Not everybody wants to spend the evening at some stuffy restaurant cooing sweet nothings. Some would rather go out and have a little fun. We’ve got a list of parties and events going on this Valentine’s Day.

Related Links:

• Best Make-Out Spots in Washington
• Romantic Restaurants
• Have a Quirky Valentine's Day

What: Black Tie Valentine’s Evening of Russian Opera.
When: Friday, February 1.
Where: Russian Cultural Centre.
Time: 7 PM.
Price: $59 to $95. 
Details: Reception with open bar and appetizers, dinner buffet.

What: My Comic Valentine: A Comic Book for the Stage.
When: Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14.
Where: The Shop at Fort Fringe.
Time: 3 PM.
Price: $15.  
Details: A performance put together using dialogue from old comic books.

What: Make a Date: An Art and Music Experience.
When: Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14.
Where: Multiple venues near the Navy Yard Metro.
Time: 6 PM.
Price: Free.
Details: Check out Artomatic’s Web site here.

What: Second Saturdays Valentine’s Day Bash.
When: Saturday, February 14.
Where: Backstage at the Black Cat.
Time: 8 PM.
Price: $8.
Details: A dance party with a series of DJs spinning throughout the night.

What: Anti-Valentine’s Day Party.
When: Saturday, February 14.
Where: Garretts.
Time: 9 PM.
Price: No cover.
Details: Two-for-one $4 drinks and free candy.

What: Prissy Pistol Presents: True Romance.
When: Saturday, February 14.
Where: Palace of Wonders.
Time: 10 PM.
Price: $10.
Details: All-female performances featuring fire artist Miss Joule, Little Darling, Lizzie Furr, and Prissy Pistol, also known as Priscilla Jerez.

What: Saint Valentin
When: : Saturday, February 14.
Where: French Embassy.
Time: 8 PM.
Price: $75 per person; $140 per couple.  
Details: Open bar, silent auction, live music, chocolate fountain, and a pastry-tasting menu.

What: A Reggae Valentine From .. . . See-I.
When: Saturday, February 14
Where: Iota.
Time: 9 PM.
Price: $12.
Details: A series of DJs, including members of Thievery Corporation and Fort Knox Five, will spin reggae tracks. Baltimore DJ Fasimbas Afrikan Dub Soundsystem will also perform.

What: Young & In Love Party.
When: Saturday, February 14.
Where: Town Danceboutique.
Time: 10 PM.
Price: $10 before 11; $15 after 11.
Details: DJ Tracy Young will be spinning all night; text messages will be displayed on interactive message boards across the gay club.

What: An iMusical Valentine.
When: Saturday, February 14.
Where: The Comedy Spot.
Time: 7:30 PM.
Price: $15.  
Details: Washington Improv Theater performs a series of humorous songs and short scenes about Valentine’s Day.

UPDATE 

What: Valentine’s Day Special: Wine, Comedy and a Film
When: Saturday, February 14.
Where: Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse
Time: 6:30 PM
Price: $8
Details: Wine tasting, stand-up comedy and a screening of the classic The Princess Bride.

What: Valentine’s Day Wine Cruise on the Potomac
When: Saturday, February 14
Where: Washington Marina, 1300 Maine Ave., SW.
Time: 8:45
Price: $75
Details: Wine, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts will be served. The cruise is over two hours long.

What: Red Hot Valentine’s Night
When: Saturday, February 14
Where: Crystal Couture Space, 2450 Crystal Drive, Arlington.
Time: 6 PM
Price: Free admission
Details: Fashion show, best red dress contest. Drinks and candy will be served.

What: Valentine’s Day Party
When: Saturday, February 14
Where: Growlers
Time: 10 PM
Price: Free admission
Details: Drink specials, live music and DJs.

What: Valentine’s Day Party
When: Saturday, February 14
Where: O’ Sullivans Irish Pub
Time: 9 PM
Price: Free Admission
Details: Live performance from the band The Journeymen

What: Valentine’s Day Party
When: Saturday, February 14
Where: Tortoise and Hare
Time: 9:30 PM
Price: Free admission
Details: Performance by the Monster Band, and drink specials.

What: Anti-Hallmark Valentine's Day Card Contest
When: Saturday, February 14
Where: EatBar
Time: 8 PM
Price: Free admission
Details: contest, drink specials.

Shopping

→ Budget Gift Guide: Under $20
→ Gift Guide for Her
→ Gift Guide for Him
→ Gifts to Warm Your Home
→ Valentine’s Day: Beyond Red Roses
→

Dining

→ Tables for Two: Valentine’s Day Menus in Washington
→ Looking for Valentine’s Chocolate? How About a Mojito Truffle

Activities

→ Girls-Only Valentine's Day
→ Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Art Lovers
→ Beyond Chocolates and Roses: Ten Quirky Things to Do on Valentine’s Day
→ Heart-to-Heart Getaways: Valentine’s Day Hotel Packages
→ Valentine's Romance at Home