Valentine’s Day is here, and even if you plan on skipping the sappy romance part, there are some seriously awesome arts happenings inspired by the Hallmark Holiday that you do not want to miss. Here are some great ways to make the most of this Valentine’s Day:
“I Art You” from Create:Fixate. If you live near Los Angeles, “I Art You” at Lot 613 in the Arts District is an event you do not want to miss. The one-night music and art extravaganza will showcase the work of more than 30 artists, an optical lounge, a card-making station, a singles mixer, an audio lab, and more. Nonprofit Create:Fixate hopes to create a night where love and art intersect in interactive, visual, and fun ways. Don’t miss out! February 15th, Lot 613, L.A.
The Butterfly Conservatory at the American Museum of Natural History. Are you looking for a romantic, not-too-cliché way to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetie? Look no further than the Butterfly Conservatory at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. This annual exhibit features up to 500 live, free-flying tropical butterflies from all over the world, and will be sure to make for a lovely, colorful, and unique date. Through May 26th, NYC.
Burlesque, Burlesque, and More Burlesque! Burlesque is one of those quintessential Valentine’s Day events that celebrates what Hallmark often doesn’t: the sexy, sultry side of romance. The “Va! Va! Voom Burlesque Show” (2/14-2/15) at the Archway Theater in Los Angeles is expected to deliver an energetic, enticing good time, and Seattle’s Atomic Bombshells are putting on “J’ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine” (2/12-2/15), an acclaimed annual show that’s now in its sixth season! NYC is also full of burlesque performances such as the “Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque Valentines Spectacular!” on Valentine’s Day.
The Vagina Monologues. Dozens of colleges, women’s organizations, and theater groups across the country are presenting The Vagina Monologues this month, to coincide with the original V-Day performance. The Cupcake Theater in Los Angeles will be putting on their rendition of the play on February 16th, as will the Pittsburg W.H.I.P.S. (Women Helping Investigate Pittsburg Sexuality). Simmons College in Boston will be presenting The Vagina Monologues, and so will the New York University School of Law. All proceeds will go towards V-Day’s initiatives to end violence against women. Find an event near you by visiting the V-Spot event tracker. February and March, locations vary.
Check your local arts department for even more Valentine’s Day-inspired events and happenings!