12 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your boo or bestie

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate with your boo or your bestie.

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends or your galentine squad, there are plenty of date ideas happening all across the Eastside. From paint-and-sip nights and cumbia-and-coffee parties to a cozy late-night dinner with that special someone, there’s something for everyone this Valentine’s Day.

Galentine’s Paint and Sip at 3rd Street Market 

Looking for a crafty Valentine’s activity? 3rd St. Market and Cafe is hosting its first Galentine’s Paint and Sip with featured artist Teresa Flores. The evening will include complimentary wine, snacks and giveaways. There are limited spots available, so be sure to grab your tickets now. 

For the Love of Resistance at Espacio 1839 

This Valentine’s Day weekend, Espacio 1839 hosts the opening reception of “For the Love of Resistance,” a group exhibit that frames art as “a creative response to injustice.” The show will highlight 16 local artists, including Fabian Debora, Rosy Cortez and Jesse Fregrosso. The evening will also feature a CaminArte vendor market, with a portion of sales donated to a local rapid response team, according to Espacio 1839’s social media page. 

Amor Y Amistad Piñata Workshop at Latinx With Plants

If you’re looking to get crafty, Latinx With Plants is hosting its first-ever Amor y Amistad celebration with a piñata workshop. The evening will include a cocktail hour, a live DJ set by Maiden Mexico, complimentary drinks, a DIY Herbal Love Sachet bar and live screenprinting brought by Signs of Movement. Be sure to get your tickets for this limited-space event. 

Pilates Con Amor y Amistad – Empower x People’s Yoga

Join the Empower x People’s Yoga collaboration event this Valentine’s Day for a 60-minute mat pilates and yoga class. Expect a morning full of stretching, flexing, and connecting, followed by kombucha and snacks at People’s Yoga’s newest Strength Studio. This event will feature a $25 to $45 sliding scale donation with 100% of the proceeds going toward Kids In Need of Defense (KIND). 

DIY Milagro: An Amulet of Self-Love – Vincent Price Art Museum

An afternoon workshop led by Chicana artist and altarista Rosanna Esparza will center on creating a personal milagro — an amulet of self-love and remembrance. The workshop is presented in tandem with “Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective,” an exhibit on view now at the Vincent Price Art Museum. 

Table for Two:
A Valentine’s Dinner Experience at Distrito Catorce 

Enjoy a Valentine’s dinner experience by Chef Jonathan Perez at Distrito Catorce.. Advertised as a “three-course dinner curated to make you fall in love all over again—with food,” the evening will feature two limited-seating time slots. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Vezbi Foundation. 

Valentine’s Day with Trio Los Caramelos & Romance Nocturno at Eastside Luv

Looking for a date night with live music? Spend an evening at Eastside Luv enjoying romantic boleros, late-night drinks and performances by Trio Los Caramelos and Romance Nocturno. Admission is $20 at the door. 

3rd Annual “I Love East LA Festival” 

The “I Love East LA Festival” is back again this year, taking place over Valentine’s Day weekend. Find over 80 Latina vendors selling bilingual books, thrifted clothing, apothecary, handmade goods and other unique gifts. The festival will feature a fashion show and live musical performances from artists such as Spanish rock band Casi Natural, Chicana pop-rock artist Vanessa Mendoza, and soul band Maria Sanchez and the Midnight Groove, among many others. With Chicana lowriders, an art walk, food trucks, and the East LA Farmers Market, there’ssomething for everyone at this year’s festivities. 

Amor Cafe Y Baile: Valentine’s Cumbia Edition

Get your boo or bestie and your dancing shoes ready this Valentine’s weekend. Local coffee spot, Cafe Niña, is hosting a Valentine’s Cumbia with radio personality Leslie from the B, keeping the energy high. Attendees can enjoy free coffee and a free photobooth souvenir, plus a free 1-hour dance lesson. Cumbia rhythms will be playing all afternoon with music by DJ Phobik. Admission is $20 at the door. 

KQBH’s Valentine’s Special at Open LA 

Looking to enjoy a Valentine’s special music night? Join the KQBH radio station family this month for their Valentine’s Mixer. Free and open to all ages of the community, the evening will feature music by DJs Brendita Eres, DJ Amdez and DJ Rubbertoe. Free parking is available. 

Amor Y Amistades Paint Night at East Los Tacos

Join local artist Andrea “Mextica” Ramirez on this guided paint and sip event. Attendees can pick from five pre-sketched canvases, and all art materials are included. The night will also feature a free raffle entry for each participant andwill conclude with a group photo. Free parking will be available. Tickets are $25. 

Noche de Corazones at Mariachi Plaza 

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Su Salud Está En Sus Manos is hosting a Sweethearts Night at Mariachi Plaza. This family-friendly evening will feature a live DJ and dancing for all ages, community resources, as well as a photobooth and kids’ activity station.