Valentine’s Day is a holiday known for hearts, romance, and the color pink. For anyone looking for something to do this Valentine’s Day, there’s plenty of fun to be had right here in Howard County throughout the month of February. There are events for a romantic night with a partner, an enjoyable time with friends, or a night dedicated to yourself. Even if your vibe is “I hate Valentine’s Day,” you can find something just for you.
Romance for Couples
For couples wanting a romantic evening, but more grand than dinner at a restaurant, there are venues planning nights of romance. The Collective Encore in Columbia is hosting a night of music on Valentine’s Day. Called “A Soul and R&B Love Show”, the event will feature Brandon Combs and Karen Linette performing love songs for an unforgettable evening of soulful music and romance. Another event with a romantic atmosphere is the Valentine’s Dinner and Dance Party at Kahler Hall in Columbia. The night includes dinner, comedy, and discussions on how to keep a relationship long-lasting. There’s multiple photo booths for the event too, so it’s worth dressing up with your loved one.
A formal event for the romantic and religious is a Valentine’s Day Gala at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center. It promises to be a night filled with love, laughter, faith, friendship, and fellowship, for celebrating all kinds of love, surrounded by a community of Christian believers. This event is on Saturday the 15th.
For the more adventurous couples, why not take a ride on a zipline? At Terrapin Adventures, their Zip and Sip is as fun as it sounds. Ride down the 300 foot zipline, then warm up with a wine tasting led by experts at 61 Vineyard. The event is on Saturday the 15th.
Galentine’s Day – A Time for Gal Pals
For those more in the mood for a “Gal-entine’s Day,” these themed events make for a fun night out with friends (specifically female friends hanging out). Simply the Best Boutique in Old Ellicott City is holding a Galentine’s Day Party on Saturday the 15th. You can get flash tattoos, hair tinsel, and even enjoy champagne and cookie decorating while shopping.
For those looking to get some shopping done with friends, Savage Mill is having a Girls’ Night Out on February 6 from 4-8 pm. Throw on some comfy pjs, enjoy some mocktails or wine, and check out the shops for a night of relaxation and self-care. The shopping doesn’t have to stop there, because at the Mall in Columbia, from February 7-10 there will be pop-up shops of small businesses where you can get some Valentine’s Day shopping done. From jewelry to baked treats, these one-of-a-kind treasures are worth checking out while supporting the community. Also in Columbia that weekend, on Saturday the 8th, is a Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop event at Boutique by ShimmySista. Shop, sip, nibble and laugh, and enter in a giveaway for a prize package worth $200.
Something Different
For fun with friends or on your own, there are entertaining social events too. Backwater Books in Old Ellicott City is hosting a Singles Night Book Swap on the 14th. Share your love for a book with fellow bibliophiles while enjoying a special drink at the bar, and maybe even meet someone new. Or check out the Lost Ark Valentine’s Day brunch on Sunday the 16th, featuring drag queens from Absolutely Dragulous. You can enjoy craft cocktails and extraordinary performers at the Lost Ark Distillery in Columbia.
For the Anti-Valentine’s Day crowd, there are still themed events that are sure to be a treat. If you feel like singing your favorite love or breakup songs, head to the Trolley Stop in Old Ellicott City that Friday night for Cupid is Stupid Karaoke. Or check out an Anti-Valentine’s Day drag brunch at Black Flag Brewing Company in Columbia on Sunday February 23. There will be food available from 2 Bold Chefs food truck and drinks from Black Flag to enjoy while watching a fabulous performance featuring drag queens from Absolutely Dragulous.
For more information for all these events, check out the links included in the article with each event.
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