Valentine’s Day is creeping up, and whether Emerson students are sharing it with that special someone or are planning to spend it solo, there are plenty of things to do around the Boston area:
1. Cupid’s Undie Run
Feb. 18, 12p.m. – 4p.m.
House of Blues (15 Lansdowne St., Boston, Massachusetts)
Described on their website as one big party, Cupid’s Undie Run is back for its fourth year. This roughly one-mile fun-run benefits the Children’s Tumor Foundation, a nonprofit medical organization seeking to assist families struggling with neurofibromatosis, a condition where tumors grow in the nervous system. Runners, whether individual or in teams, must register online for the ticket price of $35. Participants are encouraged to wear only their undergarments, but it is not required.
2. Somerville Local First Valentine’s Day Market
Feb. 12, 11a.m. – 4p.m.
Center for Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave. #1c, Somerville, Massachusetts)
The nonprofit organization Somerville Local First will have over 40 vendors collect for a flea market to exhibit and sell their goods. These vendors range from designers to artists to bakers. Among those in attendance are Cinderloop, a handmade clothing line, Ava’s Caramel Popcorn, Herd Nerd Spice, known for their BBQ spice rub, and many more.
3. Maybe, This Time?
Feb. 11, 7:30p.m. – 9:30p.m.
Center for Arts at the Armory
The cabaret music group Tongue in Cheek will perform their annual Valentine’s show at the Center for Arts at the Armory. Arts at the Armory is a nonprofit organization that strives to provide a space for artists everywhere to come and create. Described as “songs for the romantically delusional,” the show is bound to please any holiday cynic. It features local cabaret singers with Joe Mulholland on the piano. Admission is free for all. Their event can be found here.
4. Chocolate Festival
Feb. 25, 11a.m. – 4p.m.
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church (8 Kirk St., Lowell, Massachusetts)
Even though the 25th may be the week after Valentine’s Day, it’s never too late to celebrate, or commiserate, your holiday experience with chocolate. Visitors are welcome to all the chocolate they can possibly eat. Bakers both amateur and professional prepare the desserts for weeks in preparation, and along with that there are raffles and prizes. Admission is only $7.
5. The Jane Austen Ball
Feb. 11, 7p.m. – 10p.m.
Old Town Hall (32 Derby Square, Salem, Massachusetts)
It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the Jane Austen Ball is sure to please any book-lover. The ball is decorated in the fashion of the Regency era of Austen’s classic works, and guests can gather, in costume or not (though costume is encouraged), to learn the dances of the time period, no experience or partner needed. Ticket prices vary from $15 to $30.
6. Unconditional Love: The Letters of John & Abigail Adams
Feb. 14, 6:30p.m. – 9:30p.m.
Boston Tea Party Ships (306 Congress St., Boston, Massaachusetts)
On Valentine’s Day, history fans can gather at the Boston Tea Party Ships to watch actors read the letters between two of history’s most famous lovebirds. Not only does it reveal an inner look at the personal lives of the Adams, but an intricate portrait of Boston culture during colonial America. Tickets are $39 per person or $59 per couple. With the ticket comes one glass of champagne, sparkling cider, wine, or beer per person, plus tea, fruit, and cheeses. (CQ) For those interested, their Facebook page can be found here.