With Valentine’s Day just days away we know it’s hard to make plans, especially if you have kids or are on a budget. That said we’ve decided to make your life a littler easier and give you a few options. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or want to include your kids there’s an event for everyone.
Here are our top FREE Valentine’s Day events in Austin.
Valentine Playtime
Friday, February 14 | From 10 to 11 a.m.| Round Rock Public Library, 216 East Main Street
Take your little sweeties to Round Rock Public Library for a playtime featuring Valentine-themed activities. This free, drop-in activity is best enjoyed by ages 18 months and older. If your child would like to participate in a valentine exchange, please provide 10 valentines and/ or individually shareable gifts for your child to distribute to other children. This is a great opportunity for children to write, stamp, add stickers, or add some other kind of developmentally appropriate message to their valentines before coming to playtime. As participants leave, they can take home a fun bag of valentines from other Library friends.
Drag Queen Story Time
Friday, February 14 | From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.| Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road
Let your imagination soar as you take a silly, lighthearted adventure into a book with Miss Kitty Litter ATX, everyone’s favorite storyteller! Drag Queen Story Time is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day with your little ones. Each participant will also have the opportunity to create their very own book to take home. This event is appropriate for children ages 2-6 and their caregivers, however everyone is welcome to attend this FREE event. The Dougherty Arts Center is a safe, inclusive space for all to create and play with respect. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
Valentine’s Day Pop-up Shop at Medici Roasting
Friday, February 14| From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.| Caffe Medici, 1023 Springdale Road
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Medici Roasting at Springdale General. They’re hosting several local businesses for a pop-up shop and Valentine’s Day party. Check out the fun line-up here.
Yawp Valentine Exchange at the Park
Friday, February 14 | From 12 to 2 p.m. | Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury Street
Head to Pease Park on Valentine’s Day for a valentine exchange! If you plan on attending, bring a decorated box, 40 valentines, and arrive promptly at noon. All the boxes are lined up and each participant may go down the line dropping a valentine in each box. Bring a snack to share and celebrate new and old friendships!
Valentine’s Day at the W Austin
Friday, February 14 | Starting at 5 p.m.| W Austin, 200 Lavaca Street
If you want love, head to the Record Room for candy necklaces and Valentine card making activities, a surprise pop-up, and more. If you’re after revenge head to Secret Bar. Smash some pinata hearts, pass some racy notes across the bar and win prizes. Show your Bumble app at both events for a FREE cocktail. Meet your match on the app and get another one for you and your match!
The Austin Chronicle Pet Issue Party
Thursday, February 13| From 5 to 8 p.m.| Still Austin Whiskey Co, 440 East Saint Elmo Road
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for humans, show your furry friend some love. Maybe they will fall in love at the pet-friendly happy hour in celebration of The Austin Chronicle’s Pet Issue. There you can sample CBD pet products by Your CBD Store, visit with the Chronicle’s celebrity office dog, Hank-the-Chron-Dog, get tickets to pet-themed raffle prizes, and first 100 guests will receive a FREE cocktail on the Chronicle!
Love. In Abstract
Friday, February 14| From 7 to 10 p.m.| Flip’N Art, 12912 Hill Country Boulevard, Bee Cave, TX
Join Flip’N Art for a special Valentines Abstract Art show with Chacasso and friends. Guests will help paint a Community Art piece to be auctioned off for Charity. Wine and Appetizers provided.
Valentine’s Day at The White Horse
Friday, February 14 | From 7 p.m. to Close | The White Horse, 500 Comal Street
Want something more low-key. Take your partner to White Horse for FREE two step lessons with Dancin’ Austin and stay after for three music acts and drink specials. There is a $5 dollar cover after 8 p.m.
Valentine’s Day Massacre
Friday, February 14 | From 7 to 9 p.m.| Carousel Lounge, 1110 East 52nd Street
How much do you hate Valentine’s Day? The Mateys/Detroit 442 (Blondie cover band) will be putting the funk in dysfunction and performing a gothy, punky smorgasbord of romantic obsession, perversion, and alienation. FREE love, FREE candy, and FREE admission for everyone!
Swipe Left: Valentine’s Day at Lefty’s
Friday, February 14| From 8 p.m. to Close | Lefty’s Brick Bar, 1813 East 6th Street
It’s a $5 cover, which is cheaper (and safer) than a Craigslist casual encounter, and they’ll even toss in an overly boozy punch when you walk in the door to get you well on your way to making some bad decisions. $5 in advance. $10 at the door.
This is How We Do It Valentine’s Day Dance Party
Friday, February 14 | From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. | The Upside Rooftop Bar, 1108 East 6th Street
Remember when Friday nights meant grabbing your sweetie, best bro, or favorite gal pal and heading to the school’s gymnasium for a dance party? This Valentine’s Day, we want to recapture our youth with an unadulterated ’90s/’00s dance party reminiscent of junior high. But, of course, this isn’t your average middle school dance, so we’ll be offering Tito’s Handmade Vodka spiked punch specials and so many fun tunes from Woke Bloke to put the groove in your heart. No cover.
