Your guide to a not-so-typical Valentine’s Day in Birmingham

Saturn Bham
A speed dating game show on Valentine’s Day? I’m down! Photo via Max Rykov & Associates

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Do you know what that means? Shelves full of discounted chocolate come Feb. 15! Well, that and out-of-the-box local events that’ll make you reconsider those dinner reservations. Whether you’re single and ready to mingle or happily partnered, here are 8 unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Birmingham.

1—Kiss ’em or Diss’em Valentine’s Day Spectacular at Sidewalk Cinema

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I don’t know about you but “My Bloody Valentine” is more my speed. Photo via Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema.

No matter your relationship status, head over to Sidewalk Cinema in Pizitz for a Valentine’s Day event like no other. Pick your poison—romance or bloodlust?

The theatre will be screening Romeo + Juliet (1996) and My Bloody Valentine (1981). There’ll be typewriter poets, astrology readings and photo booths perfect for getting that photo that’ll get your crush’s attention.

2— Romantically Challenged Dating Game Show

Saturn Bham
Photo via Max Rykov & Associates

Are you a fan of The Bachelor or have a guilty pleasure for game shows? Well here’s your chance to get in on the fun as an audience member at Birmingham’s most enchanting and rambunctious dating game show.

The “Romantically Challenged Dating Game Show” will either make you feel thankful for your significant other or feel extremely single and ready to mingle. Contestants will try to win the hearts of 3 bachelors and 3 bachelorettes by answering questions and performing silly challenges. It’s like speed dating but in front of a live audience.

3— Lonely Hearts Club at The Pizitz

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Doesn’t matter if you’re single or taken. This event is sure to be a blast. Photo via @thepizitz on Instagram.

Whether you love Valentine’s Day or not, head over to The Pizitz Food Hall as it transforms into the Lonely Hearts Club. Bring a date or grab one while you’re partying the night away.

This free event is far from your typical sappy, candlelit dinner. There’ll be a festive photobooth with The FlashBar Photo Co., rosé specials from the Louis Bar, a pop-up Rumba dance class with Forma Arts + Wellness, and a DJ to dance the night away to.

4—Adopt a plant at Railroad Park

Railroad Park
How romantic! Photo via @zacksyl on Instagram.

Valentine’s Day is usually about spoiling yourself or significant other. How about this V-day we include celebrating our environment?

Us Birminghamians all know and love Railroad Park. This Valentine’s Day you can adopt a plant for yourself or as a gift. You or the recipient of your choice will receive a botanical drawing detailing your plant and where it can be found at the park.

I don’t know about you, but this is a sweet alternative to boxed chocolates! Adopting a plant is a great gift for you or the Birmingham lover in your life.

5—Heaven & Hell at The Woolworth

the woolworth party
Are you leaning towards angel wings or devil horns? Photo via The Woolworth‘s Facebook.

If a lovey-dovey V-Day isn’t your thing, grab your wings (or horns) and head over to The Woolworth for their 21 and up Heaven & Hell Valentine’s Bash.

Whether you’re feeling mischevious or angelic, themed attire is encouraged. The bar will be serving up Valentine cocktails while DJ Geno turns up the tunes.

6—Better Basics’ Love for Literacy Gala

better basics literacy gala
Love for Literacy Gala. Photo via Better Basics.

Who said the love had to stop at Valentine’s Day? Keep the good vibes going into Saturday at Better Basics’ Love for Literacy gala. This annual fundraiser will benefit the organization’s reading and mathematics literacy programs.

You and your special someone can sip on cocktails, enjoy dinner, and participate in raffles. And it’s all for a good cause! Last year’s event was a full house, so make sure to grab tickets while you can.

  • Date: Saturday, February 15
  • Time: 6-9PM
  • Location: Region’s Field Ballroom & Club Lounge
  • Get your tickets here

7—Glow Yoga a.k.a Glowga

kind roots glowga class Your guide to a not-so-typical Valentine's Day in Birmingham
Glow paint + Yoga? Yes, please. Photo via Kind Roots Yoga‘s Facebook.

If the romantic plans just aren’t your vibe this year, throw on some glow paint, grab your yoga mat and head to Kind Roots Yoga for Glowga. Get those good vibes going with some downward dogs while jamming to empowering, upbeat music.

Before class, you have the chance to mingle, sip a glass of wine (or two), and deck out in neon paint or accessories. So grab your glow sticks. Grab your mat. Grab a friend and remember you’re one yoga class away from a good mood.

8—Hearts for Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art

Birmingham Museum of Art
What’s your fave piece of art? Photo via @bhammuseum on Instagram

Ready to fall in love? The Birmingham Museum of Art is having their 3rd annual Hearts for Art project. If you’ve ever been mesmerized by a work of art in the museum, show it some love by leaving it a heart. It’s like liking an Instagram post but in real life!

You can pick up paper hearts at both entrances of the museum and leave them by your favorite works of art while you browse the galleries. Make sure to share your artwork crushes on social media by using #heartsofart.

  • Date: Friday, February 7-Friday, February 14
  • Location: Birmingham Museum of Art

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Make sure to tag us on social @BhamNow.

Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
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