Valentine’s Day has the power to inspire a variety of emotions in people. For some it can be one of the most meaningful and romantic days of the year, while to others it’s simply another opportunity for the capitalist system to take people’s money. But regardless of your feelings towards Valentine’s Day or your current relationship status, there are plenty of ways to have a good time this weekend in and around Durham.
For the singles (who may or may not be ready to mingle):
The Viennese Ball
This Saturday evening from 7 to 11 p.m., the Duke Wind Symphony is hosting its 42nd annual Viennese Ball at the Freeman Center. The event will include live Austrian waltz and polka music, dance workshops, and a waltz performance by Promenade dancers. Also free food and drink!
Nevermore Film Festival
Running from Feb. 2 to 14, the Nevermore Film Festival is a horror/science fiction/mystery/thriller/action-adventure competition festival that has gained international reputation as one of the United States’ premier genre fests. This year the programming has expanded to include animated films and features films from 25 countries.
For the stressed out students:
The Regulator Bookshop Cat/Rabbit
Adoption Event
With Valentine’s Day falling right around midterm season this year, a little stress-relief couldn’t hurt anyone. Even though it’s not a typical Valentine’s Day event, the Regulator Bookshop is hosting a cat and rabbit adoption event from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, and there couldn’t be a better way to spread the love while simultaneously de-stressing.
Antic Shakespeare presents Romeo and Juliet
Running from Feb. 12 to 14 at 7 p.m., Antic Shakespeare’s twist on the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet is the perfect excuse to drop your books and spend a night enjoying fine theater. You don’t even have to leave campus— the show is right in Brody Theater (only a two-minute walk from Lilly).
For the music lovers:
Primitive Ways presents Hateface (The Cave); 3@3: Lazy Circle, Them Damn Bruners, Adam Fenton (Local 506); Bob Margolin (Cat’s Cradle); Ali Paris (Reynolds)
Luckily for all you music lovers, there are plenty of concerts happening in and around Durham on Valentine’s day. Hateface will be performing at The Cave in Chapel Hill, while Local 506 will be hosting 3 artists— Lazy Circle, Them Damn Bruners, and Adam Fenton— at 3:00 p.m. as a part of their weekly 3@3 event. Cat’s Cradle will be hosting Chicago blues artist Bob Margolin. There are even musical events happening on campus, with Ali Paris performing a special Valentine’s Day show at the Reynolds Theater. So whether you prefer to enjoy the music with a partner or rock out alone, there will be plenty of options for the musically-inclined.
DUI and The Pitchforks’ Valentine’s Day Show
Another on-campus option for people who love a good show is The Valentine’s Day Show being put on by Duke University Improv in association with The Pitchforks on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to laugh a little and listen to some a cappella.
For the couples:
Passion of Flamenco at Motorco
Flamenco Vivo Carolota Santana, a Spanish dance company based in New York City, is bringing the Passion of Flamenco show to Motorco for Valentine’s weekend with four performances from Friday to Sunday. The dances will be performed in an café-style setting, and Motorco will be providing food and drink specials during each of the shows.
Valentine’s Day Specials
For a more classic date, a variety of Durham restaurants are offering Valentine’s Day specials for brunch and/or dinner. Parizade, Revolution, Guglhupf, and The Melting Pot all have deals for couples and even WaDuke has a Valentine’s Day Special if you’re ballin’ on a food point budget. If you’re looking for just desserts, the Parlour is having a Valentine’s Day flight night (with vegan options) on Monday.
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