Paint, kayak, shop, catch a show, and dance the night away
You don’t have to scramble for a last-minute dinner reservation in order to celebrate Valentine’s Day this weekend. Whether you’re flying solo, going out with friends, or planning a romantic date, there’s a fun local event for you. On Friday, February 13, grab a brew and paint a masterpiece with Love in the Moonlight Paint and Sip Night at Almanac. The same night, Alameda Comedy Club is hitting the road for City Lights Comedy on Treasure Island. Closer to home, ACC is also hosting Saturday Night Comedy at the Fireside Lounge on February 14. If you’re looking for something more active, check out the Valentine’s Kayaking Tour on Saturday, February 14, with Stacked Adventures. Frank Bette Center for the Arts invites the community to a dual reception that afternoon, and Rhythmix Cultural Works promises a great show in the evening at Mardi Gras Carnaval with CHELLE! & Friends. To top off a fabulous day, check out the wildly popular Valentine’s Day Swing Dance on the USS Hornet for a romantic night of dancing, music, and fun.
Love in the Moonlight Paint and Sip Night
Friday, February 13
Kick off the Valentine’s Day weekend with Love in the Moonlight Paint and Sip Night with Dream Maker Art Party on Friday, February 13. The event will run from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Almanac Adventureland & Brewery, 651B West Tower Avenue.
While you’re painting, sip on an Almanac signature brew, non-alcoholic beverage, wine, or cider. If you’re feeling pretty in pink, grab a strawberry daiquiri or a Paloma Frosè. After you work up an appetite from all that painting, stop by the Marley G’s Pizza and Scolari’s Good Eats food trucks out front.
Reserve your spot in advance online. Tickets are $45 per person and include one drink and light snacks. The event will be indoors, and all ages and experience levels are welcome. All materials are provided.
Alameda Comedy Club Shows
Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14
If you’ve been missing the Alameda Comedy Club since they closed their doors at 2431 Central Avenue, be sure to check out their events this weekend. Grab a friend, bring a date, or go solo for a much-needed night of laughter.
On Friday, February 13, Alameda Comedy Club is headed halfway across the Bay Bridge for City Lights Comedy on Treasure Island. Drive over to Mersea, 699 Avenue of the Palms, for delicious food and a breathtaking view of the San Francisco skyline. Tickets are available online in advance for $11.25 per person. Doors open at 6:30, and the event begins at 7 p.m. Be sure to keep an eye on the Alameda Comedy Club online calendar for upcoming City Lights Comedy shows.
If you’d prefer to keep it local, head over to the Fireside Lounge, 1453 Webster Street, on Saturday, February 14. Bay Area comedians take the stage at 8 p.m., and Open Mic begins at 10 p.m. Tickets are $11.25 online. If you can’t make it this weekend, be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday Night Comedy every second Saturday of the month at the Fireside.
USS Hornet Valentine’s Day Swing Dance
Saturday, February 14
Grab your dancing shoes! The USS Hornet is hosting a Valentine’s Day Swing Dance on Saturday, February 14, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Board the historic vessel at 707 West Hornet Avenue for a fantastic night of dancing. Feel free to come as a couple or meet new friends at the dance.
The night’s schedule is as follows:
- 6:30 p.m.: Doors open, and drinks and appetizers begin.
- 6:45 p.m.: A brief history of the USS Hornet.
- 7:00 p.m.: A short dance lesson, followed by dancing until 9 p.m.
Death and Taxes Swing Band will set the stage for great swing dancing—or just toe-tapping, if you’d prefer to watch. Get a sneak peak of the lively music online. Tickets are $30 in advance online (plus a $3.85 service charge) or $35 at the door. Please note that this is an 18+ event.
Two Marys’ Mercantile: One Year Anniversary Valentine’s Day Popup Party
Saturday, February 14
Shop local on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14! Join Two Marys’ Mercantile to celebrate their one year anniversary with a special Shop-A-Versary Party. The adorable gift, homegoods, and apparel shop is teaming up with local print zine ALAMEDUH to mark the occasion. Two Marys’ is located at 2021 Alaska Packer Place, near Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). Festivities are scheduled from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
“Bring yourself or come with your people. Either way, it’s all love, and we can’t WAIT to see you!” states the event description. The family-friendly celebration will include live music by That Dad Band, delicious bites, and over 20 “hyperlocal” vendors.
Grab a sustainably grown bouquet from Boxcar Flower Farm, shop handmade candles from Equal Ink Studio and Deuce Goods, and find your next wellness favorite with Malaya Botanicals. Grab some savory Japanese pancakes from Okkon Pop-Up Shop and some Valentine’s Day treats from Night Heron Bread and Saffron Studios. Be sure to take a short stroll down the shoreline to enjoy a drink at Mosely’s Cafe’s beautiful new expanded space at 2099 Grand Avenue.
Some public parking is available in the large parking lot next to FAAS. Attendees are invited to bike or walk if able.
Valentine’s Kayaking Tour
Saturday, February 14
If you’re looking for sunshine and fresh air this Valentine’s Day, Stacked Adventures has you covered. Grab your sweetheart for a special Valentine’s Kayaking Tour on Saturday, February 14, from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The tour will leave from the Encinal Boat Ramp, 190 Central Avenue.
You don’t need any experience for this beginner-friendly tour. Participants will learn to paddle in a safe and stable double-seat kayak. An experienced Stacked Adventures guide will ensure you have a great experience, and they’ll snap some cute pictures of you, too!
Please note that this tour is recommended for participants ages 12 and up. Reserve your ticket online for $152.16 per couple. All gear will be provided.
Joint Exhibit Reception at Franke Bette Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 14
What could be more romantic than stopping by a local art gallery for a lovely exhibit opening—and a glass of wine—on Valentines Day? Drop by Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, for a double reception on Saturday, February 14, from 3 until 5 p.m.
The Stories They Tell show features a number of local artists in the Main Gallery, and it’s on display through March 28. Watercolor Realism by Sue Matthews & Federica Colla will be on display as well, in the Signature Gallery through February 28. Come see the works, meet the artists, and have a glass of wine.
The Frank Bette Center for the Arts is open to the public from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Mardi Gras Carnaval with CHELLE! & Friends
Saturday, February 14
Mardi Gras is right around the corner, and CHELLE! & Friends are getting the party started on Saturday, February 14, at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue. The show is scheduled from 7 until 9 p.m.
Oakland’s own “Queen of New Orleans Music” Michelle Jacques comes together with accomplished Bay Area musicians to combine all the influences of New Orleans music into an “irresistible musical gumbo that is sweet, spicy, aromatic, and intoxicating.” Special guests from the Venezuelan Music Project will make the night even more vibrant.
Tickets to Mardi Gras Carnaval at Rhythmix may be purchased online for $36 per person or $130 for a group of four.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird. Reach her at [email protected].
