CINCINNATI -- Down with love? Done with love? Somewhere in between?
Don't worry, regardless of your relationship status, these events will either help you celebrate or get through Valentine's Day.
For the single people
Forget Valentine's Day -- this year Fat Tuesday falls on the eve of the romantic holiday. There are plenty of parties to mark the occasion, so why not celebrate Mardi Gras instead?
East Walnut Hills bars and restaurants along Woodburn Avenue and Madison Road will celebrate Mardi Gras with live music, food and drinks specials from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday. For more information visit the Facebook event page.
The Cajun-eclectic Allyn's Cafe will host a crawfish boil and Abita tap takeover from 11 a.m.-midnight Tuesday. 3538 Columbia Parkway, Columbia Tusculum. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
The BayHorse Cafe and Roadhouse will celebrate Fat Tuesday with beads, masks, jambalaya and Hurricane cocktails from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday. 625 Main St., Downtown. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Here are a few Valentine's Day parties and events you might enjoy, either solo or with friends.
Beer My Valentine: Streetside Brewing is teaming up with Karma in the Kitchen for a craft beer and chocolate pairing. Drown your sorrows or feed sweets to your sweetheart. Streetside Brewing, 4003 Eastern Ave., East End. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Valentine's Day Speed Dating: Perhaps you've been looking for love in all the wrong places. Go to Queen City Radio on Wednesday, play "sexy trivia" at 7 p.m., then find your mate during Pure Romance's speed-dating event. Participants will be entered to win a $300 Pure Romance gift basket. 8:30-11:30 p.m. Wednesday. Queen City Radio, 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
'Some Like it Hot': Are you a fan of cinema or classic comedies? Check out the Mini Microcinema's screening of "Some Like it Hot." The 1959 slapstick comedy stars Marilyn Monroe as a jazz band singer who meets Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis while they pose as women to evade mobsters. Doors open at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The Mini Microcinema, 1329 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Tacos and Tequila: Although this event takes place on Valentine's Day, it's not explicitly romance-themed, so single people should definitely feel welcome. The Phoenix will host a taco and tequila fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The ticketed event features three mini-tacos, a drink, an unlimited nacho bar and live music. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Phoenix, 812 Race St., Downtown. $27.17. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
NOT a Valentine's Day Party: Stay home Wednesday and rest up for Thursday. That's when Braxton Brewing Co. is hosting its anti-Valentine's Day party in Covington. Braxton's craft beers will flow and the taproom will have one of my true loves in the house – pizza. Yes, what goes together better than beer and pizza? 5-10 p.m. Thursday. Braxton Brewing Co., 27 W. 7th St., Covington. For more information visitthe event Facebook page.
Valentine's Day at the Hi-Mark: I consider this a Valentine's Day crossover event targeted for single people and couples who love craft beer. The Hi-Mark will tap the last-ever keg of defunct Blank Slate Brewing's Hi-80 and pair it with Streetside Brewery's new 80 Foot Pale Ale. Say hello to an old love and hello to a new favorite. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday. The Hi-Mark, 3229 Riverside Drive, East End. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
I Love You More Than: Valentine's Day is the perfect holiday to be cheesy. That's why Share: Cheesebar is hosting a special cheese and chocolate Fondue Wednesday on Valentine's Day. Whether you are single or coupled, this event has something for everyone. 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. Share: Cheesebar, 6105 Ridge Ave., Pleasant Ridge. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
For the ladies
There are plenty of Galentine's Day events on Tuesday. Galentine's is the unofficial holiday on the day before Valentine's Day when women gather to celebrate their friendships. (Looking at some of these events, I hope a guy-equivalent holiday catches on soon.)
Galentine's Day at the BonBonerie: Celebrate friendship during the BonBonerie's special event this Tuesday. For $35-per-person, you and your girlfriends can enjoy a light dinner, cocktail and oversized cookie to decorate. Drink selection includes a single signature cocktail, sangria, wine or other beverage. More drinks are available for purchase as well. 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday. The BonBonerie, 2030 Madison Road, Evanston. $35. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Galentine's Day at the Cheese Shop: The Rhined is inviting women to get together, sip wine and indulge in their favorite cheeses for a low-key, casual evening. 4-8 p.m. Tuesday. The Rhined, 1737 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. For more information visitthe event Facebook page.
Galentine's Day at the QCE: Queen City Exchange is offering half-priced bottles of wine for women to share -- or not -- Tuesday evening. There also will be Galentine's Day trivia questions when Trivia Tuesday kicks off at 8 p.m. 4 p.m.-midnight Tuesday. Queen City Exchange, 32 W. Court St., Downtown. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Galentine's Day at Fibonnaci Brewing: Fibonnaci will open for a special Galentine's Day evening event. The brewery's usual craft beer lineup will be available, along with a special wine cocktail, cupcakes and fun activities. 5-10 p.m. Tuesday. Fibonnaci Brewing, 1445 Compton Road, Mount Healthy. For more information visitthe event Facebook page.
For those in love
Honestly, if you haven't already made plans for your sweetheart, you might be in trouble. Here are a few last-minute events that could be your saving grace.
Valentine's Day dinner and carousel ride: You can't get much more romantic than dinner at the Moerlein Lager House, followed by a stroll along Smale Riverfront Park and a ride on Carol Ann's Carousel. Take your sweetheart to Moerlein for lunch or dinner Monday through Valentine's Day and the restaurant will give you a free carousel ticket. For more information visitthe Facebook event page.
Valentine's Day Dinner Party at the Point: Schwartz's Point Jazz & Acoustic Club is offering the perfect pairing this Valentine's Day. Treat your significant other to an evening of live music dedicated to love as you both enjoy dinner and chocolates. Seating is limited, but tickets were still available the last time we checked. Schwartz's Point, 1901 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. $25 per person. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Catch the Buzz with Patron Tequila – Valentine's Day: Can't go out on Valentine's Day for some reason? Make it up to your sweetheart by taking them to Buzzed Bull Creamery's Valentine event on Thursday instead. The Buzzed Bull team will show you how they make alcohol-infused ice cream while creating a variety of ice cream flavors spiked with Patron. Buzzed Bull Creamery, 1401 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. $34.48 per person. Ages 21 and up. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
