Romantics and lovebirds, rejoice! This year you have not just a day, but an entire Valentine’s Weekend in San Francisco, to swoon, flirt, cuddle and frolic. Should you decide to mix with the rest of the world, check the love-themed special events below. Just don’t gloat over your single friends.
Mortified SF’s Doomed Valentine’s Show
Feb. 11-13
Think you’ve got THE worst love story in the world? Maybe not. Listen to folks like you recall (and re-live) their true bouts of mortifying love-angst, such as a then-18-year-old guy’s attempted first kiss (with a middle-aged, sleeping passenger on a plane), a Navy man’s efforts to score even a so-so prostitute during the Gulf War, and a teen-ager who finds Christianity doesn’t quell her horniness. Mortified is a grassroots comedy organization open to people willing to share their inner angst with complete strangers.
Feb. 11 & 12, at 8 pm: at the Makeout Room, 3225 22nd St., SF. Feb. 13, at 9 pm: at the Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, with ‘80s dance party to follow. Tickets $12, 15.
Love Everywhere
Feb. 12-14
This new work by the Erika Chong Shuch Performance Project celebrates love and marks the 6th anniversary of San Francisco’s issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. With live chamber music, non-dancers performing with professional dancers and onlookers encouraged to join in, the piece is meant to be a reminder of the continuing fight for marriage equality.
A 40-person kick-off performance is at the City Hall Rotunda on Feb. 12 at noon; smaller stagings follow at various venues and times on Feb. 12 & 13; two final, condensed performances are at Glide Memorial Church on Feb. 14 at 9 and 11 am. Free.
Food from the Heart 2010
Feb. 12, at 5-8 pm; Feb. 13, at 10 am-5 pm
The Ferry Building Marketplace at the Embarcadero turns romantic Friday evening with candles, tango and salsa dancing, a chocolate painting demonstration, classical music and tastings of chocolate, hors d'oeuvres and Napa Valley wines ($2-4 per taste), all to benefit Slow Food San Francisco. Saturday offers music, cooking demos and last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts for sale.
A Valentine's Tribute Weekend to John Hughes
Feb. 12 & 13
Seven films in two days by the director of teen angst, who would’ve turned 60 years old this month. Besides vaulting Molly Ringwald to fame, Hughes’ flicks include Ferris Bueller's Day Off, National Lampoon's Vacation and Planes, Trains & Automobiles.
At the Castro Theatre. Tickets $10/day.
Love Dub: Reggae & Yoga
Feb. 13, at 8:30 pm - midnight
Open your heart and soul in yoga and guided meditation sessions accompanied by live music, followed by more music by the All-Star Ragga Soul Jahs, percussionists and live mix masters. Fifteen percent of profits will be donated to the Save the Redwood Tree Foundation, Surfriders and Power to the Peaceful.
At Yoga Tree’s Castro Studio, 97 Collingwood St. Tickets $45.
Love Letters
Feb. 13 & 14, at 3 pm
Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III read the touching, funny letters they’ve written to one another over the years. Real husband-and-wife actors Eva Marie Saint and Jeffrey Hayden star in A.R. Gurney’s most popular play.
At the Rrazz Room, Hotel Nikko. Tickets $40, 50.
How We First Met
February 13 & 14, at 8 pm
Real life, improv and audience participation are wrapped into one hilarious performance. Couples explain how they met, and audience members vote for their favorite story. Actors then dramatize the chosen tale, reenacting and improvising pregnant pauses, purposeful looks, key words and maybe a song or two.
At Herbst Theatre. Tickets $25-40.
