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Cheap Valentine's Day Santa Cruz

Doing something special for Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, with friends or just want to treat yourself, here are nine things to do to celebrate—six of them are totally free!

 

 

FEBRUARY 13

 

Love Monday: The Last Plastic Straw “Galentines Day” at Discretion Brewing

How do women celebrate Galentine’s Day? By drinking beer together for a good cause, of course. 20% of beer sales on Love Monday (Valentine’s Eve) at Discretion Brewery will benefit The Last Plastic Straw, a nonprofit organization with a mission to eliminate plastic drinking straws from our waste stream, our oceans and our beaches. Organizers remind everyone to help this effort by requesting “no straw” at bars and restaurants.

Cost: Free to attend

 

Make Your Own Valentines with Patrice Vecchione at Bookshop Santa Cruz

If you don’t buy into the Hallmark aspects of this holiday, that doesn’t mean the poetry of love can’t be celebrated. Surprise your beloved with a card that is part poetry, part collage and all love. Homemade cards are never not impressive, and under the guidance of local artist, poet and writer Patrice Vecchione at Bookshop Santa Cruz, you are sure to create a beautiful expression of your unique relationship.

Cost: $15 materials fee

 

FEBRUARY 14

 

Reading Flash Mob at Bookshop Santa Cruz

Powerful energy is generated when a group of people gets lost in a book at the same time. Rekindle or revel in your love of reading at the Valentine’s Day Reading Flash Mob at Bookshop Santa Cruz. This free indoor event is geared for youth and adults and proceeds benefit Leo’s Haven, a Santa Cruz playground that will be accessible to all.

Cost: Free

 

Chocolate Beer Week at Cremer House

If you like to drink your Valentine’s chocolate in beer form, you’ll want to get yourself and perhaps a loved one (or not) to the Cremer House for Santa Cruz’s offering for SF Beer Week. Chocolate inspired specials and local beers on tap will certainly deliver the euphoria you deserve.

Cost: Free to attend

 

Hanloh Thai pop up at Midtown Café

Who doesn’t like a little spice on Valentine’s Day? Check out new Thai pop up Hanloh at Midtown Café for tasty Thai cuisine. This pop up is preparing a special Valentine’s Day menu that is friendly for gluten-free folks, meat lovers or vegans, so you can be sure your date will find something to ignite their flame.

Cost: Free to attend

 

‘All Things Tea’ Tea Tasting at Hidden Peak Teahouse

Take your date on a vacation to an enchanted location: Hidden Peak Teahouse, where founder, David Wright talks all things tea to tea lovers and learners from 6-8pm. Explore little-known secrets of tea rituals, history and more while sipping on their tasting of the day. Registration is not required, and each week a new, organic discussion develops, so guests are invited to attend more than once.

Cost: Free

 

No Reservations at the Food Lounge

No reservations, no problem! The Food Lounge is welcoming all for a casual, family friendly evening. Guests can sit at the bar and enjoy a chocolate tasting with a local drink, or diners can enjoy a quality meal prepared by Tanglewood. Celebrate this day of love, community-style.

Cost: Free to attend

 

Valentine’s Rebellion Comedy Singalong at Don Quixote’s

Rebels unite in song and laughs! Join Celtic band Charmas, with special guest Jeremy Friedenthal for this 3rd annual comedy singalong where the audience takes part in composing a traditional limerick song. Guests are invited to share their limericks or compose one on the spot, which will surely score you some love points. If you’re looking for a little bawdy indecency in your Valentine’s Day, this event is for you.

Cost: $12 advance/$16 door

 

Chocolate Tour and Tasting at Mutari Chocolate

Skip the CVS aisles and take your sweet on a bean-to-cup tour and tasting at Mutari Chocolate. Chocolate tourists will leave filled with delicious, ethically-sourced chocolate and a gift card for one Mutari Craft Hot Chocolate. If you can’t make the tour, stop by the café on Front Street for a box of house-made craft chocolate treats for yourself or a loved one. FYI, Mutari is now regularly open on weekends: Friday 5-10pm, Saturday noon-10pm, and Sunday noon-10pm. They will be open on Tuesday for Valentine’s Day from noon-10pm.

Cost: $20