 p.m.
Even the Aquarium is getting into the V-Day mood with this event, which teaches children about the spot’s breeding programs and the research involved in them. Plus, there’s a promise that the tots will “meet a small ocean animal up close.”
A Brooklyn Dream @ Brooklyn Pop Culture Museum
5:45 p.m.-10 p.m.
A Brooklyn Dream is an autobiographical immersive theater experience put together by renowned artist and musician Kaves. It’s set in his Brooklyn Pop Culture Museum, which contains important BK-themed pop cultural artifacts spanning decades. If you’re curious about the history of the borough, or want a unique theatrical experience, this is for you.
Valentines Day Cover Show: Amy Winehouse / Fleetwood Mac / Nirvana @ Gold Sounds
7:30 p.m.
For this special show, new artists will perform as your old favorites. Sandile will sing Amy Winehouse songs; psych rockers Angel hair No.12 will team with Junebug to perform some Fleetwood Mac; and Katzin will tear things up by playing Nirvana.
HMID and Friends Present: Improvised Erotic Thriller @ The BCC Pig Pen
8:30 p.m.
The erotic thriller genre reached its height in the ‘80s and ‘90s — a period you can re-trace in two seasons, one for each decade, of the fabulous film history podcast You Must Remember This. But if you want to relive the good old days of Basic Instinct, Body Double and Presumed Innocent, you’ve got your chance now — sort of. The improv troupe Help Me I’m Drowning will put on “an hour-long improvised erotic thriller film” based on audience suggestions.
Sunday, February 16
PPTC Cherry Tree 10 Miler and Relay @ Prospect Park
10 a.m.
The Prospect Park Track Club puts on a bunch of races each year, but this is one of their signatures. It also offers a few different options. You can handle all ten miles — three loops of Prospect Park — by yourself; or you can do it in a team of three, with each person handling one time around the park.
Black Future Festival @ Brooklyn Children’s Museum
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The museum has scheduled a full day of programming to celebrate Black History Month and the African diaspora. There will be workshops and performances involving dance, art, and science. Best of all, the ticket price is very reasonable, and kids under 1 are free.
Ecstatic Dance NYC Presents: Sunsetter @ Sound Mind Center
3 p.m.
Sometimes, you just need to let it all hang out. This unusual dance event, part of a series at the Sound Mind Center, will give you that chance. It promises hours of moving your body however you want. Even better, there’s no photos or videos allowed, so you don’t have to worry about how you look while cutting loose.
Pink Sweat$ @ Warsaw
7 p.m.
This show features singer/songwriter/producer Pink Sweat$, in a show that was originally supposed to be at the Brooklyn Paramount. Is he r&b? Pop? However you categorize him, seeing him sing his melodic, sparse, emotional songs will be the perfect way to wind up your Valentine’s Day weekend. Opening up will be aqyila.
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