Unique things to do with your friends on Valentine’s Day

Looking for something special to do with the ones you love on Valentines Day (by which we mean your friends)? We’ve got you covered with a selection of NYC’s most empowering, mind-expanding events.

Check out an art party 

Photo: AnArtKey, Evensi 

AnArtKey Collective is holding an exciting “V Day Art Bash,” an evening of art, music and live performances from 6pm to 12am on V Day itself. The gallery will be filled with incredible art to peruse, plus you can expect food, drinks, activities and much more to keep you entertained, all organized by this wonderful Queens-based artist guild. AnArtKey Collective was founded by Oriel Ceballos, an NYC artist and curator from Panama known for sensational city art events, and this is expected to be the best yet. 

Indulge in a burlesque show 

Why not celebrate V Day with a good old fashioned feminist burlesque show? Bleecker Street's Le Poisson Rouge is holding their very own "Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque Valentines Spectacular" with live jazz music, saucy burlesque and circus performances. There will be drinks, there will be acrobatics, there will be feather boas. What's a better way to celebrate V day with your friends? Tickets start at $20 and you can find all the information on Eventbrite.

Engage in fem films 

Photo: WeHeartAstoria

Check out the Galentines Day Film Celebration by Astoria Film Festival for an evening of culture and feminist empowerment. On Saturday February 15 Kaufman Arts District and Astoria Film Festival will be celebrating local female and LGBTQIA+ filmmakers with screenings of short films, web series and a filmmaker panel event. All proceeds from the event go towards education and outreach activities with local public schools, so you can feel good about where your money's going this Valentines Day.

Get your brunch on

Check out the Galentines Day event by "Babes who Brunch" on Sunday February 16 for a morning of makeup touchups, friendship bracelet making, drinks, snacks and much more. This event is all about celebrating friendship, providing the perfect combination of wellness, crafting, snacking and communication to really get your zen on this Valentines Day.

Channel the power of the phoenix

Photo: Bloc Art, Facebook

Head to the Lower East Side to check out "The Phoenix" art show by BLOC Art. The Phoenix is known internationally as a symbol of rebirth and vitality. This exhibition will show the works of international artists interpreting the image of the Phoenix and what it means for them, exploring themes of resilience, hope and love. Fourteen artists from the US, Peru and Austria will be exhibiting, plus there will be artist talks, music and food tastings galore in celebration of the opening night. And did we mention it's all free? Definitely a great way to start off the night.