the Bleu Room at Nemacolin for Bisou Bisou by Paris Starn Credit: Photo: Jordan Millington Liquorice

Valentine’s Day used to be all about romance, a lovey-dovey holiday for the coupled-up. While there’s still plenty of that to go around, thankfully, Valentine’s in Pittsburgh has expanded beyond the traditional and heteronormative to celebrate Galentine’s, friendship, family, and singles.

Pittsburgh City Paper compiled a list of Valentine’s events for lovers, friends, gal pals, squads, those flying solo, and people who just want to dance to ’90s music. From beer dinners and discos to wellness workshops and craft classes, Pittsburgh offers plenty of ways to love or hate love — whichever you prefer. (Please note: All events are 21 and over unless otherwise stated.)

the Bleu Room at Nemacolin for Bisou Bisou by Paris Starn Credit: Photo: Jordan Millington Liquorice


They Love Me – Events for Lovers

Space Bar
22 Market Sq., Downtown. spacebarpittsburgh.com

If your love is written in the stars, join Space Bar, Pittsburgh’s cosmic cocktail lounge, for a Starry-Eyed Valentine in Space event. From Thu., Feb. 13 to Sat., Feb. 15, the bar serves “stellar vibes” for lovebirds and “intergalactic squads” with a prix-fixe flight of three spacecraft-themed cocktails (with an option to add a cheese platter). Space Bar promises the “stellar soirée” is perfect for pre- or post-dinner plans and “cosmic vibes.” Reserve tickets ($50) through Eventbrite.

Hazelwood Brew House
5007 Lytle St., Hazelwood. instagram.com/hazelwoodbrewhouse 

They had us at “mac and cheese course.” Hazelwood Brew House invites you to ditch the pricey steakhouse for their first-ever Valentine’s Day Beer Pairing Dinner. On Fri., Feb. 14, Abstract Realm and New France Brewing partner with Comfort and Spice to serve a “delectable” four-course meal featuring a beet and goat cheese salad, a full course of mac and cheese, Korean pork belly, and bread pudding for dessert (a vegetarian option is available upon request). Each course is paired with an eight-ounce beer from the Brew House. Tickets cost $75 per couple or $40 for a single reservation and can be booked online.

Spirit
242 51st St., Lawrenceville. spiritpgh.com

Italy is for lovers, especially at a disco. Spirit invites Pittsburghers to “imagine if Olive Garden and Studio 54 had a child” at the Valentine’s Day Spaghetti Disco. On Fri., Feb. 14 at 9:30 p.m., embark on a musical journey through “the Boot” with music by DJ Hoagie Dreams and Buscrates. Free house-made pasta and meatballs will be served at midnight. Tickets cost $7 at the door before 10 p.m. and $10 after. Snag early-bird tickets online through Eventbrite.

Nemacolin
1001 Lafayette Dr., Farmington. nemacolin.com

For those who want a romantic getaway, Nemacolin hosts a Marie Antoinette-inspired high tea in its opulent Bleu Room. Bisou Bisou by Starn will take place at the Laurel Highlands resort from Fri., Feb. 14 to Sun., Feb. 16, treating guests to a “multi-course affair” presented in collaboration with world-renowned pastry artist Paris Starn. Enjoy a “parade of sweet and savory creations” complemented with a selection of teas, champagne, and specialty cocktails. Guests leave with a “parting gift” after the 90-minute afternoon tea service. Tickets ($275 per guest, plus tax and gratuity) can be reserved by calling 866-344-6957 and can be added to an overnight reservation.

the Bleu Room at Nemacolin for Bisou Bisou by Paris Starn Credit: CP Illustration: Jeff Schreckengost

They Love Me Not / I Love Me – Events for Haters

Women’s Energy Network / The Sweet Escape Events
2817 Penn Ave., Strip District. womensenergynetwork.org/GreaterPittsburgh

Self-love and friendship reign at a Wellness Galentine’s Day Soiree at The Franklin on Penn. Bring your besties on Thu., Feb. 13 from  5-8 p.m. for a “day of self-care and empowerment” including wellness activities, “pampering sessions,” and female empowerment speakers. The event includes light apps, a cash bar, and opportunities to “unwind, connect, and celebrate the power of friendship.” Tickets cost $30 and are available online.

Two Frays Brewing / Leona’s Ice Cream
5113 Penn Ave., Garfield. twofraysbrewery.com

It’s Gay Galentine’s Day at Two Frays. On Thu., Feb. 13 from 7-10 p.m., the brewery celebrates by pairing Leona’s Ice Cream bonbons with beer for a “relaxing, happy mood.” Sample four pairs of bonbons and beers, including a special Leona’s collaboration beer, Hey, Honey. Two Frays promises the English pale ale will bring “dreamy notes of tea biscuits, lavender, blackcurrant jam, and, of course, honey.” Tickets cost $35 per person plus an added $7 gratuity. Reserve a spot through Two Frays’ online store.

The Industrialist Hotel
405 Wood St., Downtown. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pitad-the-industrialist-hotel-pittsburgh-autograph-collection

The Industrialist Hotel invites the lovelorn to a pop-up celebrating “lost love, moving on, and everything in between.” The Broken Hearts Club takes over the hotel’s second-floor lounge from Thu., Feb 13 to Sat., Feb. 15 starting at 5 p.m. Guests will indulge in themed craft cocktails paired with small bites like “Girl Dinner” and “You’re the Wurst.” A Wall of Bad Romance lets lonely hearts create and share their own valentines (including self-love letters). Guests can also enter to win a self-care gift basket with goodies for the “perfect date night for one.”

New Sun Rising
112 E. Sherman St., Millvale. instagram.com/newsunrisingpgh

Beat the Valentine’s Day doldrums with a family-friendly night of dumplings and blues. The Millvale Food + Energy Hub will, on Fri., Feb. 14 at 6 p.m., host a Beats ’N Bites Valentine’s Day Special Edition: Blues + Dumplingz event for singles, couples, and families. Celebrate love with blues rock by Radiation, food from Pittsburgh Dumplingz, and drinks including cocktails and mocktails from Abeille Voyante Tea Co., Lemontree, and Harold’s Haunt. Special menus with chicken shishito, dumplings, and street noodles offer options for singles and couples. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online, with a limited number available at the door.

Voodoo Brewery / Sweet Alchemy Bake Shop
956 Fifth Ave., New Kensington. voodooattheritz.com

Voodoo Brewery and Sweet Alchemy declare “I love me” and rage against pink hearts with a ’90s-themed Anti-Valentine’s Day Party. Head to the New Ken brewery on Fri., Feb. 14 from 7-10 p.m. to dance to ’90s band High Fidelity and nosh on vegan treats from a special “Love is Messy” pop-up menu. Sweet Alchemy stays anti-Valentine’s all weekend and hosts a Galentine’s Sweet Horror brunch at Voodoo on Sun., Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Trace Brewing
4312 Main St., Bloomfield. tracebloomfield.com

Be queen for a day with a Galentine’s Day flower crown class at Trace Brewing. Get crafty at the brewery on Sat., Feb. 15 from 7-9 p.m. All materials will be supplied, with gals and pals welcome to grab a drink at the bar beforehand. Tickets cost $40.