New York’s Largest Singles Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
Croton Lounge, 2/9 at 9 p.m., 108 W. 40th St., nr. Sixth Ave., 212-997-6835, $20
If you’re the type who takes dating seriously, put together your best business-casual look and mingle with more than 200 other single professionals in this bi-level bar. A ticket includes free roses and chocolate, entertainment, and happy-hour specials that should make the icebreaker games a little easier to handle.
Valentine’s Day Cookie Swap & Cookbook Signing
powerHouse Arena, 2/12 at 7 p.m., 37 Main St., nr. Water St., DUMBO, 718-666-3049
Is the path to your heart lined with sweets? Join five cookbook authors (including Deb Perelman of the popular food blog Smitten Kitchen) for a conversation and signing, followed by trading your favorite cookies (and maybe a few numbers) with fellow attendees.
The Moth StorySLAM: Love Hurts
Housing Works Bookstore Café, 2/12 at 7:30 p.m., 126 Crosby St., nr. Houston St., 212-334-3324, $8
As Woody Allen said in the film Love and Death, “to love is to suffer.” Commiserate, and also laugh, at that fact with a collection of tales that focus on the downsides of romance. Better yet, come prepared to share your own sad story and win some sympathy points.
How to Make Your Own Gourmet Chocolate Truffles for 20’s & 30’s
The JCC in Manhattan, 2/14 at 7 p.m., 334 Amsterdam Ave., at 76th St., 646-505-5708, $95
So what if you don’t have someone special to give you a box of chocolates? Get over it and learn how to make your own in this two-and-a-half-hour class that covers all the basics of making truffles in a variety of flavors (including Champagne and mocha hazelnut), while meeting some people your age who share your sweet tooth.
What I Did for Love
UCB East, 2/14 at 7:30 p.m., 153 East 3rd St., nr. Ave. A, 212-366-9231, $5
Nothing’s funnier than the truth, especially when it comes to relationships, as this night will prove. One lucky audience member’s tales of love and loss will serve as the basis for the show, performed by some of UCB’s top improvisers, so dust off your most hilarious memories from relationships past.
The Rejection Show Valentine’s Day Heartbreak Haven
Littlefield, 2/14 at 8:30 p.m., 622 Degraw St., Gowanus, 718-855-3388, $10-$12
Still bitter about that last breakup or unrequited crush? You’ll be in good company with this lineup of the best stories of rejection from the series’ past (and the book it spawned) told by funny people including Matt Koff, Lizz Winstead, and Adam Wade.
Unloveable: A Smiths & Morrissey Valentine’s Day
The Bell House, 2/14 at 9 p.m., 149 7th St., nr. Second Ave., Gowanus, 718-643-6510, $12-$15
Mope around to the music of Moz & Co. at this annual gathering for the lovelorn, featuring cover band the Sons & Heirs. This year’s edition kicks off with a Smiths cabaret hosted by Dan Neustadt (of the Hold Steady) and a mood-lightening comedy set by Dave Hill.
Love Bites: The Power Ballads Sing-Along
Union Hall, 2/14 at 10 p.m., 702 Union St., Park Slope, 718-638-4400, $8
Feel like spending your night singing (or screaming) about heartbreak? Head to this night of eighties and nineties power-ballad sing-alongs, with subtitled music videos from legends like Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Journey, and Guns N’ Roses. If that’s not enough, there will also be an air guitar competition, a costume contest, and free Valentine’s candy.
Check Out a Concert
There’s nothing wrong with seeing a live show alone. This year’s slate of Valentine’s sets is nothing to scoff at, with Toro y Moi at Music Hall of Williamsburg, Lemonade at Cameo, the Peeps at Knitting Factory, and Teengirl Fantasy at (le) poisson rouge among the many options.