Things to do for Valentine's Day 2013 in New York
Screw the dinner date. Try one of these things to do for Valentine's Day: parties, singles mixers, comedy or burlesque shows, screenings, and more.
Fri Feb 1 2013
Photograph: Francine Daveeta
Things to do for Valentine's Day: Good for couples
Jane's Carousel February Celebration
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
After suffering damage from a certain superstorm, Jane’s Carousel is back in action—and getting into the Valentine’s spirit early by letting couples ride with a single ticket through February 28. Treat your honey to a $2 twirl on the restored 1922 merry-go-round; although it’s fully heated, you can still use the cold as an excuse to snuggle up.
- Jane's Carousel 56 Water St, between New Dock St and Main St
- Wed Feb 27 - Thu Feb 28
Romance Under the Stars
- Price band: 3/4
- Critics choice
Eschew the dinner date on Valentine's Day and snap up tickets to this swanky soiree at the American Museum of Natural History's Rose Center for Earth and Space. The night begins among the asteroids (have a "heavenly bodies" quip ready) with an open bar of cocktails and champagne, passed hors d’oeuvres and chocolate-covered strawberries while the Josh Rutner Quartet sets the mood with jazz standards. An hour and a half later, cozy up in the Hayden Plantarium while an astronomer tells lovey-dovey stories based on the mythology of the cosmos.
- Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth & Space 175 Central Park West, at 81st St
- Thu Feb 14
Nuit Blanche: Valentine's Burlesque
- Critics choice
Dances of Vice brings a glamorous gaggle of glittering showgirls and exotic performers to the Meatpacking District; the burlesque affair features three sets in an a new production each week. The all-star cast for tonight's Valentine's Eve show includes Calamity Chang, Cassandra Rosebeetle, Medianoche, Hazel Honeysuckle and Tansy Tan Dora; a dance party with DJ Eve Salvail follows the performances, keeping the action coming until 2am. For dinner reservations, call 212-675-2400 (or just imbibe a cocktail or three).
- Beaumarchais 409 W 13th St, between Ninth Ave and Washington St, 10014
- Wed Feb 13
An Alternative Jazz Valentine
- Price band: 1/4
ShapeShifter Lab hosts a holiday-themed vocal-jazz showcase, featuring bands led by Tammy Scheffer and Tomoko Omura.
- ShapeShifter Lab 18 Whitwell Pl, between Carroll and 1st Sts, 11215
- Thu Feb 14
Chembo Corniel
- Price band: 3/4
Cuban-American percussionist Chembo Corniel provides the hot grooves for your sultry Valentine's Day assignation, with one price covering dinner and roses for all the ladies in the house. Note that you won't be able to pay at the door; to make arrangements, e-mail directfromcuba@yahoo.com.
Eric Roberson
- Price band: 4/4
Neosoul crooner Eric Roberson—also known as Erro to the, um, Errobsessed—has collabed with Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild. This evening he'll put his personal spin on romantic hits by Brian McKnight, Will Downing, Luther Vandross and the like.
Lezlie Harrison
- Price band: 2/4
Lezlie Harrison sings jazz and soul classics at a Valentine's Day–themed gig.
- The Jazz Gallery 1160 Broadway, between 27th and 28th Sts, fifth floor
- Thu Feb 14
Freddie Jackson
- Price band: 4/4
R&B ladies' man Freddie Jackson sings smooth grooves for lovers; his signature hits are "You Are My Lady" and "Rock Me Tonight." We're willing to bet he'll be handing out red roses tonight...
- B.B. King Blues Club & Grill 237 W 42nd St, between Seventh and Eighth Aves
- Thu Feb 14
Bernie Worrell Orchestra
- Price band: 2/4
Former P-Funker Bernie Worrell has lent his keyboard mastery to a vast array of projects over the years; on his latest, the tender yet typically loopy Standards, Worrell took on chestnuts by Ellington, Brubeck and others. Should be good fodder for tonight's Valentine's Day gig in Hoboken.
"The Devotion Project" screening
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
In honor of Valentine's Day, the Center presents this series of six short documentary films about LGBT couples and families, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Antony Osso as well as several of the subjects featured in the films.
- The LGBT Center 208 W 13th St, between Greenwich and Seventh Aves
- Wed Feb 13
The '70s Soul Jam with the Stylistics + The Chi-Lites + The Emotions + The Manhattans and more
- Price band: 3/4
Philadelphia soul stars the Stylistics team up with Chicago soul quartet the Chi-Lites (of "Have You Seen Her?" and "Oh Girl" fame) for some buttery-smooth ballads at this pair of steamy shows. Also on the bill is Cuba Gooding Sr., plus the Manhattans, who formed when doo-wop was king, but they actually fared better with the smooth R&B that became the next big thing (1976's "Kiss and Say Goodbye" remains the vocal troupe’s landmark). Don't come dateless!
- Beacon Theatre 2124 Broadway, at 74th St
- Until Sat Feb 16
The Sweetheart Soiree
- Critics choice
Bring your honey to this swanky affair, soundtracked by the Michael Arenella Sextet. Other performers include jazz singer Queen Esther, tap-dancers the Minsky Sisters. Let humor’s favorite temptress, song-and-dance gal Grace Gotham and vocalist Gregory Moore. Dance instructer Roddy Caravella will be on hand to offer a few tip to the doubly left-footed. Admission includes a gratis prosecco and hors d'oeuvres; evening attire is encouraged.
- Stone Rose Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle, at Eighth Ave
- Until Mon Feb 18
- Menu
- Performances and shows
- Good for couples
- Parties and singles events
- Anti–Valentine's Day
