See our 2019 Valentine's Day calendar here.
If you're committed to staying frugal but still want to spend Valentine's Day out on the town, you're in luck: Below, we've rounded up all the great V-Day events that won't cost more than $15, starting the weekend before and continuing to the weekend after, since the holiday falls on a Wednesday this year. We've got everything from Coyle's Bakeshop's no-reservation Valentine's Day Dessert Night to Linda's Tavern's free Babe Night dance party, and from the Heartbreak Science Fair to the Laser Loves Me / Laser Loves Me Not shows. For even more options, check out our complete Valentine's Day calendar.
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Jump to: Feb 9 | Feb 10 | Feb 11 | Feb 12 | Feb 13 | Feb 14 | Feb 15 | Feb 17 | Feb 18
FEBRUARY 9
Bootie Seattle: Valentine's Party!
Seattle's only all-mashup dance party throws down for a high-energy Valentine's Day bacchanalia complete with twisted love mash-ups to get you feeling all kinds of ways. Prep thyself for all the '00s club bangers and '10s Top40 hits you could possibly handle, and dress in red for the holiday.
(Capitol Hill, $5/$10)
Feel the Love Valentine-Themed Craft Night
Make your Valentine a glittery emblem of love at this craft night.
(Ballard, $15)
Love Pong
Get custom tattoos from Tattly with your "Bumble BFF," meet the Bumble team for some "sweatworking and instructional tips," and see surprise performances throughout the evening. Bring a date or arrive single and ready to mingle.
(Downtown, free)
Slow Jam: R&B Dance Party
Bump and grind to R&B slow jams and love songs, from TLC to the Weeknd.
(Capitol Hill, $5-$10)
Valentine's Chantey Sing
Woo your Valentine with a romantic sea chantey serenade led by "folkie" Dan Roberts.
(South Lake Union, free)
Valentine's Wine Tasting
Try six different wines curated just for the occasion. Discounts will be available along with package deals with Alexandra's Macarons and Rusted Vase Floral Co.
(West Seattle, $5)
FEBRUARY 10
Bloody Valentine Masquerade Ball
Explore the macabre side of Saint Valentine's Day by dressing in your scariest costume to win prizes. As all haunted houses should, they'll have a nacho bar, a dessert bar, a live DJ, and more creepy entertainment.
(Mountlake Terrace, $15)
Dancing on the Valentine 13: Pixies & Breeders Tribute
Pay homage to the Pixies and the Breeders at this annual Valentine's show benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Come see Black Nite Crash, the Gods Themselves, Golden Gardens, Hotels, Jen Wood, Jupe Jupe, LaFonda, Pink Parts, Sloucher, Trick Candles, KEXP's DJ Atticus, and DJ Mike Steve play covers for a cathartic musical evening.
(Capitol Hill, $15)
HeartBeat Silent Disco: Dance Your Heart Out
For this Valentine's Day edition of HeartBeat Silent Disco, wear your most romantic gear and hop aboard the Orient Express (which will be decked out for the holiday in reds and pinks). You'll get to dance (your heart out) to a plethora of tunes from many DJs, including Emuh, Bacosaurus, iLL DiLL, Unknown ?layer, and more.
(Sodo, $10/$12)
Love or Lust
Hang out at the Thompson's rooftop bar and soak up the "soaring raspy vocals" and creative mash-up stylings of vocalist Caety Sagoian.
(Downtown, free)
Mi Amor Everett Makers Market
Pick up a sweet something from local makers while you sip a selection of beers from Scuttlebutt.
(Everett, free)
Pop-up Mercado: Corazon Rebelde
Shop art, clothing, goodies, jewelry, and more from Colectiva Noroeste.
(Beacon Hill, free)
Share the Love
The Ugly Baby Shop will hide 20 paper hearts (each worth $1) along Western Avenue. Find a heart, bring it to the shop, and they'll donate it to a charity of your choosing. Options include Mary's Place, Seattle Animal Shelter, Treehouse, Northwest Center, Northwest Harvest, Lifelong, Lambert House, and Solid Ground. Plus, the first 40 customers will receive a Valentine's Day swag bag.
(Downtown, free)
Some Bunny to Love
Help provide food and care for the rescue rabbits of Special Bunny by purchasing goods from Drizzle & Shine, snapping pictures in a photo booth, eating snacks, and petting bun buns.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Tim Kreider: I Wrote This Book Because I Love You
Essayist and cartoonist Tim Kreider will share his new book of essays, I Wrote This Book Because I Love You, just in time for Valentine's Day.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Valentine Chocolates Pop-Up
Pick up some small-batch sweets for yourself or someone you like. A portion of proceeds benefits Legal Voice.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Valentine's Dance Party
Join your Polish friends for a Valentine's Day dance party.
(Capitol Hill, $15)
Valentine's Day Enrichment
Feel your heart flutter as you watch otters, red pandas, snow leopards, gorillas, and other animals at the zoo celebrate Valentine's Day with heart-shaped ice pops made of fruit juice, honey, and strawberries, herbal bouquets, heart-shaped steaks, and more "romantic treats."
(Phinney, $15)
Valentine's Day Soul Nite 2018
Celebrate Valentine's Day the Lo-Fi way with "vinyl soul for the lovers" provided by the Emerald City Soul Club as a warm-up for the actual day.
(Eastlake, $10)
Wham! Bam!
This Valentine's-themed show will offer the magnificent sight of "aerial acts condensed to their essence"ânone more than one minute and a half.
(Phinney, $7)
FEBRUARY 10-11
Cupcake Royale Valentine's
Make Valentine cards for your friends, family, lovers, pets, and frenemies at these free craft sessions. They'll provide plenty of suppliesâwith plenty of cupcakes available for purchase, of course.
(Various locations, free)
FEBRUARY 11
BadWill Market: Valentine's Day Edition
Shop small for your Valentine or for yourself at this pop-up featuring 20 local vendors.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Preserve and Gather Valentine's Pop-Up
Sip sparkling rosé while you shop vintage housewares, clothing, handmade bouquets, and treats for your Valentine (or for yourself).
(Crown Hill, free)
Rainier Pedal to the Meddle
Spin Bikeshare, Rainier Beer, and Meddle are joining forces for a Valentine's bike crawl. When you check in with a Spin rep, you'll receive your Spin bike, a free ride code, and a wristband that will give you access to discounts (including 10 percent off at Theo) and drink specials.
(Fremont, free)
SendLove
The Office of Sustainability & Environment will supply artist-designed valentines, key messages, and contact lists for you to help "send love" to "environmental heroes fighting to protect our familiesâ health and the environment."
(Capitol Hill, free)
She Is Valentine's Day Craft Market
Support the Jubilee Womenâs Center by shopping for Valentine-worthy arts and crafts and from local makers.
(Capitol Hill, free)
SHRIEK!: Ginger Snaps + Date Night
SHRIEK, the bimonthly class that focuses on women and minorities in horror, will screen Ginger Snaps. In this 2000 cult favorite, two morbid sisters find their death obsession becoming a little too real when one of them is bitten by a werewolf. Discuss issues in the film afterwards, such as: "Why are almost all female monsters presented as sexy? Why do women and girls become sexy when they become monsters?"
(University District, $10)
Valentine's Photo Booth at Mud Bay
Pups can get their photos taken for free in a V-Day photo booth.
(Queen Anne, free)
Valentine's Day with Donna Parker
Hear Donna Parker play the Wurlitzer organ while you enjoy a slice of pie and a cup of coffee or tea.
(Heller Lake, $15)
FEBRUARY 12
Pooch Photo Shoot
Give your pups a V-Day treat to remember by taking them to an elegant photo shoot.
(South Lake Union, $10)
FEBRUARY 12-13
Sip and Shop for Valentine's Day Essentials
Sip bubbly while you snag deals on last-minute Valentine's Day goods.
(Capitol Hill, free)
FEBRUARY 13
Bubbles & Buddies Galentine's Day Party
Gather your best gals and enjoy a glass of champagne while shopping a selection of handmade and vintage goods from women makers, designers, and collectors. Ten percent of sales will benefit Planned Parenthood.
(Capitol Hill, free)
The Heartbreak Science Fair
Cheer up your post-Valentine's heart with high-tech art by visual artist Destiny Vesper, circuit-art-builder Dominique Nick, collagist Julie Louise, self-described "experimental mess" Krista Lee Wolfe, and sculptor Theresa Oborn. The art will be up until March 31, but the main event on February 13 will treat you to music and performances, so that's the best time to go.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Pre-Valentine's Day Special: Exes & Ohhhhhs Gallery Hours + More
Here's a reprise of Timothy Rysdyke's Exes and Ohhhhhs, a "relationship museum," along with an opportunity to create a "relationship capsule" out of your own memorabilia.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Sad Shop
Shop for last-minute Valentine's Day cards (made from recycled paper) from Sad Shop.
(South Lake Union, free)
FEBRUARY 14
All Fur Love
At this pup-centric V-Day party, give your pooch a smooch in a "kissing booth" and post the photo on Instagram for a chance to win a $100 gift card. They'll also have Noble Oak cocktail specials all day, plus dog treat giveaways with any lunch or dinner purchase.
(Fremont, free)
Barking Dog Valentine's Day
Babysitters will be on-hand to entertain kids with arts and crafts while parents enjoy a romantic and stress-free dinner.
(Ballard, $15)
Be Our Valentine
Drop by Clementines for complimentary champagne and cookies (no purchase necessary) on Valentine's Day.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Born to Cuddle
Celebrate the release of a new zine about platonic cuddling and power to "overthrow the heteropatriarchy." Listen to readings by zine contributors Tara Hardy, Eddy Sandoval, Emmett Stanfield, and Ann Luetzow while you snuggle up in the designated "cuddle corner."
(Capitol Hill, free)
Canon Valentine's Day Massacre
Besotted lovebirds, this one's not for you: Canon's seventh annual Valentine's Day (featuring $4 shots of Fernet Branco, a bitter amaro for bitter hearts) is strictly singles only, and any PDA-exhibiting violators on the premises risk being "gunned down in cold blood" with one of 24 water pistols that will be distributed throughout the building. Don't say we didn't warn you.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Cards Against Cupid
Forget commercialized romance and play an anti-Cupid game of Cards Against Humanity. Also see performances by "Game mistress" Tipsy Rose Lee, send secret messages to guests that catch your eye, win prizes, and enjoy food and drink specials.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Cheap Date Night
Save your cash and fancy sensibilities for later and feast on grilled cheese and beer instead.
(Interbay, by donation)
Family-Friendly Valentine's Day Event
This all-ages comedy show and dinner hosted by Maddie Downes and featuring Robert Pidde and Emmett Montgomery is a fun alternative to a bad date.
(Ballard, $10)
A Funny Valentine's Date Night
After the family friendly version, catch Emmett Montgomery, Robert Pidde, and Maddie Downes in a stand-up comedy performance with your Valentine.
(Ballard, $10)
Galentine's Day
In the tradition of Leslie Knope, this day for "ladies celebrating ladies" features scoops on pink waffle cones, a selfie station with props, an exclusive ice cream flavor for the occasion, and treats like chocolate boxes, pastries, cakes, espresso, and more.
(University District, free)
King's Hardware Valentine's Day
Party with Drunk Cupid while "backinâ that thing up" to "risquĂ© jams" provided by DJâs RightTernes (Suicide Squeeze Records) and DJ Abbie (KEXP).
(Ballard, free)
Laser Loves Me / Laser Loves Me Not
Choose between a pro-Valentine's laser show with a lovey dovey playlist, or opt for the later show for an anti-Valentine's show full of "strong-willed and independent" tracks.
(Queen Anne, $12)
Live, Laugh, Love - Seattle's Date Night Comedy Show
Are you a super-cool couple of lovebirds who dig stand-up? Get into this recurring stand-up show for 20 bucks for the two of you. Of course, you can get the same sweet price (plus fees) as a single person if you buy in advance.
(Fremont, $10-$20)
My Bloody Valentine
Whether you're looking to "drown some heartbreak" or "celebrate your independence," Elysian suggests that you forget your troubles with their new Raspy Whisper (a Chocolate Raspberry Gose) and Bitter Patter, a Triple IPA "as bitter as your heart." Jet City Improv will provide the comic relief, and Bloodworks Northwest will be on hand to sign guests up for blood donations.
(Capitol Hill, free)
My Funny Valentine: The Music of Chet Baker
Portland musician Jimmy Herod (who performed with ODESZA on Jimmy Kimmel Live and is currently touring with Pink Martini) will give a special Valentine's Day concert.
(Columbia City, free)
Nudeprov
Nudeprov is just what is sounds like. Matt Hatfield and Michael Draper will do improv...in the buff.
(Greenwood, $10/$14)
The Princess Bride Remixed
This local Valentine's Day tradition takes the beloved and much-quoted classic Princess Bride and supplants its sound with a synchronized soundtrack whose lyrics help tell the tale in a new way (including a classic country tune about torture and the Freddy Krueger theme song).
(Greenwood, free)
Real Housewives of Seattle: A Drag Show
Karmen Korbel, LaSaveona Hunt, Klauyda Markos, Fraya Love, and Cookie Couture will pay homage to those unhappily wealthy ladies of television.
(Downtown, $8)
Retirement, Wrinkle, Olivia White, Thank You
Show up in person or tune into Hollow Earth Radio to hear live sets by Retirement, Wrinkle, Olivia White, and Thank You for a special Valentine's Day show.
(Central District, by donation)
Show Your Love For Folklife
Show your support for Seattle's favorite hippie fest with this benefit show for Northwest Folklife, with local musicians like Gabriel Wolfchild & The Northern Light, Kristin Chambers, Manybest, and Sandi Fernandez gathering in support of our arts community.
(Ballard, $8)
Solo Soundtrack: Anti-Valentine's Day Edition
How to make rom-coms bearable when you're a Valentine's Day cynic? Let writer/designer/VJ Vivian Hua hijack the soundtrack. Bring your own headphones and watch Down with Love, Peyton Reed's throwback to "no-sex sex comedies" starring Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. Dialogue? Don't need it. The cinema will cut the movie's sound so you can zone out to Hua's hiphop selections.
(Capitol Hill, $12)
Special Valentineâs Day Tour
Take a "love, lust, and romance" themed tour of the Frye for Valentine's Day. You'll see two very different versions of Venus, "a tragic tale of heavenly thwarted romance," and more heart-fluttering works.
(First Hill, free)
Speed Dating and Trivia
Single and ready to mingle? Engage in a speedy get-to-know-ya with other singles. Spoken for? Show up with your Valentine for a couples trivia night.
(West Seattle, free)
They Came Together: Valentine's at Revolver
Wednesday-night staples Mama Kay and DJ Quarkmatter will lay down the tracks for a romantic dance night. No date required.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Valentine's Day Babe Night
At this "babelicious dance party," groove to sultry tunes from DJs Waxwitch, Glitter Lizard, and g$munnie while you "spit game at your Instagram crush IRL."
(Capitol Hill, free)
Valentine's Dance Night
This new amorous dance night kicks off on Valentine's Day, appropriately. Take an intro Bachata class before hitting the dance floor.
(Bellevue, $7)
Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating
Gluten-free eaters can join in the cookie decorating fun with this informal, hands-on class, which will teach you how to embellish your cookies with sugars, glitter, icing, and more.
(Capitol Hill, $12)
Valentine's Day Dessert Night
For the debut edition of their âBakeshop Dessert Night,â Coyleâs Bakeshop is transforming their quaint, chandelier-illuminated Greenwood bakery space into a Parisian bistro-slanted âlow-key dessert restaurantâ for the evening, serving lemon tarts, profiteroles, and ille flotante (âfloating island,â a foaming meringue set adrift on a puddle of creme anglaise) alongside coupes of champagne cocktails and a steady flow of sparkling wine. No reservations are necessary, so itâs an ideal last-minute date or additional stop at the end of your night.
(Greenwood, free)
Valentine's Day Getaway Party
Observe V-Day with a night of chocolate, romantic comedies, yacht rock, and beer. If rom coms, aren't your thing, catch the Olympic Men's Snowboarding events.
(Lake City, free)
Valentine's Day Speed Dating
Looking for a Valentine on the fly? Amora Dior Black has you covered with a night of speed dating.
(Capitol Hill, $5)
Valentine's Day with Bride of Chucky
Take your sweetie to the most romantic possible evening: a screening of Bride of Chucky. See two evil dolls on a blood-soaked honeymoonâyou'll even receive candy hearts made with quotes from the flick.
(Columbia City, $12)
Valentine's Ice Cream Social
The Greenwood vegan bakery and ice cream shop's V-Day mixer includes a warm cookie sundae/"pizookie" ("a fresh out of the oven chocolate chip cookie baked up in an individual pie tin, topped with two scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, whip cream, sprinkles, and two cherries"), new rotating flavors, Valentine's Day Mad Libs, a photo booth, candlelight treats, and board games. Wear red, pink, or hearts to enter a raffle for $25 at Cookie Counter. 15% of all proceeds will go to Luvable Dog Rescue, and guests are encouraged to bring donations.
(Greenwood, free)
Your Funny Valentine
Want to laugh away your feelings on Valentine's Day? See live sets from local standup comics Drew Barth, Thomas Nichols, Lisa Wallen, and Jason Hunter.
(Ballard, $10)
FEBRUARY 14-18
Yaaaas, Queen: 2nd Annual Lady Yum Galentine's Day
Come dressed as a queen and celebrate the Galentines in your life with bottomless champagne, macarons, snacks, drink specials, and special prizes.
(Kirkland and Downtown, free)
FEBRUARY 15
Dream Date Sing-Along
Feeling any post-Valentine's Day letdown? Order a cocktail and some snacks from the friendly and quiet servers inside the cinema and let filmic incarnations of a multi-generational plethora of babes from Elvis to Bruno Mars lead you in romantic songs.
(Central District, $12/$14)
FEBRUARY 17
Prom Date Mixtape: Valentine's Day Special
Let '80s new wave and synth-pop tribute group Prom Date Mixtape take you back a few decades for their very special Valentine's Day edition show.
(Fremont, $8/$12)
Relationship Status
Play a round of Dating Profile Bingo, watch comedians drunk dial their exes, and go on "blind dates" with other members of the audience.
(Capitol Hill, free-$10)
Tavi Gevinson: Rookie on Love
Not to pit two excellent publications against each other, but while Teen Vogue has been "having a moment" lately, editor in chief Tavi Gevinson's Rookie Mag has been an essential periodical for young people who want to be talked to like adults since she founded it in 2011. Now she's touring the country with an anthology about <3 love <3, featuring "exclusive, never-before-seen essays, poems, comics, and interviews" from heavy hitters such as Hilton Als, Janet Mock, and Sarah Manguso. Pieces from the delightfully potty-mouthed Jenny Zhang and the extremely detail-oriented Durga Chew-Bose are well worth your time, too. The event falls a few days after Valentine's Day, so the timing isn't perfect, but neither is the heart. RICH SMITH
(University District, free)
Valentine's Beer + Cupcake Pairing with Pacific Northwest Cupcakes
Enjoy the unexpected pairing of beer from Crucible Brewing and cupcakes from Pacific Northwest Cupcakes. Full-sized cakes and pastries will also be available for sale.
(Everett, $15)
FEBRUARY 18
Laughacre
Laugh off your post-Valentine's Day feelings with short form improv games with the Turbo Turkey team.
(Belltown, $5)
