It's Valentine's Day weekend!
Too busy to celebrate with your sweetie on actual Valentine's Day?
Don't worry love birds, there is plenty going on in the Big Apple this weekend.
Whether you need to snag a last minute Valentine's Day gift, wanna get out of the house after being snowed inside all day today, or drink your troubles away Single-ton style, we've rounded up 9 must do's for the most romantic weekend in NYC.
And hey, if you are single, there's no better way to meet that special someone than getting out there!
Friday, February 10th
1. Make a Valentine's Day Reservation
Lol you probably should've done this before now, but if you haven't– definitely do it now.
Why not try one of our faves, Lincoln Square Steak? This Valentine's Day, they're doing a three-course dinner where you can savor small plates like Sizzling Canadian Bacon, Steak Tartare, or even some perfectly fried Calamari.
But uh, save room for the real meat of it with your choice of seafood, half roasted chicken, hanger steak, Filet Mignon, or NY Strip. Pair that with a side of their decadent five cheese truffle mac, garlic fries, creamed spinach, or potato puree. AND THEN save room for a dessert platter and champagne toast. Can't beat that.
Or there's always Applebee's. If you're that guy. But also, Friday is the last night of New York Restaurant Week, maybe you can celebrate early and snag a last minute deal!
2. Sex Party: A Feminist Sex-Tech Market and Party
All we can say about this party is a big old YAAAASSSSS!!!
Going down at Brooklyn Bazaar (150 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn), the Sex Party will feature vendors from over 20 female-founded NYC sex & tech start-ups.
Going down Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-1:30am, expect fem-spired vendors of sexy toys, healthy lifestyle apps, and more.
This is not only the perfect place to snag a last minute V-Day gift, but you can also join in on a dance party, sing some karaoke, play mini-golf, or even get a free temporary tattoo from a bad ass female tattoo artist.
You can RSVP here!
3. Lovecraft: A Valentine's Day Experience
Procrastinators unite and rejoice! Pop Up Nation presents Lovecraft: the answer to your Valentine's Day gift related woes.
The FREE couples and singles-friendly will be hosting the best up-and-coming NYC retailers for chocolate, jewelry, lingerie, pleasurables (not sure what that specifically means, but we'll guess), and dessert at 435 Broome Street in Manhattan.
"Singles-friendly" might not seem like the most welcoming phrase, but don't be dissuaded– they will have free makeovers, free massages, free hot cider tastings, a photo booth, and you'll be able to check out those pleasurables we were talking about earlier.
The pop-up shop will be that whole weekend too, so there's no reason you shouldn't stop by.
Saturday, February 11th
Pray for the weather to stay as cold as it's been (what? why?), so the ice-carving artists setting up shop in Central Park will have ideal conditions (oh). They'll be transforming 6,000 pounds of ice into a shiny, cold replica of one of the Park's statues with electric chain saws, chisels, and picks.
The real party, however, starts when the sun goes down, and the Mall is illuminated by its colorful lights. Then, the DJs come out for a huge silent disco– they'll provide the headphones.
Best part? This is a free event, all you gotta do is head over to the Naumburg Bandshell in the Park between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Single on Valentine's Day? Wanna drink about it? Join some fellow single-tons on a Valentine's Day Pub Crawl! Starting at Brother Jimmy's in Murray Hill, expect a night of drink specials, costume contests, raffle prizes and maybe even meeting a last minute Valentine?
We recommend registering now: $10 for signing up now and $20 the day of the event.
Sunday, February 12th
Sunday is all about snagging those last minute Valentine's Day gifts (and brunch, obviously).
Your first stop? New York's largest weekly market, Grand Baazar NYC (100 West 77th Street). This Sunday, it's transforming into the Sweethearts Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Expect vendors from Woven Ink Stationery, The Modern Dream, Brownie Heaven, Taproot Organics, Fantasy Glass, Rusalka Lingerie and many more.
If you're still looking for love, you can get your picture taken by professional Tinder photographer Charlie Grosso from 12pm to 3pm.
The best part of all of this? Your purchases will benefit of 4,000 NYC school children, as Grand Bazaar will donate 100% of their profits to four local public schools.
7. Mama's Bazaar: Valentine's Market
The House of Yes (2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn), never disappoints.
That's why we have no doubt that this is going to be the sexiest spot to snag a last minute V-Day gift for your sweetie pie.
Expect vendors selling sexy/erotic/fantasy/s&m goods, and seasonal jewelry, crafts, festival wear, costumes, and more. You can also dance it up to the DJ, get some face and body glitter paint, and pose for an erotic photographer.
This event is free with RSVP and runs from 11am to 5:30pm, with a happy hour from noon to 2 p.m.
8. Brooklyn Chocolate Takedown
Have you heard about The Takedowns? Why, it's only America's most important food competition!
According to The New York Times, "it combines two wholly American pursuits — overeating and winning — ...a cooking competition where anything goes." In The Brooklyn Chocolate Takedown, competitors will experiment with chocolate recipes: hot chocolate, cold chocolate, sweet chocolate, savory chocolate, you name it.
This Sunday from 12pm to 2pm at The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club. Chocolate lovers better snag your tickets now!
We all know Sunday is all about Brunch. This Sunday you can satisfy your ultimate dim sum cravings at the newest installation of the Museum of Chinese in America.
At this special weekend morning brunch at Golden Unicorn, you’ll learn to order (and eat!) dim sum in Cantonese, and follow their traditions as they start the new year. Back at the museum, they’ll walk everyone through a guided tour of Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy: Stories of Chinese Food and Identity in America.
Seats are limited, so definitely purchase your tickets in advance.
[Feature Image Courtesy okatmotastudionyc]