13-02-2025
A Dozen Ways to Celebrate a Retro Valentine's Day in L.A.
After a rough January, perhaps some Angelenos would like to roll back the clock this Valentine's Day. From historic venues and classic stars to vintage films and even a little cosplay, feel free to remix this romantic holiday at these retro Valentine's Day experiences.
Tell me, have you seen the Chi-Lites? The romantic 70s R&B stars join Barbara Mason, and Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny in a lineup that would make the late Art Laboe 14 at Toyota ArenaThe Young Girls of RochefortA matinee of Jacques Demy's romantic and color-soaked 1964 classic musical The Young Girls of Rochefort will leave you both humming the tunes and hoping for a second 14 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
All aboard the world's greatest art deco cruise ship for an evening with showgirls, swing dancing, a big band and an ocean of fedoras. February 14 at the Queen MaryCasablancaThe American Film Institute ranks the World War II-era Casablanca third on their list of America's greatest movies. You'll rank number one on your date's list after sharing this classic black-and-white tear-jerker with 14 at the Aero Theater The seasonal treats at California Donuts always draw big lines to this retro open-air donut shop that's open all night. Some of their Valentine's donuts are pink on the inside, some are pink on the outside, but they're all sure to bring a blush of pink to the recipient's cheeks. Through February 14 at California DonutsMister RomanticIn addition to being a Grammy, Oscar, and Tony-nominated superstar, John C. Reilly is a heartfelt storyteller and amazing vaudeville song and dance man. His one-man show at Hollywood Forever cemetery about finding a friend is sold-out, but hunting down high-priced tickets through a reseller could be considered an act of love. February 14 at Hollywood ForeverThe Queen of Motown Records makes a rare Southern California appearance. Catch the twelve-time Grammy award-winning icon at Yamaava' Casino, an hour east of L.A. Book a room and treat yourself to a romantic weekend. February 14 at Yamaava'
An underground cabaret, live jazz in the ballroom and a 'Sunset Cruise' through the Polynesian paradise of the Pacific Seas lounge await explorers to downtown's historic Clifton's. February 14 at Clifton's RepublicMidnight Screening of So many improbable things had to unfold in the universe for you to be here right now. Imagine how many more stars have to align to find love. Harold and Maude makes a great case for making the most of it while it lasts. A real-life midnight movie on the big screenFebruary 14 and 15th at the Vista TheaterVDay ExperienceIf Jack Skellington, Jason Voorhees and the Lost Boys are receiving your Valentine's cards this year, then you're in luck with the spooky Halloween on VDay experience. A pop-up shopping, food, and photo op experience in Boyle HeightsFebruary 15-16 at Monarch Studios Lookalike ContestThe only movie theater in the leafy bucolic town of Claremont is in danger and the only way fans can save it is by dressing up like Bella and Edward from the Bush-era vampire romance Twilight. All that and Laemmle is having a sweet candy giveaway. Now if the Hallmark Channel doesn't make that into a goth romance, I don't know what's wrong with the 13 at Laemmle Claremont
Valentine's Day HoedownParty with the puppets at this chicken fried dance party at L.A.'s legendary Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Enjoy the theater's original 1959 show Something To Crow About while making new friends with the country and western line dancing. February 14 at Bob Baker Marionette Theater
