Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to make the holiday of love extra-special this weekend, whether you're looking for a cool art show in Tempe, a sexy spectacular at Alwun House or a LGBTQ-friendly cabaret.
Danelle Plaza Art Shows
Friday, Feb. 14Danelle Plaza, 37 W. Southern Ave., TempeJust a few doors down from Yucca Tap Room, the artspaces in Danelle Plaza will open their doors tonight for several pop-ups. At Red Floor Gallery, see "Bitch Please" featuring the work of local creatives including Spawk, Matt Dickson, Wendy Raisanen, Lalo Cota, Ashley Macias and more. At La Pequena Galeria, a tiny space inside Red Floor Gallery, Dickson, Sebastian Tinajero and Luster Kaboom are showing sculptural works in show titled "Rated Ex."
And next door at Rocket Space Gallery, "Noir: A Series of Mystery and Danger" includes art by Baconcat, Tszabo Art, Manic Tongue, PartyTimeMikey, Age Drago and more. "Bitch Please" and "Rated Ex" open at 6 p.m., and "Noir" opens at 7. All three shows are free and open to all ages.
'Love Is Love: A Valentine's Day Queer Cabaret'
Friday, Feb. 14Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place, 4425 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale
If music be the food of love, then lovers of all orientations will enjoy All Queer Shakespeare's one-night-only salute to romance. At 7 and 9 p.m. on Valentine's Day, attendees will hear local talent perform selections from The Beatles, classic musical theater numbers, Shakespeare sonnets and more. Cost is $90 for a reserved table for two, or $35 per person general admission seating. Visit the All Queer Shakespeare website for tickets and info.
Stealing a kiss inside the Yayoi Kusama infinity room at Phoenix Art Museum? How romantic.
Jennifer Goldberg
Date Night at the Museum
Friday, Feb. 14Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave.First Friday is usually the only Friday you can enjoy Phoenix Art Museum, but it's opening its doors on Feb. 14 for a Valentine's Day date night event. From 6 to 8 p.m., lovers can listen to jazz by the Mary Petrich Trio, take part in a wine-tasting, buy food and drinks, embark on an art scavenger hunt, snap pics at the photobooth and relax at a Valentine's Day-themed lounge. Cost is $28, with discounts for seniors, students and children.
'Frida'
Through Feb. 16Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St.Ballet Arizona's U.S. premiere of "Frida," a work about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, will be performed a number of times over Valentine's Day Weekend at Symphony Hall. The ballet expresses Kahlo's creativity and passion through dazzling costumes and choreography. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $45.
'Phantasmagorical Spectacular'
Friday, Feb. 14Alwun House, 1204 E. Roosevelt St.Looking for sexy fun on Valentine's Day? Head to Alwun House. "Phantasmagorical Spectacular" is a feast for the eyes and ears; attendees will see belly dancing and burlesque performances, listen to jazz and see the Exotic Art Show inside the house. Food and drinks will be available for purchase including waffles shaped like human naughty bits. Fetish and cosplay attire is encouraged. Hours are 6 to midnight for the 21-and-over event. Cost is $35.
Be My Emo Valentine
Saturday, Feb. 15MySpace.Phx, 120 E. Roosevelt St.The newish Roosevelt Row art space is hosting an Emo Valentine's Dance Party on Saturday. City Mouth and The Spacers will provide the tunes; you provide the romance and the angst. Cost is $10 at the door, and the party gets going at 7 p.m. This is an all-ages event.
