Unique ways to spend Valentine’s, Galentine’s or just feel the love in Philly

Valentine's
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If you’re looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day or just need some quality time with the people you love, we’ve rounded up some events for you all around Philadelphia for this weekend and beyond. 

The Trestle Inn 

This Friday, locals can dance the night away at The Trestle Inn with the Shine a Little Love Valentine’s Happy Hour Dance Party. Featuring DJ Hardbargain and The Slinky Vagabond, the event will be playing 70s “smoochers” and other vinyl hits, along with Go Go dancing by Trestle Special CeCe Summers, Valentine’s Cocktail Specials, happy hour specials until 8 p.m. and more. 

339 N. 11th St., thetrestleinn.com

The Rittenhouse Hotel

This event is for the Galentines out there. This weekend, The Rittenhouse Hotel will be hosting its Swiftie Galentine’s Tea Blending where guests can participate in a unique tea-making experience inspired by some of Taylor Swift’s albums. 

This activation will take place this Saturday, Feb. 10, with two seatings at 12:30 and 4 p.m. Philadelphians will also have the chance to craft their own friendship bracelets while there. Tickets are priced at $120 per person and can be purchased online. 

 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., rittenhousehotel.com

Talula’s Daily 

You can DIY your own Valentine’s Day dinner with Talula’s Daily, and this dinner for two is available for $150. Take-home options span warm alpine cheese fondue paired with bread, pears, apples, crudite and smoked sausages, a petite green salad with pink peppercorn vinaigrette, bourbon glazed short ribs paired with parsnip whipped potatoes, carrots and crispy brussels leaves (a vegan option is available) and a raspberry brownie with salted caramel ice cream sundae to finish things off on a sweet note. 

Available for pick-up on Feb. 13 and 14, all orders must be placed by noon this Friday, Feb. 9, and can be reserved at talulas.events@starr-restaurants.com.

210 W. Washington Sq., talulasgarden.com

48 Record Bar

This Saturday, the city’s newest listening lounge will be hosting the 48 Record Bar Vinyl Market: Valentine’s + Galentine’s Edition from noon to 5 p.m. While there, Philadelphians will be able to peruse through carefully curated vinyls, including a plethora of romantic and joyful LPs, a release notes. Cocktails and fare will be available for purchase from the Sassafras bar and kitchen on the first floor throughout the market as well. 

48 Record Bar, christmas weekend in Philadelphia
48 Record BarGab Bonghi

48 S 2nd St., 48recordbar.com

Glen Foerd 

On Feb. 14, Glen Foerd will be hosting a special event with its recently restored 122-year-old Haskell pipe organ. This public concert and happy hour will take place on Valentine’s Day and guest organist Luke Staisiunas (organist-choirmaster at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, in Roxborough), will perform romantic melodies including Fritz Kreisler’s ‘Liebesfreud’ (Love’s Joy), Edward Elgar’s ‘Salut d’Amour’, as well as the 1931 hit, ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me’, and other popular tunes, a release notes. 

Doors open at 5 p.m., and there will be a cash bar and light bar snacks for sale. An Ultimate Spa Retreat Gift Basket from Nulook Wellness valued at $300 will also be raffled off.

5001 Grant Ave., glenfoerd.org

ExFiles Story Slam

For those who are looking to celebrate the holiday, but not necessarily in the traditional way, First Person Arts has an event for you. On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the nonprofit will host their 14th Annual Ex-Files StorySlam live, at Underground Arts from 8 to 10 p.m. 

Through this event, Philadelphians get a chance to tell past stories about their exes while the judge, comic Lamarr Todd, a mystery guest judge, and an audience judge helps score the stories and give storytellers “helpful hints on how to improve their tales.” The winner takes home $100 and bragging rights until next month, the release notes.

Tickets run for $15, and it’s recommended to buy yours soon as this event sells out fast. 

1200 Callowhill St.,firstpersonarts.org

Barnes Foundation

On Valentine’s Day, the Barnes Foundation will be hosting a love-themed dinner party from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will feature romance inspired cocktails (like the Nuttin’ But Love and Raspberry Tryst) along with a four-course dinner for $145 per person. Dishes include a warmed hummus mezze with roasted fennel and sumac drizzled in mint and garlic pesto; pan seared branzino; harissa braised beef short rib; charred Vidalia onion; gilded chocolate lava cake bites, blueberry cheesecake torte, spiced carrot cake and more as options.

Those who attend will also get champagne truffles to take home.

Valentine's
The Barnes FoundationCourtesy of The Barnes

 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, barnesfoundation.org

City Cruises 

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day in Philadelphia than by seeing it from a luxury yacht? City Cruises is offering three romantic sails on Feb. 10, 14 and 17. 

Options include: The Silver Package, which comes with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine and a rose. The Gold Package, which boasts a champagne toast, bottle of champagne per couple, keepsake champagne flute and a half dozen roses. Or, the Platinum Package, which includes a champagne toast, bottle of champagne per couple, keepsake champagne flute, half a dozen roses and a guaranteed window table. 

Additionally, there will be a buffet, cocktails and dancing. More information and specific pricing can be found online.

401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, cityexperiences.com