V-Day Heart-On
Feb. 12, at 7 pm
Porn film company Kink.com, which in 2006 acquired the historic armory building in the Mission, offers a tour of its dungeons and other sets, a “kinky mini-workshop,” treats, and a souvenir photo. The castle-like structure is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1914 as the San Francisco National Guard Armory and Arsenal.
At the Armory, 1800 Mission St. Ages 18+. Tickets $40.
Eternity Ball
Comedian Jeff Applebaum. Photo courtesy of Jeff Applebaum.
Feb. 14, at 6:30 pm–midnight
An elegant party for singles and couples where bridesmaid and wedding gowns of all eras are part of the dress code! Dinner, dancing, a DJ, drinks, and if needed, a free tuxedo rental from Selix Formalwear, are included with your ticket. Comedian Jeff Applebaum emcees. Part of the proceeds benefit the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation.
At Fort Mason, Festival Pavilion. Ages 21+. Tickets $100, 125, 300.
How We First Met
Feb. 14, at 8 pm
Emcee Jill Bourque interviews couples on stage about how they met, while a gaggle of quick-witted comics re-enact their romances using improvised sketches and songs.
At Marines' Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St. Tickets $40-75.
LOVE: Ali MacGraw
Feb. 14, at 8 pm
"Love means never having to say you're sorry" may be the best-known love line from any Hollywood movie. Tonight you can (re-)witness Ali McGraw uttering it on the big screen and meet the Oscar nominee in person. The Love Story evening also includes live performances of the 1970 hit movie's songs, a "Preppie vs. Radcliffe Bitch" look-a-like contest, clips from MacGraw's career, and an interview with her.
At Castro Theater, 429 Castro St. Tickets $25, 45.
Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA
Feb. 14, at 8 pm and 10 pm; and Feb. 15 at 8 pm
The closest you’ll ever get to ABBA. Arrival From Sweden is, naturally, also Swedish, and has exclusive permission to use the ABBA trademark and copy ABBA’s original sparkly costumes in its productions. It got an unreleased song from ABBA in 2009, and is the only group to have been granted such a plum.
At Yoshi's San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore St. Tickets $25, 35.
I Hate Valentine's Day
Feb. 14 at 8 pm; and Feb. 19 at 5 pm
The Crackpot Crones (aka Terry Baum and Carolyn Myers) perform improv and sketch comedy for un-love birds, including singing The Twelve Days of Being Dumped and unveiling an invention, the Revenge-O-Meter.
At the Dark Room, 2263 Mission St. Tickets $20.
Love Bites: ‘80s Power Ballad Sing-A-Long
Feb. 14, at 9:30 pm
Can't stand Valentine's Day and all of those mushy couples? SF IndieFest's got you covered. Raise your lighters, glow-sticks and voices to sing anti-Valentine anthems by Guns N’ Roses, REO Speedwagon, Bon Jovi, Journey and other bands.
At Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St. Tickets $11.
MATCHA: Sensuality
Feb. 16, at 5-9 pm
A sensual night with an intimate tea lounge, fragrances made by aromatic artist Yosh Han and inspired by the Maharaja exhibit, henna art on your skin, Ayurvedic head massages and a reading by comic book artist Mari Naomi.
At the Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St. Admission $10.
VALENTINE’S DAY ON THE BAY
For quick and easy romantic ambiance, think water (waterfalls, oceans, lakes, ponds, fountains). We're fortunate to have a lovely bay, and around Valentine's Day, San Francisco Bay cruises frequently toss in Champagne, chocolate or dancing.
Hornblower's various Valentine-themed cruises out of San Francisco come with brunch or dinner on Feb. 11, 12 and 14. The KISS-FM Valentine's Cruise on Feb. 11 is only for ages 21 and over, but all other cruises are open to kids. Adult tickets are $73-150.
Blue and Gold Fleet offers an hour-long sunset cruise on Feb. 14, for $75 per couple. There's an optional dinner afterwards at Neptune's Waterfront Grill and Bar.
VALENTINE’S DAY DINING & WINING
Photo for SFCVB by Jack Hollingsworth.
Can’t or don’t want to cook? Open Table lists dozens of San Francisco restaurants with Valentine specials, many running Feb. 10-14.
Romantic restaurants with great food include Aziza (Michelin-star nouveau Moroccan under low lights); Fleur de Lys (fine French dining, regal drapery and mirrors); Jardiniere (balcony and domed ceiling); La Folie (Michelin-star French, with ceiling, columns and drapes that soar); and Woodward's Garden (under-the-freeway location belies what's inside).