Dance the night away, work on your Valentine’s Day crafts, and learn to make a special dish
Valentine’s Day is just nine days away! Whether you’re showering your sweetie in surprises, or spending a solo day full of self care, Alameda has you covered. The festivities begin this week with four different opportunities to make a special card or craft. On Thursday, February 5, head over to Alameda Brewing Co. for a free Craft Night [1] with a local artist. Ms. Y invites the community to make beautiful multimedia trays at an Adults Class [2] on Friday, February 6, or at a Kids Class [3] on Saturday, February 7. Also on Saturday, February 7, the Frank Bette Center for the Arts invites the whole family to a free Valentine’s Day Craft Party [4].
If you’re looking for a fun outing or a romantic date for the season, check out the Valentine’s-themed dance [5] on Saturday, February 7, at the Elks Lodge. Attendees can learn foxtrot and East Coast swing, then dance the night away. And on Sunday, February 8, learn to make a new, comforting dish at Dahoam 1516’s Soup-er Bowl [6].
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Craft Night @ Alameda Brewing Co.
Thursday, February 5
It’s never too early to start your Valentine’s Day cards. Join Alameda Brewing Co., 1716 Park Street, for a Craft Night [1] on Thursday, February 5, from 6 until 9 p.m.
“Just a relaxed, heart-forward evening inspired by the season,” says the event description. “Expect playful visuals, creative freedom, and a welcoming space to make something uniquely yours, whether you come solo, with friends, or on a casual date night.” The event is free, and no RSVP is required. All materials are provided.
The evening is made possible by local artist Jenny of @jennyandcabbage [8]. Check out their instagram page [9] for lots of fun, free community events throughout Oakland, Alameda, and Berkeley.
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Hearts & Crafts
Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7
Local arts instructor Ms. Y [11] is offering not one but two Valentine’s Day crafting opportunities this weekend. On Friday, February 6 [12], adults are invited to Alameda Gallery & Collective, 1451 Webster Street, for crafting from 7 until 9 p.m. And on Saturday, February 7 [13], kids are invited to make their own creations at Califia Taqueria, 1449 Webster Street, from 2 until 4 p.m.
All participants can let their imaginations run wild while creating a unique multimedia tray. Feel free to use disco tiles, felt, beads, paint, images, and whatever else your heart desires. The recipient of your creation can use it for their keys, jewelry, coins, or trinkets. Participants may also design a card to go alongside their gift.
Reserve your spot in advance online for these classes. Tickets for the Kids Class [3] and Adults Class [2] are both $30 per person.
Ms. Y, also known as Jo Anne Yada, is a local artist and educator. She works for the Bay Area Music Project and hosts art programs for children during school breaks.
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Valentine’s Day Craft Party
Saturday, February 7
Let’s get crafty! Join Franke Better Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, for a Valentine’s Day Craft Party [4] on Saturday, February 7. The festivities last from 2 until 5 p.m.
Work solo on a secret love note, bring your sweetie, or grab the whole family for an afternoon of crafting. All supplies will be provided, and attendees are welcome to drop in throughout the afternoon. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
No RSVP is required for this event. Please consider a suggested donation of $5 per person to help cover the cost of supplies
[15]Sweetheart Swing: 1930s Valentines Dance
Saturday, February 7
The Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Avenue, is hosting a Valentine’s-themed dance [5] on Saturday, February 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. Join the Period Events & Entertainments Re-creation Society (PEERS) for “a romantic vintage ball” in the Lodge’s elegant Edwardian ballroom.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the dance lesson begins at 7 p.m. Guests will learn the “Fred & Ginger-style” slow foxtrot and East Coast Swing. Open dancing and live music are scheduled from 8 p.m. until midnight.
“1930s, 40s or 50s costume or vintage or modern evening dress is admired but not required,” notes the event description. The Elks Lodge has a full bar outside the ballroom, and a light snack buffet will be served in the parlor.
Grab your ticket for $35 online [5]. Please note that tickets will not be available at the door, and ticket sales end on February 6.
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Soup-er Bowl Class and Dinner
Sunday, February 8
Who will win? Join Dahoam 1516 at 1516 Lincoln Avenue as the two teams head off: Veggie Soup versus Meatball Soup. The Soup-er Bowl [6] is set for Sunday, February 8. Kickoff is at 2 p.m., and festivities last until 8 p.m.
Guests are invited to select their soup team of choice and enjoy a beginner-friendly, hands-on cooking class as they craft a masterpiece together. At the end of the class, everyone will enjoy the fruits of their labors, and the best soup wins bragging rights.
Reserve your spot [6] in advance online. Adult tickets for the class and meal are $75, and kids under twelve can tag along for $25. Friends and family are welcome to attend the dinner after the class for $45 for adults and $15 for kids.
Dahoam 1516 is a nonprofit school and club with a mission to “have fun and share the joy of brewing and cooking, with a uniquely Bavarian flare.”
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar [18]. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post [19]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird [20]. Reach her at [email protected] [21].