Virginia is for lovers, and there are plenty of opportunities for romance this Valentine’s Day, including the usual menu specials and bubbly toasts at local restaurants. But if you want something a little more out-of-the-box, try a Heated Rivalry fan night, tea at Falls Church’s historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse or a 5K to get your heart pumping.
Mani-CURATED: A Valentine’s Nail Art Social
Turn your nails into a canvas at this MoCA Arlington event on Feb. 6, 6:30-9 p.m. Designed for newbie nail painters, nail art enthusiasts and anyone who wants to practice self-care with a little bling, the polishing party will provide nail pens, stickers, rhinestones and nail art tools. Come with your nails ready and with a base coat on. Tickets are $26. 525 14th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
I Love My Dog Festival at Shipgarten
Give your pooches smooches at this dog-centric love fest. Participate in the Dog & Owner Relay Race, dress up your doggo and enter him or her in the Best Dressed Dog contest, and let your pup show off their best tricks. The Feb. 7, 1-6 p.m., event is free to attend. 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons
Love the Wine You’re With
Screwtop Wine Bar is hosting a Valentine’s Day celebration Feb. 7, 3-5 p.m., that includes a tasting of 20 love-themed wines and a build-your-own bouquet bar. Choose from a range of flowers to create a pretty arrangement to take home. Tickets are $69.99. 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Valentine’s Day Craft
Little ones ages 6-12 can head to Long Branch Nature Center on Feb. 8, 3:30-4:30 p.m., to make crafts to give as gifts to friends, loved ones and even animals who live at the center. The cost is $7 and registration is required. 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington (Glencarlyn)
Love in Ballston
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at this free pop-up Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Ballston Quarter. Make customized buttons with the creative team from the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington and watch a live painting demo by Muse Paintbar artists while snacking on coffee and pastries from Ted’s Bulletin. Just be sure to brush off any crumbs before taking a selfie with the pretty backdrop decor. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Pal-entine’s Day
Celebrate love in all of its forms by bringing your bestie, soulmate or new pal to this event at Upside on Moore on Feb. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even have a meet-cute. Make DIY flower bouquets with Calluna Flower Truck and friendship bracelets while sipping specialty cocktails. The event is free to attend, but some activities carry a fee. 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Heated Rivalry Valentine’s Day Party
One More Page Books is hosting an evening of valentines crafting, sipping sparkling wine and ginger ale tasting while enjoying the wildly popular TV show about two closeted hockey players who find love. Tickets to the Feb. 12, 7-8:30 p.m., event are $10. 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington
Flash Fit Low-Key Valentine’s Day 5-Miler
Run head-first into the holiday with a 5-mile race, 5K or Kids’ Dash on Feb. 14, 10 a.m. Meet at Bon Air Park & Rose Garden for the unofficial fun runs. Snacks and drinks will follow, and everyone will get a medal. Registration is $5-$35. 850 N. Lexington St., Arlington (Dominion Hills)
Spoons Toons and Booze Valentine’s Day Special
On Feb. 14 and 15 at noon, celebrate love with all-you-can-eat cereal, glasses of The Sonny (a White Russian topped with Cocoa Puffs), cereal shots and a nonstop loop of more than 100 cartoons from the 1940s through early 2000s. Tickets are $18 for this 21-and-up event at the Arlington Drafthouse. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
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After Dark Featuring Angie Pontani & Brian Newman—A Valentine’s Spectacular at The Birchmere
Feeling saucy? Take your valentine to see a show by the burlesque artist and her hubby on Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39.50. 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Valentine’s Day Tea
More history lesson than romance, this event starts with a brief info session about the historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse and then progresses to the dining room for a full afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches, sweets, scones and, of course, a cup of tea. Tickets are $48 for the Feb. 14, 2-4 p.m., event. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
National Chamber Ensemble’s Chords of Desire: Broadway and Opera Favorites
Performers will explore themes of love, longing and triumph through selections from opera and Broadway. Lose yourself in arias by Puccini, Mozart and Leoncavallo, and pieces from productions including Kismet and The Phantom of the Opera. Tickets to the Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m., show are $45; $25 for students. Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington (Arlington Ridge)
Valentine’s Day 5K & Half Marathon
Burn off some of that wine and chocolate by pounding out a 5K or half-marathon Feb. 15, 7:30-11 a.m. Both races follow the C&O Canal Path in Georgetown, but the 5K starts at Fletcher’s Boathouse, while the half marathon kicks off at the Potomac Boat Club. The top three male and female runners will get awards. Registration is $35 for the 5K and $70 for the half. Fletcher’s Boathouse 4940 Canal Road, N.W., Washington, D.C., and Potomac Boat Club, 3530 Water St., N.W., Washington, D.C.Â
Cupid’s Undie RunÂ
More of a party than a serious workout, this fundraiser for the Children’s Tumor Foundation starts with drinking and dancing. The mile-ish run/jog/walk/stumble happens after that. Get in on the pants-free fun Feb. 21, noon-4 p.m. Registration is $45. Union Stage, 740 Water St., S.W., Washington, D.C.