Valentine’s Day is kind of like the red-headed stepchild of holidays. There’s not much middle ground: People either love it or they hate it.
It’s easy to see why. Partnered or not, lots of people don’t like being told what to do when it comes to expressing their feelings. And if you’re not partnered, the holiday is just a really annoying reminder of that fact — covered in chocolate and wrapped in a big red bow.
But forget all that. There are lots of fun things you can do to show your sweetheart you care, and your sweetheart can be anybody: partner, family, friend or a group of friends.
So grab your sweetheart, get out there and have yourself a great time! And if you don’t have a sweetheart yet, what better way to find one?
Sweet/Tart Candy-Coated Cabaret
Spend Valentine’s Day with Philly’s award-winning drag and burlesque troupe, the Liberty City Kings, Feb. 14 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Make the night special with dinner starting at 7 p.m., then doors open at 8:30, show at 9 and finally dancing from midnight-2 a.m. The three-course dinner at candlelit cabaret tables will include a special pre-show performance!
There are different ticket levels to fit different budgets, from VIP dinner with champagne and stage seats to general admission. For tickets and more information, see www.libertycitykings.com.
Stoplight Party
Stop in the name of love at 10 p.m. Feb. 14 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. Remember the hanky code? Well, this is sort of like that. You’ll get a discounted admission if you follow this simple dress code: Wear green if you’re single, yellow if you’re open for fun or red if you’re taken. Plus, they’ll have great drink specials all night.
PGMC Heart and Soul Bachelor Auction
Who says money can’t buy you love? Whip out your credit card from 3-6 p.m. Feb. 16 at Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St., for a great cause. You may not find love, but you will find a hot guy and have a great time. Admission is $10, and proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus.
Ladies Presidents Day
The ladies of Ladies 2000 are kicking up their heels from 3-9 p.m. Feb. 16 at Top Dog, 2310 Marlton Pike (Rt. 70), Cherry Hill, N.J. Get there early for the $1 power hour, the hot buffet and the sizzling sounds of DJ Steve Singer. If Monday is a holiday for you, then you can stay extra late. Cover charge is still only $10.
Discotastrophe
The one and only Dumpsta Players are back at 10 p.m. Feb. 19 at Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. They’ve put together a whirlwind 30-minute show that will flash you right back to the ’70s. Cover charge is only $1.99 and a portion of the proceeds benefit Gaudenzia House.
Treno’s Third Thursday
South Jersey is the place to be Feb. 20 at Treno, 233 Haddon Ave., Westmont, N.J. Check out this awesome monthly LGBT networking social at a cool little pizza bar, conveniently located just a few steps from a PATCO station.
Sweethearts & Red Hots
The Attic Youth Center presents its fourth-annual drag show from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 21 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Come see the amazing talent and help raise money to support youth workshops and other efforts. Advance tickets are $5 for youth, $15 general admission and $20 for VIP — add $5 for tickets at the door. For tickets and more information, visit www.atticyouthcenter.org.
Stimulus Red & Pink Affair
Wear red or pink and put your heart on your sleeve at 10 p.m. Feb. 21 at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St. There will be crazy drink specials, your favorite hot-shot crew and Stimulus speed dating. RSVP to [email protected] to reserve your spot in the speed dating, as space is limited. Cover charge is only $10.
Divas on Main Street
If you love fierce drag, then you’ll love this show in Delaware’s cool little college town at 8 p.m. Feb. 23 at Mojo Main, 270 E. Main St., Newark, Del. Come early and enjoy a great Cajun dinner before the show. Cover charge is only $5. All ages are welcome, but you must be 21 to drink.
Glamsino Royale
Live the life of a high roller from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 27 at Hotel Palomar, 117 S. 17th St.. This glamorous charity event, benefiting Action AIDS, will take over two entire upper floors of the hotel. Enjoy the tunes of DJ Gun$ Garcia while you play table games to win chips that will give you the chance to take home amazing raffle prizes, including vacations to New York, San Francisco, Miami, San Diego and more!
Special guests will be “Project Runway’s” Viktor Luna, who will speak about advocacy and awareness. Admission includes wine, beer, signature cocktails, appetizers and gaming chips. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. See www.actionaids.org for more info.
Questions, comments, suggestions? Contact Jim at [email protected].