12 Things to Do for Single Austinites This Valentine's Day
By Emily Beyda, February 6, 2019, 8:30am, On the Range
For those of us who are, as they say, on the apps, Valentine’s Day can be something of a minefield.
If you go out, there are obnoxious couples everywhere. If you stay in, you’re the singleton cliche, with a Seamless order streaming Must Love Dogs (don’t judge me). Ya can’t win! But maybe this year, you can. Whether it’s on the big day or buffering you before and after, there are a ton of Austin institutions ready to cater to your single and ready-to-mingle self. There are Galentine’s Day events aplenty and even a few gender-neutral singles events where the fellas are welcome. Love hurts, after all, but snack and drink discounts are totally painless.
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Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but they’re nowhere near as cuddly as a pooch, and in a dog-loving town like Austin they’ve got to at least qualify as a runner-up, right? That’s why Bumble is teaming up with Grocery Pup for a Date My Dog event Feb. 7 at Jo’s on South Congress. Show your app at the door to get a free drink and giveaways, plus an evening of backyard games, a Valentine's-themed photo booth for paw-traits with your pups, and Grocery Pup samples for hungry pooches. Don’t have a dog? No time like the present! The Austin Humane Society will be on-site with a dog adoption station.
Central Market is keeping the chocolate-related magic going until Feb. 14, with their “Love Bites” Chocolate Festival, featuring both savory and sweet applications of the chocolatey arts in flavors like Matcha Green Tea, PB&J, Cold Brew, Coffee and Cardamom, and Coconut Black Lava, as well as adventurous treats like dark chocolate hummus, chocolate-covered chickpeas, mole poblano-seasoned proteins and cocoa-rubbed steaks. To guide you through the chocolate madness, they’ve even organized a tour on Feb. 8, 5-7pm, where you can taste your way through the creations of 14 different chocolate experts.
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On Feb. 9., Bumble is hosting a special Bumble BFF Galentine’s Celebration at Adelante Boutique from 11pm-2am. There will be more complimentary treats and beverages from Sway Rose, Frankly Organic Vodka, and FitJoy, plus tarot readings from Sound Sight Tarot, lip touch-ups by Sentral, and manis by Lacquer while you shop the boutique, which is offering 20% off all health and wellness items. Bring a pal or bring the app to make some new friends, and show it at the door for a first-come, first-served VIP goody bag.
Scholz Garten will also be hoppin’ on Feb. 9, when they’re hosting a family- and dog-friendly Valentine's shopping event with special merchandise from local vendors like White Deer Apothecary, Willigan's Island, Dakini Studios, and many more. There will be tunes spun by DJ Fontana, complimentary wine samples, and a raffle for the chance to win a Valentine's Day dinner for two at the garden.
A bottle of wine is the ultimate rom-com single girl accessory, and Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery is coming through with a Galentine’s Day celebration that would do Leslie Knope proud, with two-for-one specials for you and your gal pals.
Speaking of IMT, at Aloft & Element they’re slinging a special Galentine’s Day package that includes two buckets of Infinite Monkey Wine in your room upon arrival, $250 worth of dining and drinking credit for you and the ladies at the on-site restaurants and bar, plus four packages containing de rigeur self-care tools like robes, slippers, face masks, nail polish, and chocolates. Upgrade to the Indulgence Package for a sweet treat and a bottle of champagne waiting in your room upon arrival.
Get the whole thing over with early at Fluff Meringues’ Galentine’s Party with ATX Connection Mixer and Chelsea Francis on Monday, Feb. 11, 6-8pm. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and proceeds go to Dress For Success. They’re also featuring a Valentine’s Day Tea Service Dinner on Feb. 14. The single-seating, two-course tea service will include a light savory meal of meats, cheeses, roasted veggies, and a salad before a tiered dessert service filled with Valentine’s-inspired treats. There’s a grapefruit curd with hibiscus and blood orange mousse tart, strawberry basil madeleines, chocolate strawberry marshmallows, rose + lychee and champagne + white chocolate dipped drops, a smattering of their signature treats, and a few additional few surprises. The seating is at 7pm and $60 per person and includes a glass of wine or Prosecco with the option to upgrade to a bottle.
Irene’s is hosting a Galentine’s Day celebration of their own on Tuesday, Feb. 12, so all you greedy people who have a loving and fulfilling romantic relationship and supportive friendships can celebrate both. They’re partnering with local artists including Shira Melody Jewelry, who has been creating handmade, southwestern jewelry with an urban, bohemian soul since 1998, Daisy Natives, Sarah Eckett’s lifestyle brand, and Selma Sosa of SOSA: Makeup + Styling to create an all-girl maker marketplace. Guests will receive one complimentary drink (your choice of beer or rosé), plus snacks like popcorn, pimiento cheese & crackers, French onion dip & chips, and (naturally) avocado toast.
To keep the spirit alive, head to COVER 3 on Wednesday, Feb. 13, starting at 4pm, for half-price bottles of wine from Rodney Strong. Or really lean into the whole forever-alone vibe and head to COVER 3 or COVER 2 for a complimentary (with the purchase of an entrée or sandwich) single-serving brownie topped with vanilla bean ice cream, homemade chocolate and caramel sauces, and candied walnuts in honor of Single's Awareness Day on February 15. True love shmoo love, more ice cream for you.
Sour Duck Market is hosting a Valentine’s Market of their own featuring live music, local vendors, and a happy hour, plus live music from the Aubrey Hays Band. And they’ve got a tbd Galentine’s extravaganza in the works for Feb. 14, which they promise will include specials on all things pink, from rosé bubbles to strawberries.
The Rose Room is leaning into grade school romance with their Stupid Cupid Party. Guests can snack on sweets, make cards at the make-your-own card station, and enjoy the "Get stupid, find your cupid,” theme. It’s 21+, so presumably no bow-toting babies will be in attendance.
And Jack & Ginger's Irish Pub is celebrating Galentine's Day with love at first pint $1 Dos Equis special for ladies.
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