Life

The 7 Best Places To Meet Singles On Valentine's Day
by Natalia Lusinski
Monkey Business/Fotolia

If you’re single and looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day, either solo or with friends, there are so many events you can attend to celebrate the holiday. While it often feels like Valentine's Day is only filled with fun options for couples, there are actually plenty of places to meet singles on Valentine’s Day. So why not try something new? Believe it or not, it's actually a great night to meet someone.

“It’s easy to get into a routine that has you doing the same things over and over,” Stef Safran, matchmaking and dating expert, tells Bustle. “The only way to make changes is by taking steps to go out and do things, especially on days that attract larger crowds. Valentine’s Day is one of those days. Maybe going out there means you meet a new love interest or make a new friend that has a lot of great friends — which means you’ll expand your social circle and dating possibilities. Sometimes it only takes one new person — and going to one new event — to change your attitude about making an effort to find love!”

Like Safran says, you never know who you’ll meet. From anti-Valentine's Day parties to 5-hour long happy hours here are some ideas for what to do on Valentine’s Day to unite with fellow singles.

1

Mortified: Washington, D.C. & Boston

Mortified, ticket prices vary, Mortified

If you’ve never been to a Mortified show, you are definitely missing out. Though you can find the storytelling shows in many cities across the U.S. and in some abroad, too — where the storytellers tell a funny/sad/extremely relatable tale of something embarrassing from their youth, sometimes reading straight out of their angst-ridden teenage diary — a couple cities have events on February 14 itself.

If you’re in Washington, D.C. or Boston on Valentine’s Day, you’re in luck. The theme will be about Valentine’s Days gone wrong, and you can bond with fellow audience members or the storytellers themselves. The Boston show starts at 7 p.m. while the D.C. ones start at 8. There are also Valentine’s Day-themed Mortified shows in select cities the weekend after Valentine’s Day. Check out their website for more info.

2

Spinning With Singles: Speed Dating: Chicago

Navy Pier: Spinning with Singles, $54.84, Eventbrite

If you’re in Chicago and 21 and over, this event will likely be the most memorable speed dating one you’ve ever attended. It doesn’t take place just anywhere, but on the city’s main Ferris wheel. What?! I know — amazing. Officially, the event is called “Spinning with Singles” and is group speed dating on Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel, aka the pier’s renowned Ferris wheel. It’s being held by Navy Pier and Entertainment Cruises. First, singles will ride the 200-foot wheel in groups and meet new people at every rotation, which is a genius idea. Afterwards, there is a reception aboard a private yacht, the Chicago Elite. Aside from hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, there will be music by DJ Lovebug. Each participant will also leave with a package of special offers for Navy Pier experiences.

Plus, not only is February 14 Valentine’s Day, but it’s also National Ferris Wheel Day, so you can celebrate two special occasions in one. The event takes place from 6:30–9:30 p.m. and the “Spinning with Singles” aboard the wheel starts right at 7, so it’s advised you arrive by 6:45.

3

Bar Hugo: New York City

Bar Hugo: Valentine’s Day Singles Soiree, $8 well drinks, $9 specialty cocktails, Bar Hugo

If you’re in New York City on February 14, Hotel Hugo’s rooftop lounge, Bar Hugo in SoHo, has a “Valentine’s Day Singles Soiree” going on. Not only are there amazing panoramic and romantic views of Lower Manhattan from the bar — courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows — but you can get Happy Hour specials from 5 p.m. till midnight — just $8 for well drinks and $9 for specialty cocktails. You can either go to Bar Hugo alone or ask a friend to tag along.

As Safran says, even if you just make new friends, down the line, you never know who those new friends know. You can RSVP here: events@hotelhugony.com.

4

Valentine’s Day Speed Dating: San Francisco

Andrew Zaeh for Bustle

Valentine’s Day Speed Dating, $32.23, SFQuickDates.com

There’s nothing like speed dating to make you feel less alone on Valentine’s Day. And if you’re in the San Francisco area, SFQuickDates.com is hosting a Valentine’s Day Speed Dating event at the Ozone Thai Restaurant and Lounge on February 14 from 8-10 p.m. The event’s recommended ages are women 25-to-45 and men 25-to-46. Of course, unlike online dating, you’ll get to see your speed dates IRL, and there’s nothing like seeing someone face-to-face to determine if you have in-person chemistry. You’ll go on 10 “dates,” each five minutes long. You and someone “match” if you both choose each other. In any case, it sounds like a win-win, as you’ll get practice dating and perhaps make new friends if nothing else.

5

Roman Holiday + Valentine’s Day Party: Los Angeles

Roman Holiday + Valentine’s Day Party, $33, Cinespia

If you’re still in a movie-watching mood, though would like some company in a stunning venue, the Los Angeles Theatre, complete with crystal chandeliers and a beautiful decor, you should consider going to this movie-and-drinks event in L.A. on February 14. Plus, even if you’ve seen Roman Holiday, starring none other than Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, of course, you can never see it enough times. This Roman Holiday + Valentine’s Day Party event has a dress code, too, which makes it even more fun and classic: formal/cocktail attire, aka a jacket and tie for men.

To attend, you must be 21+ (bring your ID). Freixenet Cava will be there to serve you complimentary Champagne. There will also be bars, DJs, live music, a dance floor, and a photo booth. The event lasts from 7 p.m.–midnight.

6

Anti-Valentine’s Day Singles Party: New York City

Andrew Zaeh for Bustle

Anti-Valentine’s Day Singles Party For NYC, $27.60, NYE Singles Promotions

If you’re single, in NYC, and kinda hate Valentine’s Day, why not go to this Anti-Valentine’s Day Singles Party? It’s catered for singles 21-to-45 and 200+ people are expected to attend. That’s a LOT of dating options. The event includes appetizers (first come, first served), DJs (hip-hop and Top 40), ice-breaker events, and prizes for winners. On top of which, a professional photographer will be capturing pictures of how it’s all going. It’ll take place at The DL Rooftop Lounge, 95 Delancey Street, from 6-11 p.m.

7

Be My Valentine, A Fundraiser For Muttville Senior Dog Rescue: San Francisco

Be My Valentine, A Fundraiser For Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, $0, The Social Beauty Co.

If you are looking for a super low-pressure Valentine’s Day activity, as well as one that will warm your heart, you can attend the “Be My Valentine, A Fundraiser For Muttville Senior Dog Rescue” event by and at The Social Beauty Co. on Fillmore Street. Just like it sounds, yes, instead of people, you’ll be going to cuddle with senior dogs… and perhaps meet some fellow single people while there. It takes place in the late afternoon, from 3-5 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, but it makes for a great reason to duck out of work early, right? After all, it’s for a good cause, as well as to raise community awareness. Plus, some of the sales will be donated to Muttville, which is the best news of all — in addition to the dog-cuddling and meeting your potential soulmate, that is.

There you have it: If you’re single and looking for something fun to do on Valentine’s Day, there's no shortage of ideas.