A last-minute Valentine's Day guide that won't break your heart

Boston Globe

13-02-2025

For lovers and friends
LOVE ON FILM
The classic movie date is a tried-and-true classic. Several theaters throughout Boston and beyond will play everything from tearjerker rom-coms to dark romances. To celebrate, several local theaters are presenting one-day and limited screenings of classics featuring love (and love lost) all weekend — from a prop-inspired party for
Check individual theaters for ticket prices, dates, and start times.
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HEART-EYED WHODUNNITS
While Valentine's Day is synonymous with many cheesy activities, there are other, more chilling options to partake in around Boston. Social experience app Questo has designed a Valentine's-themed murder mystery that takes participants on a scavenger hunt around downtown Boston, picking up clues along the way to solve a fictionalized 'crime of passion.' To partake, you must have access to a GPS-enabled cellphone; while groups can gather around the same phone (and single fee), a little competition won't cost you. Per phone access to the game is
Feb. 14-16. Starting
at North Square. $20.
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Spend a night Upstairs at Bow with your valentine or galentine.
Rhode Tripper Photography
GRAB YOUR PARTNER
On first dates, dance may be a barometer for chemistry; for long-time loves, it can be a way to turn up the heat. Plus, it occupies your hands if you don't know what to do with them.
Feb. 14, 7:30-11:30 p.m. $5-$10
. 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville.
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ALL THAT JAZZ
Cozy corners at Boston's best jazz clubs are
extra
coveted on V-Day, so for an alternative evening, head to Lamplighter's East Cambridge location for a night of beats and brews. The night features a performance by a local jazz trio called Bean Supper featurning multi instrumentalist
Feb. 14, 8-10 p.m. $15-$20.
110 N First St., Cambridge.
BAILE DE AMOR
Adding some dancing to your Valentine's date may be what you need to light a fire of long-lasting passion. State Park Bar in Kendall is hosting a night of Latin music on vinyl including cumbia, salsa, bachata, and more. The restaurant will reorganize its regular retro-inspired dining layout for a makeshift dance floor where couples can heat things up with some tropical beats.
Feb. 14, 10 p.m. Free.
15 Hampshire St., Bldg. 300, Cambridge.
For the haters and the daters
HIT THE BRAKES
Harvard's Science Center Plaza offers an ideal setting for unleashing a little Valentine's frustration (or flirtation) with their ice-bound bumper cars, a winter adaptation of the amusement park classic. Glide your bumper car across the icy field, bouncing off the rounded rims of your neighbors, and if you happen to spot an ex, we cannot be held responsible for what happens next.
Through
M
arch 13,
noon-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. $15. First come, first served.
1350 Massachusetts, Ave., Cambridge.
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COLD AS ICE
Get your blood pumping with tickets to see
Feb. 14, 6 p.m. $10. 65 N Harvard St., Allston.
Spend Valentine's Day playing Bingo at Bow Market's Remnant.
Celina Carros
CALL THAT LUCKY NUMBER
Though you may not (technically) be a winner in romance, a game of Bingo may just increase your chance of bringing home a prize. At Remnant Brewery, hosts won't be calling out numbers; it's up to you to fill your romance-themed Bingo card. Stamp a square if you've 'seen an ex on a dating app' or 'faked an emergency to get out of a bad date.'. Other squares require some real-time flirting — like exchanging numbers or buying someone a drink. A prize bucket will be available for those who get six across, but the real winners are those who make new connections.
Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Free.
2 Bow Market Way, Somerville.
TONGUE-IN-CHEEK
Discovering your partner's sense of humor is a great — and often necessary — test of compatibility. Men in Comedy, an all-femme comedy collective, has teamed up with Somerville's All She Wrote bookstore to make light out of love. The Valentine's comedy show will feature readings of the booksellers' romantic collections, followed by an open mic so attendees can read their own poetry and perhaps proclaim their love.
Feb. 14, 8:30-10 p.m. $10.
Connexion, 149 Broadway, Somerville.
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Marianna Orozco can be reached at