The Valentine's Day Industrial Complex is a well-oiled machine, but who says you have to buy into those chalky conversation hearts and oh-so-basic candle-lit dinners? Whether you're looking to shower your S.O. with a sexy experience or paint the town red with your B.F.F., there are plenty of ways to do so that are outside of the usual heart-shaped chocolate box.
From V-Steams with your favorite Galentine to a decadent dinner celebrating the mythical nuptials of Cupid and Psyche to a $100k way to luxuriate with your beau, read on for cool ways to spend the romantic holiday in Los Angeles.
Strip Down for Charity at the Undie Run
When: Looking to get cheeky in the name of charity? Join Cupid's 21+ Undie Run (which benefits neurofibromatosis cure research) in Santa Monica. The "brief" fun run spans about a mile and continues with a mid-afternoon party at fine dining resto The Buffalo Club, where undie runners can enjoy dancing, drinks, and mingling. The run is raising money for the Children's Tumor Foundation, so be sure to dress PG-13-appropriate for the cause-driven event.
Where: The Buffalo Club, 1520 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, 90404
When: Saturday, February 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Registration: $45 in advance or $50 at the door; register online here
Get V-Day V-Steams with Your Galentine
What: In addition to serving up injectables and facials in a chic, artful environment, the soft-opened facial aesthetics bar at Row DTLA is also offering a Galentine's Day special for you and your BFF when you both book a V-Steaming session ($125 per person), which helps decrease cramping while increasing fertility, libido, and overall cleanliness of your lady area. The treatment includes a complimentary Cryo-Cloud facial; plus, all facials will be 20% off for the entire month of February — perfect for treating yourself and your favorite TMI-loving pal. Call the wellness-focused beauty studio directly to book an appointment at (213) 278-0358 or email info@thethingswedo.co.
When: Through the entire month of February
Where: The Things We Do at Row DTLA, 787 South Alameda St., LA, 90021
Pricing: $125 per person for V-Steaming with Cryo-Cloud facial when you book with a friend
Drink and Dance at Outfest's Galentine's Day
What: The Outfest Women's Committee are taking over the star-faved Doheny Room for a Galentine's Day bash hosted by a celebrity MC. Enjoy a complimentary drink, raffle prizes, and a performance by The Voice contestant Stephanie Rice.
When: Tuesday, February 12 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Doheny Room, 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069
Tickets: $25 in advance online here
Dine Decadently at Cupid & Psyche's Wedding
What: Following the success of its fashionable Halloween feast, Disco Dining Club is serving up yet another five-course, 21+ dinner party, this time set to the ancient fable of Cupid and Psyche. The mythical lovers' nuptials will be theatrically played out as guests enjoy decadent dishes by renowned Bistro LQ chef Laurent Quenioux, while Happy Hour Agency will be concocting themed cocktails. As if that wasn't enough, DiscoVino will be pouring wine for all, East Boston Oysters will be providing caviar bumps, and Coco Lily will be shucking coconuts all night. The romantic atmosphere will feature The Grim Wreather's luxe floral creations (which will be available for guests to purchase) inspired by the doomed lovebirds' union and music by Club Tularosa. There'll even be a nightcap of "late night perversions" provided by Doc Johnson, and all guests will be sent home with luxe swag bags. Intrigued? Get more deets right here.
When: Thursday, February 14 and Friday, February 15 (7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. both nights)
Where: Undisclosed private location, Hollywood, 90038
Tickets: $250 per person; buy online here
Get Over Your Old Flame at Three Day Rule's Pre-Valentine's Day Bash
Matchmaking service Three Day Rule is rolling out the red carpet for the broken-hearted at the W hotel in Westwood for a pre-Valentine's Day soirée. Enjoy cocktails, games of truth or dare, and even flirting advice and dating coaching from TDR's resident Pro Wingman, Thomas Edwards. That's not all: There'll be a Burning Cauldron of Love where you can toss in a photo of your ex and extinguish that old flame for good, and TDR will also match you with one of their members for free.
When: Wednesday, February 13 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: W Los Angeles, 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 90024
Tickets: $11.54 (including fees) in advance online here
Luxuriate with Your Beau in a Bath of Bubbly at the SLS Hotel
What: If budgets are of no concern, romance-minded staycationers can spend a truly over-the-top night together at the SLS Hotel's recently revamped Presidential Suite as part of the high-end getaway's "Savor Love Sweetly" package. Upon arrival at the 1,900-square-foot space (which boasts a living room, a grand dining area, a powder room, a master bedroom, and bathroom), you'll be greeted with desserts from The Patisserie (personalized with a SFW message of your choice), and you and your beau will also be set up with a 12-course tasting menu at The Bazaar and a bubbly butler, who'll fill your entire bath tub (or just your champagne flute, for those looking to dial it down) with Dom Perignon. The amore-ready accommodations also boasts a dreamy view of Beverly Hills and a full wet bar, should you require a picturesque setting for locking lips.
When: Through the month of February
Where: SLS Hotel Beverly Hills, 465 South La Cienega Blvd., LA, 90048
Pricing and booking: Starts at $100K; book by calling (310) 246-2046 or emailing sls.pr@theluxurycollectionhotels.com
Swing By Doheny Room's Singles Party
What: No date, no problem: Head to the star-faved Doheny Room (frequented by the likes of Miley Cyrus, Usher, Kate Beckinsale, and others) and dance to beats by DJ Bobby French Heartbreaker while sipping on soirée's signature "Heartbreaker" cocktail, a concoction of vanilla vodka, cream, and chocolate and raspberry liquor that's finished off with a red sugar rim.
When: Thursday, February 14 starting at 7 p.m.
Where: Doheny Room, 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069
Make Sparks Fly at The Edison's Modern Love Ball
What: If you and your S.O. hold adoration for LA landmarks and inventive drinks, then The Edison's Modern Love Ball will surely send sparks flying. Whether you're gathering with your most beloved gang of girls and guys or dining with your one and only, the historic power plant-turned-bar's soirée offers plenty of entertainment, from live music by Dani Moz to a tarot card reader to a contest that invites you to spill on your worst dating experience (don't worry, a generous prize is involved).
When: Thursday, February 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Where: The Edison, 108 West 2nd St., #101, LA, 90012
Tickets: $40 at the door or $35 in advance when you buy online here
Dress to Impress at Cinespia's True Romance Screening Party
What: Dress to impress and mingle with fellow film aficionados at Cinespia's annual Valentine's Party at the historic Los Angeles Theatre in Downtown. The all-ages bash will screen the 1993 romantic crime drama True Romance starring Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, while five dance floors, a free photobooth, and cocktails (for 21+ attendees, of course) will keep the party going for those who aren't in a movie-watching mood.
When: Thursday, February 14 from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Where: Cinespia at the Los Angeles Theatre, 615 South Broadway, LA 90014
Tickets: $34.60 for general admission and $86.23 for premium admission (includes reserved seating and fast entry); buy online in advance here