Best Valentine's Day Parties For Singles
Valentine's Day is drawing nearer; that one, special day reserved for partners to celebrate the love they share for one another, typically with the exchange of cheesy gifts and over-priced dinners. If you're single, Valentine's Day can be a nightmare as many bars and restaurants become overrun with couples and garish pink and red decorations. Don't subject yourself to the silliness of a superficial holiday; avoid it entirely with these suggested destinations and events.
Moto-i
2940 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 821-6262
www.moto-i.com
"Don't have anybody to snuggle with this Valentine's Day? Neither do we, let's hang out!" If you're like Moto-i and you think Valentine's Day is a silly holiday, you'll fit right in at its annual Cupid Is Stupid, Drink Sake Party. Take the edge off with $3 sake all day. To heck with Valentine's Day, cheers to yourself.
Fine Line Music Cafe
318 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-8100
www.finelinemusic.com
Single for Valentine's Day? Why not check out the Fine Line Music Cafe's annual The Best Love is Free concert on Saturday, Feb. 9? This 18-plus hip-hop extravaganza will feature Cecil Otter (Doomtree), Later Babes (members of Soulcrate Music & Hooks For Hands), I, Colossus and more. For just $10 in advance ($15 at the door), you can dance your non-couple cares away. Also, you get a free CD with entry.
Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-9800
www.kittycatklub.net
Is moody and melodramatic more your adopted persona on Valentine's Day? Last year the ubiquitous Scott Seekins chose to throw a Black Valentine bash at the Kitty Cat Klub for those who loathe Valentine's Day. Entertainment for the evening featured shock rockers Mother's Tongue, music that set an appropriate tone for the event. Regardless of whether Scott Seekins will throw another anti-Valentine's bash, the Kitty Cat Klub is an ideal place to go for a refuge from Valentine's Day. Let the fun, eclectic decor, strong drinks and upbeat music distract you from the mobs of V-Day aficionados.
Grumpy's Bar & Grill
1111 Washington Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 340-9738
www.grumpys-bar.com/downtown
If you're looking for a safe haven from mobs of cute couples, try Grumpy's. With three locations (downtown Minneapolis, northeast Minneapolis and Roseville) around the metro, avoiding romance is convenient. Grab a brew with your crew and challenge them to a friendly game of pool. If you're at the downtown location on Valentine's Day, enjoy a game of the $50,000 Dollar Pyramid. Modeled after the game show, Grumpy's version isn't worried about censorship. Be entertained as host Ian covers entertaining topics like "things found in your pants." You'll be laughing so hard, you'll forget all about the sappy holiday.
Lake Harriet Bandshell
4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 230-6400
www.tcmevents.org
Not in the mood to party? Instead, why not embrace your competitive spirit for Valentine's Day? On Saturday, Feb. 9, the Lake Harriet Bandshell will play host to the 28th Annual Valentine's Day TC 5k beginning at 10 a.m. If you're single, run your cares away with a rejuvenating 5K jog. With awards given to the top three male and top three female finishers, who needs candy and flowers?
A Minnesota native that was born and raised Up North, Minneapolis is where Christina Kalinowski currently calls home. Christina appreciates irony, loves bacon, enjoys a hearty libation (drink responsibly, folks), and is an avid proponent of the Swanson Pyramid of Greatness. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
