Updated for 2013.
Valentines: Romance, Hearts & Flowers
Sumner & Dene Gallery has invited its artists to create work with the theme of hearts, romance or flowers. The Valentine guest artist is Bruk Dunbar, who creates ceramic hearts. Other artists include Ann Dunbar, Angus Macpherson, Frank McCullogh and Jeanie Sellmer.
When: February 1 - 23
Where: Sumner & Dene Gallery, 517 Central NW
Valentines Events at Self Serve throughout February
Self Serve Resource Center has classes through February that focus on the fundamentals of sexuality. Check their calendar for details.
Where: Self Serve Toys, 3904b Central SE
Cooking for Romance
Start the romance with Chef Claus at La Provence, who will show you how to make the perfect meal for your sweetheart. The menu includes Oysters Rockefeller and baked Alaska.
When: February 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: La Provence, 3001 Central NE
Wine Tasting: Malbec Wines
The Slate Street Cafe will have a Malbec wine tasting in its Wine Loft, featuring three generous pours of wine with an appetizer just for the occasion.
When: February 5, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: 515 Slate NW
Cost: $18 per person, tax and gratuity not included.
Defending the Caveman
The play about how men and women relate to each other with a strong emphasis on the funny bone. Recommended for adults.
When: February 8, 9 at 8 p.m. and the 10 at 2 p.m.
Where: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central NW
Valentine Cabaret
The New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus will sing about the many sides of love at the South Broadway Cultural Center. Hear songs such as "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" and others by soloists, duos, ensembles and the full chorus.
When: February 8 - 10
Where: South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway SE
Cost: $10 - $20
Adults Only Valentine's Day Tours
Ever wonder how animals select their mates? Find out with special tours about the exotic, erotic and often curious romantic rituals of animals. Choose from three tours: "Birds and the Beasts" at the Zoo at 10 a.m., "Love Bugs" at the Botanic Garden at 3:30 p.m. and "That's a Moray!" at the Aquarium at 2 p.m.. Ages 18 and up only.
When: February 9
Where: Rio Grande Zoo, Botanic Gardens and Albuquerque Aquarium
Amor y Mas/Sweetheart Stroll
The annual Sweetheart Stroll in Old Town continues, with expanded venues. Love gets help with free walk-up weddings provided by A Celebration of Love Wedding Chapel, along with other ways to celebrate with your valentine. The Bernalillo County clerk's office will issue marriage certificates. And pet adoptions will be available for your next animal love; stop by the puppy kissing booth. There will be entertainment at the Old Town gazebo from noon until after 4 p.m. A group wedding and renewal of vows will take place at 3 p.m.
When: February 9
Where: Old Town
Valentine Adult Night: Love Beneath the Stars
See a special show in the planetarium and star gaze from the observatory at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Tour the museum's exhibits and make connections via ham radio. There will be tours guided by a museum curator. Dance the night away in the atrium. There will be complementary snacks and a cash dessert bar. Cash bar for those over 21. The evening is for those 18 years and older.
When: February 8, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW
New Mexico Philharmonic Celebrates Valentine's Day
Ann Hampton Callaway is a singer and pianist who will bring her interpretations of romantic classics to the Popejoy stage. Roger Melone conducts the New Mexico Philharmonic. Hear selections from West Side Story, "What the World Needs Now," and other romantic classics.
When: February 9, 6 p.m.
Where: Popejoy Hall
Cupid's Chase 5K Run
The Cupid's Chase run is a national 5K event that takes place in 24 cities, on the same day, at the same time. Proceeds benefit Community Options, which provides supports to people with disabilites. There will be giveaways and prizes, and of course, the chance to see balloons! Walkers are welcome.
When: February 9, registration begins 8 a.m., race begins 10 a.m.
Where: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Parkway and 518 Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe
Friends and Lovers Hot Air Balloon Rally
The first Valentine balloon event in Albuquerque was in 1976. This popular launch features up to 100 hot air balloons rising into the sky for two mornings over Valentine's Day weekend. Access to the park is from the northeast corner of Balloon Park. Free to watch/attend.
When: February 9 and 10, 7 a.m. launch
Where: Balloon Park, 5000 Balloon Parkway NE
Valentine's Day Breakfast at Balloon Museum
The Balloon Museum will have a breakfast buffet in conjunction with the Friends and Lovers Balloon Rally. Tickets include the buffet, entertainment, and raffles with prizes that include hot air balloon rides. There will be a free shuttle service to Balloon Fiesta Park for the balloon rally.
When: 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. February 9
Where: Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE
Sweetheart Run
This family favorite takes place at the Bosque School along the river. It's a flat and fast course, with a variety of run choices, from Kids' K to Sweetheart Couples teams. Closing date for registration is February 9.
When: February 10, 9 a.m.
Where: Bosque School, 4000 Learning NW
Chatter Cabaret Presents the Ravel String Quartet
The Chatter chamber ensemble will perform short works followed by the romantic symphonic sounds of the Ravel String Quartet. The cabaret setting make for a special valentine event.
When: February 10, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Casablanca at Hotel Andaluz, 125 Second NW
Cost: $20
Valentine's Bike Tour and Wine Tasting for Couples and Singles
Join a professionally-guided tour along the Paseo del Bosque river trail. Routes, Rentals and Tours will give you a bike wrapped in red lights and tour the scenic bosque, arriving at the St. Clair Winery and Bistro for a wine tasting. The ride departs and returns to the wine room at St. Clair. You can rent a pair of bikes or bring your own. The ride takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
When: February 12 and 26 for couples; February 11 and 25 for singles
Where Start and return to Rio Grande Plaza (St. Clair Winery)
Valentine Tea
The St. James Tearoom will have a three course afternoon tea on Valentine's day, with roses, truffles, and a setting for romance.
When: February 14, seatings at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Where: 320 Osuna NE (corner Osuna and Edith
Latin Love Fest
Have dinner with your valentine and then enjoy dessert and dancing, salsa style. Team Havana will play salsa and bachata and DJ Louie will spin as well. See dance performances, and mingle in the Valentine fun. There will be chocolate fountains, food, drink and a cash bars as well as an enormous dance floor. The doors open at 8 p.m., the free sensual dance lesson begins at 8:30 p.m. and dance performances and competitions begin at 9:30 p.m. Couples can compete for gifts and prizes.
When: February 14, doors open 8 p.m.
Where: 1512 First Street NW
Chocolate and Wine Pairing
Gruet Winery will pair five of their wines with the chocolates of Choco Canyon. Seating is limited, so call to reserve at (505) 821-0055.
When: February 14, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Gruet Winery, 8400 Pan American Freeway NE
Singing Valentines
Awww....if you've ever considered serenading your valentine, but don't have the voice for it, then you might want to try sending a barbershop quartet to voice your heartfelt wishes. Get two love songs, a long stemmed rose, a box of chocolates and a personalized valentine's card with this package. Your choice of singers includes men, or women.
When: February 14 or 15
Where: Delivered to your sweetheart at home, work, restaurant, wherever you like, in the greater ABQ area.
Cost: $55. Or, for $10, have the music delivered to your out of area sweetie by phone.
Romance/Romance
The Musical Theatre Southwest's Black Box Theater presents two one act musicals that look at romance. The first looks at the sexual ennui of turn of the century Vienna, the second at two married best friends who fantasize about sleeping with each other.
When: February 14 - 16 at 8 p.m.; February 17 at 2 p.m.
Where: 6320-B Domingo NE
Cost: $25, or VIP Tables with two seats for $70, four for $125
Southwest Burlesque Showcase
The 7th annual showcase brings together burlesque performers such as Tiffany Carter and Gypsy Louise. The style is classic 40s and 50s and is full of song, dance, and a bit of naughty fun. For those 18 and older.
When: February 15 and 16, 8 p.m.
Where: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central NW
