Valentine’s Day is no longer just a single day. In the week leading up to the holiday, and the days after, couples can participate in valentines festivities happening all across Brooklyn. And it isn’t just about celebrating romance and relationships, either. Singles looking for love, or denouncing it, can find ways to mark the so-called Hallmark holiday, too. So whether you’re a lover, a hater, or somewhere in between, there is an event in the borough for you.
Date with Ryan Gosling
Hey girl — on Feb. 8, you can take in your annual screening of “The Notebook” surrounded by other Ryan Gosling fans when Videology in Williamsburg screens the Nicholas Sparks-penned love story. You can also make theme-appropriate bracelets with the help of Brooklyn Charm and indulge your sweet tooth with goodies from Mast Brothers chocolate.
Videology [308 Bedford Ave. at S. First Street in Williamsburg, (718) 782–3468, www.videology.info], Feb. 8 at 4 pm. Free.
Play mind games
Not the bad kind, but the trivia kind. On Feb. 10, the Observatory Room in Gowanus hosts a singles’ night for the morbidly curious, where you can play games with historical, anatomical, and medical themes. Host Daisy Tainton will help break the ice while DJ Blake Schwarzenbach provides the tunes.
Observatory Room (543 Union St. near Nevins Street in Gowanus, www.observatoryroom.org), Feb. 10 at 8 pm, $15 (includes one drink).
Pizza lovers
Invite that special someone to new Clinton Hill pizzeria Emily on Feb. 11 for a workshop in the art of pizza making. Collaborate on a unique pie, which you can enjoy together once it comes out of the wood-burning oven. You will also make extra dough to bring home for future dates.
Emily [919 Fulton St. between Clinton and Waverly avenues in Clinton Hill, (347) 844–9588, www.pizzalovesemily.com], Feb. 11 from 7 pm. $120 per couple. RSVP pizzalovesemily@gmail.com.
Get kinky
Ask your beloved to tie a different kind of knot. On Feb. 13, Williamsburg sex shop Shag will host an “Intro to Shibari Rope Bondage” workshop, where you can learn the ins and outs of Japanese-style rope play.
Shag [108 Roebling St. at N. Sixth Street in Williamsburg, (347) 721–3302, www.weloveshag.com], Feb. 13 at 6:30 pm, $130 per couple.
All for love
Belting out a good power ballad is equally appropriate for those who are head-over-heels in love and those nursing a broken heart. Sing along and pump your fist in the air to songs by the likes of Bryan Adams, Journey, Bon Jovi, Meatloaf, Cyndi Lauper and more at “Love Bites: The Power Ballads Sing-Along” at Union Hall. There will also be air guitar competitions, a costume contest (dress up as your favorite ’80s or ’90s rock star hearthrob), and themed drinks to set the mood.
Union Hall [702 Union St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues in Park Slope, (718) 638–4400, www.unionhallny.com], Feb. 14 at 10:30 pm. $8.
Sail away
You don’t have to make a grand romantic gesture and jump on a plane for a taste of Italy this Valentine’s Day. Carroll Gardens Italian mainstay Marco Polo Ristorante is hosting “Venice in Brooklyn,” which will feature waiters dressed as striped-shirt-wearing gondoliers. You can also enjoy fresh strawberries covered with chocolate fondue from the restaurant’s chocolate fountain.
Marco Polo Ristorante [345 Court St. at Union Street in Carroll Gardens, (718) 852–5015, www.marcopoloristorante.com], Feb. 14 and 15. Reservations required.
Dinner and a movie
In the mood for the classic combo of dinner and a movie? The Brooklyn Academy of Music has you covered. Catch a screening of “The Lady Eve,” a 1941 battle-of-the-sexes farce starring Barbara Stanwick and Henry Fonda, preceded or followed by a four-course dinner at BAMcafe.
Brooklyn Academy of Music [30 Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street in Fort Greene, (718) 636–4100, www.bam.org], Feb. 14. Screening at 6:30 pm with dinner at 8:30 pm; dinner at 6:45 pm with screening at 8:45 pm. $69.
Love to laugh
The Fort Hamilton Army Base is not usually a place of funny business. But on Feb. 14, you can take in a comedy show when the Fort Hamilton Theater hosts “My Funny Valentines,” featuring standups Dell Harrison, Drew Fraser, Smokey Suarez, Gerald Kelly, and Faceman. Stick around for a meet-and-greet after the show and an after-party at the Hamilton Lounge.
Fort Hamilton Theater [Seventh Avenue and Poly Place in Fort Hamilton, (718) 630–4771, www.hamiltonmwr.com], Feb. 14 at 8:30 pm. $20, $25 VIP (includes meet-and-greet).
How bazaar
The Brooklyn Night Bazaar is for lovers on Jan, 14. Couples can take advantage of a special SuperPass ticket on Feb. 14, which includes expedited entry for two to the night market, as well as two meals from a wide selection of vendors, dessert, two games of mini-golf or table tennis, and two drinks.
Brooklyn Night Bazaar (165 Banker St. at Norman Avenue in Greenpoint, www.bkbazaar.com), Feb. 14 from 7 pm-1 am. $25.
Handsome devil
If there is a light that never goes out in your heart, spend the big day moping to Smiths and Morrissey tunes with tribute band the Sons & Heirs. Now in its third-year running, the Bell House’s annual “Unloveable” night has become a Valentine’s Day tradition.
Bell House [149 Seventh St. between Second and Third avenues in Gowanus, (718) 643–6510, www.thebellhouseny.com], Feb. 14 at 9 pm. $15, $12 advance.
Love on top
Cobble Hill restaurant Brucie sure knows the way to our heart — a heaping serve of puns with a side of popstar. The cozy Italian eatery gets crazy in love with an entirely Beyonce-themed menu on Jan, 4, including dishes such as “Jay-Ziti,” “Buga-bouillabaisse,” and “Breastiny’s Child” — also known as veal breast braciole.
Brucie [234 Court St. at Baltic Street in Cobble Hill, (347) 987–4961, www.brucienyc.com]. Feb. 14 from 5:30 pm. Email RSVP@brucienyc.com.
French connection
It does not get much more romantic than a pair of chanteuses crooning R&B songs in French. Parisian-born sister duo Les Nubians is hosting a special Valentine’s Day concert dubbed “Les Nubians in Love” at Fort Greene’s BRIC House Ballroom. The pair will be joined by local DJ Aphrosoul, who will spin love songs to set the mood.
BRIC Arts Media House [647 Fulton St. at Rockewell Place in Fort Greene, (718) 683–5600, www.bricartsmedia.org]. Feb. 14 at 9 pm. $22, $18 advance.
Flashdance-style
Sparks will fly literally and figuratively at this post-Valentine’s Day workshop. On Feb. 15, bring a date to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for a couples welding workshop with artist Susan Woods. You will both learn basic welding and metal fabrication techniques and learn how to create a — what else — heart to take home.
Building 92 [63 Flushing Ave. at Carlton Avenue in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, (718) 907–5992, www.bldg92.org], Feb. 15 from 1 pm (sold out, but a 3 pm session may be added based on interest). $60.
Love is a cabaret
Forget your standard dinner-date — “Floating Kabarette” is a feast for the eyes. The weekly Galapagos Art Space show will throw a special Valentine’s edition on Feb. 15, featuring burlesque and dance performances from local and visiting artists.
Galapagos Art Space [16 Main St. at Water Street in Dumbo, (718) 222–8500, www.galapagosartspace.com], Feb. 15 at 10:30 pm. $17–$36.
Start spooning
Nitehawk Cinema’s weekly “Spoons, Toons & Booze” morning cartoon screening takes a romantic turn on Feb. 15 and 16, with cartoons from the 1930s through the ’90s that deal with love, romance, and cupid. You and your sweetheart can also enjoy all-you-can-eat cereal, or, for the sophisticate, brunch from Nitehawk’s menu.
Nitehawk Cinema [136 Metropolitan Ave. between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 384–3980, www.nitehawkcinema.com], Feb. 15–16 at 11:45 am. $16.
