Cool LA Valentine's Day Events Beyond Dinner and a Movie

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In case the pink and red drugstore aisles didn't blind you enough last December, consider this a PSA that Valentine's Day is creeping up on the cal. If you've committed to adding a little more spice into your old dinner date routine, we've rounded up a handful of romantic outing options happening in LA and beyond this weekend through next week.

From an offbeat LA history tour to a wild goose chase for major bling to a top-secret Fifty Shades of Grey-inspired soiree, check out over eight great events to celebrate the upcoming Hallmark holiday.

Flyer: @shopwalkdtla
What: ShopWalk DTLA
When: Sunday, February 8th, 12 to 7pm
Where: Historic Core, Downtown
Why: Show some love to your friendly neighborhood businesses and engage in some local retail therapy and grubbing at the bargain-happy block party. Taking place at stylish shopping stretches Sixth and Spring and South Broadway, a host of boutiques, bars, and other spots are offering deals and freebies to shoppers and diners.
Cost: Free

Flyer: Co-op 28

What: Valentine's Day Trunk Show
Where: Co-op 28 Handmade, 1728 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz
When: Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th
Why: Support local designers and artists this commercial holiday and stock up on V-Day giftables at the indie and vintage boutique, located at retail-happy Vermont Avenue. Shop handmade jewelry from Amanda K. Lockrow and Solstice Ltd., and artisanal beauty and bath products from Padua Farms.
Cost: Free

Flyer: The Standard, Downtown
What: Ping-Pong Doubles Tournament
Where: The Standard, 550 S. Flower St., Downtown
When: Saturday, February 14th, 8 to 11pm
Why: Test your backhanded teamwork skills at the cool hotel's table tourney, which offers prizes and drink specials.
Cost: $20 per couple; RSVP at RSVP.SPiN@StandardHotels.com

Flyer: Hush Experience
What: Hush Experience's After Dark Pop-Up Date Night Dinner Party
Where: Secret location in OC
When: Friday, February 13th, 6:30 to 9:30pm
Why: Surprises are awesome—especially when neither of you are stuck with the planning. To toast Friday the 13th and Fifty Shades of Grey's release, the pop-up soiree will feature a prix fixe menu, "carefully crafted cocktails, live entertainment and good company." Plus, the dinner party hosts tell us they're "not opposed to locks, keys, and blindfolds." Interesting.
Cost: Regularly $316 (including fees) per couple; Racked readers score 50% off tickets for $150 (plus fees) with code rackedVIP here

Flyer: Malibu Country Mart/Facebook
What: Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt
Where: Vintage Malibu at Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Rd., Suite 38, Malibu
When: Saturday, February 14th, 9 to 10am; couples must sign up by 9:15am to participate
Why: Nothing says "no pressure to commit" quite like a wild goose chase in the name of some serious bling. This Malibu scavenger hunt offers three lucky couples a chance to win a $2,600 Vintage Malibu diamond and 18k white gold necklace, gift cards to the Malibu Country Mart ($500, $250, or $100), or a $50 K. Chocolatier basket.
Cost: Free; must be 18 and over to participate

Flyer: Ace Hotel
What: Rumours Valentine's Day Special
When: Saturday, February 14th, 2 to 7pm
Where: Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, Downtown
Why: Dance, get crafty, or get your fortune told at the cool-kid HQ's rooftop pool party. In addition to drinks, a DJ, and pretty people, the event promises a swimwear runway show and a pop-up shop offering pool-ready pieces by SF swim label DYINSF for the ladies and vintage suits for the gents.
Cost: Free

Photo: Esotouric/Facebook
What: Esotouric's Route 66 Road Trip
When: Saturday, February 14th, 11am to 3:30pm
Where: The Daily Dose, 1820 Industrial St., DTLA Arts District
Why: This ain't your average Starline bus tour. Get to know your S.O. and the SGV on this Cali culture adventure, which explores roadside architecture, a nearly 100-year-old citrus farm, a Civil War-era cemetery, and more offbeat stops. This cool hidden history tour meets at sample sale-happy Daily Dose Cafe, where you can grab grub post-road trip.
Cost: $58 per person

Flyer: FaceHaus
What: His-and-Hers Facials
When: Friday, February 13th through Sunday, February 15th,
Where: Face Haus, 8377 West 3rd. St., Beverly Grove (also available at the Studio City location)
Why: Before grabbing a romantic brunch at one of stylish shopping stretch's many date-worthy eateries, prep your kissers for prime smooching with the fast facial bar's Valentine's Day weekend specials. Score $10 off your bill (regularly $45 per person) and free Pucker Up treatments that cleanse, exfoliate, smooth, and hydrate your and your No. 1's lips. Plus, enjoy a strawberry rhubarb mask and sweet treats from Eminence.
Cost: $80 per couple; book by calling (855) 550-HAUS or online here

Flyer: State of Unique/Facebook
What: Fake Prom
Where: The Unique Space, 1275 E 6th St, DTLA Arts District
When: Saturday, February 14th, 8pm to midnight
Why: Cut a rug, do your best mashed potato, or bust out whatever retro dance moves you've got at the Back to the Future-themed rager from the folks behind indie marketplace Unique LA. There'll be a 360-degree photo booth, an open bar, and of course, a DeLorean to help you commemorate the event via selfies. Come coupled or or bring a dateless BFF; there'll be a singles-only lounge in the house.
Cost: $45 per person, tickets available here

Flyer: Edwardian Ball
What: Edwardian Ball
Where: Henry Fonda Theatre, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
When: Saturday, February 14th, 8pm to 2am
Why: If you prefer steampunk soirees over retrotastic ragers, then bust out your best lace-bustled Victorian dress at this costume party inspired by godfather of goth Edward Gorey. Expect live circus theatrics by Vau de Vire Society, unique sideshows, ballroom dancing, absinthe cocktails, a portrait studio, and much more.
Cost: $50 general and $85 VIP entry, $400 and $600 for reserved booths; tickets available online here

Added 5/05:

Flyer: Pygmy Hippo Shoppe/Facebook
What: DIY Valentine Crafting Party
When: Saturday, February 14th from 2 to 5pm
Where: Pygmy Hippo Shoppe, 306 N. Stanley Ave., Beverly Grove
Why: Put some blood, sweat, and tears into your V-Day (kidding, none of that will actually happen) and design your own Valentine's Day cards will illustrator Tuesday Bassen and indie printer Tiny Splendor. In addition to enjoying sweet bites and drinks, crafters take home five cards, a paper moon photo booth portrait, and a goodie bag.
Cost: $25; reserve your spot online here

Flyer: Elisa B./Facebook
What: Elisa B. Pop-Up Shop
When: Wednesday, February 11th from 5 to 9pm; Thursday, February 12th from 11am to 7pm; and Friday, February 13th from 11am to 8pm
Where: Copa Vida, 70 S Raymond Ave., Pasadena
Why: Score 20% off apparel, footwear, jewelry, and more from labels like Rachel Zoe, Alli K., Kai Beauty, and many others during the On Wednesday, enjoy free refreshments, plus the first 25 shoppers score a free gift. Free gift wrapping will also be on offer.
Cost: Free

Flyer: The Style Club
What: The Style Club's 50 Shades of Selfies
When: Friday, February 13th from 4 to 8pm
Where: Luxury Jones, 7664 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood
Why: Toast International Self-Love Day with 20% off brands like Finders Keepers, JOA, Rehab, and more during online retailer The Style Club's pop-up.
Cost: Free
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