Valentine's Day 2012 in San Francisco is inspiring parties, fundraisers, embarrassing public confessions, art, scientific discussions, cruises, romantic dinners and of course anti-Valentine's outbursts. Here's a list of some of them, starting with Valentine's-themed events and activities, and then cruises, and dining options. Plan ahead, because the Valentine's Day celebrating begins a week before February 14!
VALENTINE'S DAY PARTIES & EVENTS
Aphrodesia After Hours
Feb. 8, at 6-10 pm
Why get a bouquet when you can present an entire jungle of orchids and other exotic flowers instead? There are also special libations, live jazz music, and a talk by a TCHO chocolate maker that starts with a cacao tree and ends with a chocolate tasting.
At the Conservatory of Flowers, 100 John F. Kennedy Dr., Golden Gate Park. Ages 21+. Admission $7, 10; drink tickets $5.
Heroes & Hearts Luncheon
Dana King's heart, "Global Prescription." Photo courtesy of Heroes & Hearts.
Feb. 9, at 11:30 am-1:30 pm
A fundraising lunch for San Francisco General Hospital, which operates San Francisco's only trauma center. Community heroes are honored, and 14 decorated heart sculptures made by local artists are unveiled. Eight giant hearts will be installed around town; six hearts (25 pounds each) are up for sale at the luncheon.
At AT&T Park. Tickets: Contact Katie Moe at (415) 206-5928 or kmoe@sfghf.net.
Animal Attraction NightLife
Feb. 9, at 6-10 pm
Tonight’s Cal Academy after-hours session focuses on--what else?--sex. Talks on the science of orgasm and on animal sex and the zodiac, an exhibit of historic and modern vibrators, DJs and cocktails. Get a sneak preview of the Animal Attraction exhibit, which demonstrates that nothing in life is more important than successful sex, and animals have all sorts of wild strategies for achieving that (including sexual cannibalism).
At California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. Ages 21+. Admission $10, 12.
Hearts After Dark
Feb. 9, at 7-10 pm
Music, cocktails and canapés under the stars, to benefit San Francisco General Hospital.
At AT&T Park. Ages 21+. Tickets $75, 175.
Cupid's Back
Feb. 9, at 8 pm-midnightThe annual fundraiser for the GLBT Historical Society and GLBT History Museum is focused on G, promising "400 single guys wearing big, heart-shaped name tags to make it easier to mix and mingle." Drag personality Juanita More hosts. Open bar.
At Supperclub, 657 Harrison St. Tickets $30, $35.
On the Edge 2: Erotic Photography Exhibition
Feb. 10, at 4-9 pm; Feb. 11, at 1-9 pm; Feb. 12, at 12-5pm.
An exhibit and sale of about 400 erotic photographs by 25 mostly local photographers.
At Gallery 4N5, 863 Mission St. Ages 21+. Free.
Food from the Heart
Feb. 10, at 5-8 pm; and Feb. 11
The Ferry Building’s market turns romantic Friday evening with candles, tango, classical music and tastings of chocolate, hors d'oeuvres and local wines, to benefit Slow Food San Francisco. Saturday offers music and valentine specials.
At the Ferry Building, the Embarcadero. Free admission; tastings $2-6.
Doomed Valentine's Show
Feb. 10, at 7:30 pm in San Francisco; Feb. 11, at 8 pm in Berkeley
Because it's totally embarrassing and humiliating, you've never told anyone about your romantic encounter that turned sour/bizarre/psycho. But hey, it's fun to hear other stories of love gone wrong, and this show has several--presented by the now-recovered protagonists themselves. This could be the catharsis you need. Also in the line-up: The Freeze, a comedy/hip hop troupe that performs freestyle improv rap.
Feb. 10 at DNA Lounge, 375 11th St., San Francisco; tickets $14, 21. Feb. 11 at Shattuck Down Low, 2184 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; tickets $15, 20.
Valentine's Day Dash
Feb. 12, at 9:30 am
Register individually or as a two-person team for this valentine-themed 5K run/walk that's new in San Francisco. A free dash for kids ages 10 and under starts at 9:10 am. "Food, fun and love" are promised at the finish.
Starts at the Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park. Registration $30, 40.
Woo at the Zoo
Feb. 12, at 11 am-2 pm; and Feb. 14 at 6-9 pm
Jane Tollini talks about the cosmos, zodiac and the sex lives of animals, over brunch or dinner with drinks.
At the San Francisco Zoo, 1 Zoo Road. Ages 21+. Tickets $65-80.
See next page for more valentine-y events through mid-February, plus cruises and restaurants -->
