Valentine's Day can be no fun if you're single. But why not turn this hated holiday for the uncoupled into an opportunity? We've found five events around Los Angeles this week that are celebrating V-Day in an unconventional way—by pairing up people looking for love.
A comedy show/"live dating app"
The dating scene can be stressful, so why not laugh away the tension? All My Single Friends features "features LA’s hottest up and coming comedians and hottest singles," including Gabby Lamb, Nick Skardarasy, Aisha Alfa, Casey Ley, and Fahim Anwar. Laugh at terrifying tales from the dating trenches, then mingle with other single folks after the show.
The date: Thursday 2/15, 8pm
The location: The Copper Still, 4485 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles
The price: $10
An '80s-themed mixer
If your solution to heartbreak is putting on a cheesy '80s movie, The Craftsman in Santa Monica has your number. This restaurant's singles party will feature a DJ spinning "all your favorite cheesy '80s rock/pop hits," plus drink specials for ladies. And if you can prove you arrived in an Uber or Lyft, your first drink is free.
The date: Wednesday 2/14, 9pm-12:30am
The location: The Craftsman Kitchen + Bar, 119 Broadway, Santa Monica
The price: Free with RSVP
An icebreaker bash for 30 and 40-somethings
If you're single and in your 30s and 40s, it might seem like all of the good ones are already taken. But there are still plenty of awesome unattached people to meet, and the Love Is in the Air party wants you to get to know some of them. Everyone at the party receives a key or a lock, and is asked to go around the room introducing themselves to see who matches with theirs. "Every time you get unlocked, you receive a raffle ticket, which turns into a chance to win awesome prizes at the end of the night," the organizers note.
The date: Saturday 2/17, 7:30-9:30pm
The location: Big Bar, 1927 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles
The price: $15
A talk on dating in the digital age (with an afterparty)
In the era of Tinder and Bumble, finding real connections can be tough. So get some advice from Leigh Montavon of Your Sexual Revolution, who's leading a discussion on how to forge lasting relationships from the crush of right and left swipes. After her talk, the party will shift to a speed-dating event, complete with an activity to break the ice and a custom cocktail for some liquid courage. All genders, sexual preferences, and orientations are welcome, making this a great stop for LGBT folks.
The date: Wednesday 2/14, 7pm
The location: Now Boarding, 7746 Hollywood Blvd., West Hollywood
The price: $10
A relaxed speed-dating event
If you've tried speed-dating and it's not your style, the folks at Relish hope their approach will make you reconsider. "We've done away with the whistles, name-tags and over the top party trimmings," says the speed-dating group, which poses itself as "a fresh alternative to typical events that seem more like a job fair than a relaxed way to connect." This V-Day event is aimed at singles age 24 to 39.
The date: Wednesday 2/14, 8pm
The location: Hotel MdR, 13480 Maxella Ave., Marina Del Rey
The price: $35.90
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