Anti-Valentine’s Events
The mere mention of the day is rarely met without a groan and roll of the eyes for singles and the romantically-attached alike, so credit where credits due to the creative folk who have hijacked one of the most loathed dates on the calendar and transformed it into a weekend-long festival of debauchery to be enjoyed rather than endured, regardless of relationship status. Valentine’s Day may seduce us all yet.
Hunt and Gather’s 4th consecutive Vday shindig All Fur No Knickers – Strangelove will be taking over a secret city location where guests will be treated to a surreal evening of guilty pleasures, a indulgent and trippy blend of star-gazing, burlesque and love potions. A performance by Azaria Starfire, disco tunes from Mother resident Rocky T.Delgado and an alter-ego make-over closet will offer transformations to party-goers await. But if you haven’t snapped up a ticket, all is not lost. Here’s an overview of the best of the rest on offer this year.
ALS & Le Cool present Auntie Valentine’s
- Friday, February 13th @ 8.30pm
- The Sugar Club
- €10/€15
Auntie Valentine oversees this evening of dirty dancing, gender bending and danger dating with live music by Buffalo Woman and DJ Sally Cinnamon. A love parlour with anti-valentine’s antics and alternative dating games will also feature.
My 80’s Valentine: The Princess Bride, Footloose, Top Gun & Prom Party
- Saturday, February 14th @ 6.00pm
- Lighthouse Cinema
- Various
Regardless of the occasion, Lighthouse can always be relied upon to serve-up suitably themed cinematics. This year its an 80s extravaganza, with the vaguely homoerotic Top Gun, rebellious dancing from Kevin Bacon and the always enjoyable Princess Bride, all followed by a prom-style party with the usual trimmings in the bar.
The Rocky Horror Show Anti-Valentine’s Party
- The Sugar Club
- Saturday, February 14th @ 8.30pm
- €15
Now a Valentine’s institution, the 9th outing for this rendition of the whacky cult musical is a must. With a guest appearance from Miss Bella Agogo , Best Dressed competition and props aplenty, expect fishnets, corsets and little else. Pants and partners not necessary.
Dublin at Valentine’s: Alternative Love Trail
- Saturday, February 14th
- Various
- Free
Dublin City Council has upped the ante this year by staging a cross-city Alternative Love Trail, with custom-made portraits at a pop-up photo booth, Guerrilla Love Poetry on the city bridges and a Ukulele poet. It all culminates with a free performance at Meeting House Square by Cathy Davey and Ham Sandwich, plus an after-party at The Meeting House bar from 11pm for those with considerable stamina. They are also encouraging people to Tweet alternative love quotes using the hashtag #DublinBeMyValentine. The best will be immortalised on street artist Anna Doran’s Lover’s Lane in Temple Bar.
Goulash Disco: My (un)lucky Valentine
- The Grand Social
- Friday, February 13th @ 9pm
- Free
Goulash puts a special spin on its usual blend of Gypsy, Swing and Funk promising extras such as dirty dancing, fortune-telling, and a roaming Cupid. Music comes courtesy of Bukahara, DJ Sacha Dieu and Goulash Diskette. A free shot on arrival sweetens the deal.
Love Me Tinder
- The George Bernard Shaw
- Saturday, February 14th @ 7pm
- Free
Bodytonic are cutting out the middle man this Valentine’s Day by getting Tinder app-ficianados all gathered together in the same room. There’s free Prosecco if you show the app at the bar and ‘sensual sounds’ from Hennessy, DJ Grapes, plus intriguingly ‘a sexy special guest’.
Lovin’ Dublin Brunch Club
- Saturday, February 14th @ 1pm
- House Dublin
- €25/30
A French-themed brunch with complimentary Parisian cocktails, DJs and more Kronenberg 1664 then you can shake a stick at, plus the obligatory French-style buffet to gorge on while watching the match.
Speed Dating & DJ Lex Woo
- Saturday, February 14th @ 7pm
- The Generator Hostel
- Free
The Smithfield Hostel will be hosting a speed-dating event if you fancy snaring a backpacker. TheDatingGame.ie will oversee the proceedings and a Love Potion cocktail at the bar should settle the nerves. Registration begins at 7pm. Dj Lex Woo will carry on the party until late.
Words: Aoife O’Regan