2020 marks 10 years with my significant other … and about seven years since we actually did anything remotely romantic or celebratory on Valentine’s Day. That’s not a complaint, just a fact. Like many long-term loves, we’re seemingly skeptical of the February 14 Hallmark holiday; we just “high-five” each other on another year together and have a beer.

Nevertheless, couples, singles, gal pals and bromances have many options to celebrate Valentine’s Day—from low-key haps and chill poetry sessions, to second-chance proms and charity galas, and yes, even a fancy multi-course dinner. Here’s something for all lovebirds and jaded creatures to do Valentine’s Day weekend.

Better Together: A Beer and Pizza Romance
February 14, 6 p.m. • Reg. Menu $
Flying Machine Brewing Company
3130 Randall Pkwy.

There’s not a better match made in heaven than pizza and beer. Flying Machine Brewing Company and WilmyWoodie Food Truck are bringing this timeless couple together with a Valentine’s Day pairing of two specialty pizzas and two beer releases. Pizzas and beers purchased separately. There will be a free photo booth for couples, friends, strangers or kindred spirits—and a prize for best photo! More details are on the event’s Facebook page.

Galentine’s Day
February 14, 5:30 p.m. • $65
Dram Yard, 101 S. Second St.

You don’t have to be single to celebrate your besties. In fact, if we learned anything from Leslie Knope, it’s “hoes before bros. Uteruses before duderuses. Ovaries before brovaries.” So, get some of those lady friends together and treat yo’ self to a prix-fixe menu at Dram Yard. Dinner comes with champagne to “cheers” all of your accomplishments this year.

Dram Yard’s 5-course menu starts with a poached North Carolina oyster with chorizo and bread crumbs, following by salad nicoise. Course 3’s roasted prawn with sumac yoghurt, toasted almond and saffron rice can be supplemented with lobster bolognese ($18 additional charge) and course 4’s aged duck breast can be switched with chateaubriand ($42 up charge) featuring pommel puree, béarnaise and pernod haricot verts. Finish this decadent meal with sticky toffee pudding topped with candied pecans, orange supreme and whiskey caramel. Reservations can be made through Yelp at yelp.com.

Spin the Bottle Dance-Off with The Beehive Blondes
Feb. 14, 9:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. • Free
Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

The Beehive Blondes are driving this “Love Train” through decades of love, dance and music. They’ll play songs from 1950s through ‘90s as folks can dance the night away. Plus, there will be  curated vintage clothes for men and women to purchase from Jess James + Co.

Valentine’s Day Traffic Light Party
February 14, 9 p.m. • Free
Mad Katz, 5216 Carolina Beach Rd.

Looking for love? Not sure? Already in a committed relationship but still want a beer? Make sure you dress accordingly at Mad Katz’s Valentine’s Day Traffic Light Party: Wear green if you’re available, don  yellow if maybe you’re looking, or wrap yourself in red if you’re not looking for love. No cover charge but guests must be 21 and over.

Portal City Poetry Showcase and Chocolate+ART
February 14, 8:30 p.m. • $10
Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

Join Portal City for an hour of poetry power before the Chocolate+ART Valentine’s Day music and art show. There will be featured poetry from Julia Nizen, Andrew Lohr and more (get there early to sign up!). Cover includes admission to the music and art show, featuring Rozez, Honey Bear and Froggy P., along with cheese and chocolate fondue. Folks who come earlier at 6:30 p.m. can enjoy a Self-Love Reiki workshop with Raegan Benson and Carlee Venters.

Valentine’s Beer Pairing Dinner
February 14, 5:30 p.m.  • $40
Edward Teach Brewing, 604 N. 4th St.

Edward Teach is playing Cupid this year with a romantic beer-pairing dinner, complete with cervezas, four courses and live music. Their Devil’s Son IPA is opening the meal, paired with a spicy seafood cocktail appetizer, followed by the Cutlass German Lager with an artisan wedge salad. Course three will include Sextant Chocolate Porter paired with German sausage. Dessert is a Sizzling Orchard Wheat served with a tart apple cobbler drizzled in Teach’s Peaches syrup. Only 50 tickets are available.

 

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Bugaboo: Wine & Edible Insect Pairing
February 14, 6 – 9 p.m. • Free
Fermental, 7250 Market St.

For the most adventurous eaters, Fermental has a wine and food pairing featuring earthy, nutty, fruit-driven flavors. And we’re not talking about the reds and whites lined up, but the insects they’ll be paired with: Mopane worms, June beetles, grasshoppers, red termites, mealworms, house fly larvae and superworms. Cabernet Sauvignon, Macabeo, Torrontes, and other select libations will accompany each bug, which are sourced from Thailand (farmed and prepared for human consumption). Anyone looking for more traditional fare can grab some ‘que from Smokin’ Joes food truck at 6 p.m. Roger Davis will play acoustic jazz starting at 7 p.m.

(Also, people with shellfish allergies ought not eat insects—true story.)

Parents’ Night Out
February 14,  5 p.m. • $15 ($5 additional sibling)
Invictus Martial Arts, 7122 Market St.

For parents and kids who need a night out—but not together—here’s an option: Invictus Martial Arts is taking drop ins for Taekwondo, dodgeball and pizza. Initial drop off is at 5 p.m. and pickup is from 8 p.m.-8:15 p.m. (Please, report child’s food allergies upon drop-off.) Children who have never been to Invictus are welcome, but a parent/guardian needs to sign the safety waiver. Visit invictustkd.com.

Adult Prom
February 14, 7 p.m. • $5
Palate,1007 N 4th St.

At Palate on North Fourth, it’s prom season—well, sort of. But you don’t have to spike the punch or sneak in wine coolers because Palate has the wine and beer! Dust off your high-school suit or gown, or go in search of a thrift find, for a chance to win best dressed and a $50 gift card. Professor Dub will spin ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s jams to dance to. There will also be a photobooth, punch-bowl specials and the Kitchen at Palate will have a menu reminiscent of afterschool throwback snacks.

In lieu of tickets, a $5 suggested donation will fund a field trip to the The Children’s Museum of Wilmington for the Young Parent Support Program of New Hanover County.

Black Hearts Goth Prom: Asylum’s 16-year Valentines
February 15, 8 p.m. • $5
Reggies 42nd Street Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.

Wilmington Asylum Valentine’s Day Black Hearts Gothic Prom will double as Reggie’s 16-year anniversary party. Hear live music from Solemn Shapes and IIOIOIOII, as they play lush soundscapes and heavy melodic elements. DJs Authorless S†ՓL▲S DragonWolf and Khnemu DJ RUINN Chaos ELpH will battle it out to see who makes the most people dance until they drop. Masquerade is the theme and the best dressed king and queen will be crowned.

Little Green Booth, LLC will take pictures (included free with admission) from 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. There will be a cash raffle for hair products and services and 15-minute tarot readings will be available for $10!

5th Annual Cupid is Stupid
Scavenger Hunt Bar Crawl
February 15, 1 p.m.  • $5
The Husk, 31 S. Front St.

Do the opposite of celebrating Valentine’s Day and put that little dick, Cupid, in his place. The fifth annual Cupid is Stupid Bar Crawl and Scavenger Hunt Bar Crawl features stops at Barbary Coast, Duck and Dive, The Husk, Cape Fear Wine & Beer, Pour House, Mon Me Chocolate & Wine Bar, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, Tavern Law 1832, Growler’s Tavern, Varnish Ale & Spirits, The Rooftop Bar at N. Front Theatre and Hell’s Kitchen. The $5 registration fee gets each person (up to 6 per team) on the hunt, specials and a chance to win gift certificates and prizes along the way.

Heart Bahamas Gala
February 15, 6:30 p.m.
$65-$120
Events on Front, 130 N. Front St.

Celebrate love with a charitable heart. The Caribbean Socialites of South Eastern North Carolina are hosting a Bahamas Relief Fundraiser, in an effort to help communities still recovering from Hurricane Dorian. Partial proceeds will be donated to the Bahamas Red Cross and shipping supplies to the Bahamas.

Formal attire with reds and whites. Tickets include two drinks, appetizers, live music and drinks from Port City Mixologist  and more. For more info, email da_extra@yahoo.com or bridge4resources@gmail.com.