Valentine’s Day is an occasion that can be observed in multiple ways. Of course, the notion behind the celebration is love, and couples overindulge – and possibly overspend – to promote their feelings for each other to the general public.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
You don’t need a traditional love story to participate in the festivities, however. Sometimes celebrating with a friend or a gathering of others is just as joyous. No matter if you’re in a committed relationship, a casual courtship, out to have a good time or a lonely heart, Albuquerque has plenty of ways for you to spend your Valentine’s Day.
“Dinner & A Movie” at the Lobo Theater
The Albuquerque Film & Music Experience is hosting a screening of the classic comedy “There’s Something About Mary” at the Historic Lobo Theater on Tuesday, Feb. 14. General admission for the movie is $10, plus fees.
It’s “a fantastic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner and a movie,” said Ivan Wiener, AFMX executive director.
On top of the movie, dinner will be $26. The menu includes a Caesar salad, a choice between a 6-ounce filet, pan seared salmon, roasted chicken or cheese enchilada, and a lava cake with either cinnamon whipped cream or creme caramel for dessert.
Wiener added attendees are allowed to bring their purchased drinks and food into the theater to watch the movie.
The event starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
The Lobo Theater is located at 3013 Central Ave. NE.
“Love Is In The Air” at the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation is offering a Valentine’s Day celebration for friends, family and sweethearts on Saturday, Feb. 11, which includes three gatherings.
There will be a sunrise breakfast, a sunset Valentine’s Day cocktail party with a balloon glow and access to the Balloon Museum Artisan Market, which will feature 15 local vendors. All this comes with a great view of the Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally and a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum.
The breakfast from 6-9 a.m., and cocktail party from 4-7 p.m., are each $100 per person or $180 per duo. Children ages 10-16 are $25, and ages 0-9 are free.
On Sunday, Feb. 12, from 6-9 a.m. the museum is also hosting a Galentine’s Day celebration, which includes yoga, breakfast, mimosas and spectacular views. It is priced at $80 per person or $140 per duo. Children ages 10-16 are $15 and ages 9 and under are free.
You can purchase tickets at balloonmuseum.com.
The museum is located at 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE.
“Be My Valentine” at The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is a staple when it comes to romantic outings, but can also serve as a great way to spend time with friends.
“Melting Pot Albuquerque is promoting various Valentine’s Day specials in February that several individuals/couples can participate in based on how they choose to celebrate the day,” said Jasmyne Clark, The Melting Pot Albuquerque’s account coordinator at Tilson PR.
On Thursdays in February, the Melting Pot hosts its Thursdate, which includes a four-course fondue dinner for two, which is $55 per person.
On Feb. 14, the restaurant is offering their “Be My Valentine” special, which is $195 per couple and includes a four-course fondue dinner for two, including a bottle of wine or two beers plus one shared cold-water lobster.
Another special, “Hearts on Fire,” is offered from Feb. 11-13, and Feb. 15, and is $160 per couple. It includes a four-course menu and a bottle of wine or two beers.
Clark added that reservations are encouraged, which can be made at meltingpot.com/albuquerque-nm.
The Melting Pot is located at 2201 Uptown Loop Road NE, Suite 1A.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Gruet ABQ
The New Mexico winery is hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner at its Albuquerque location on Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 6-9 p.m.
A five-course dinner designed by chef Michelle Michelotti-Martinez, founder of Eatentions, will be prepared for attendees. The food will also be paired with Gruet wines. The menu, which has a chocolate theme, includes an oyster and caviar appetizer with a chef’s choice amuse-bouche, a wild mushroom velouté starter, seared scallops as the first course, a chef’s choice palate cleanser, braised short ribs as the second course, and a chocolate and cheese board to indulge on for dessert. Tickets are $395 per couple, and seating is extremely limited, so it is encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible if interested. Visit gruetwinery.com to make reservations, or call 505-821-0055.
Leading up to Valentine’s Day, both the Albuquerque and Santa Fe tasting rooms are offering exclusive dessert and wine pairing flights from Feb. 10-14 during normal business hours. The price for the package is $30 per person.
The Gruet Albuquerque tasting room is located at 8400 Pan American Freeway NE. The Santa Fe location is at 210 Don Gaspar Ave.
‘Mack & Cheeze Variety Show’ at Juno
Nick (Furious) and Mandy Meyers are offering a special Valentine’s-themed vibe to their regular Sunday showcase at Juno.
On Sunday, Feb. 12, the show will feature the pair as Mack & Cheeze, as well as folk duo Clark Libbey and Kristen Rad, Quietly Kept and poet Kristin Patton.
This is a free event and runs from 3-6 p.m.
Nick Meyers shared a message for the public: “We’re looking forward to seeing you and whomever you bring.”
Juno is located at 1501 First St. NW.
“Taste of Auberge” at Bishop’s Lodge
For couples willing to get away, Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe is offering “Taste of Auberge” at the resort. The weekend includes a pastry class taught by executive chef Susana Querejazu from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, followed by a tasting menu designed by chef Bradley Nicholson and executive chef Pablo Peñalosa Nájera from 5-8 p.m.
The pastry class is $75 per person and the tasting menu starts at $155 per person. Reservations are required and can be made through aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge.
On Sunday, Feb. 19, there will also be the resort’s regular-priced a la carte brunch menu available at SkyFire complemented by a jazz performance.
Bishop’s Lodge is located at 1297 Bishops Lodge Road in Santa Fe.
Calling all hearts
Though some of the specials may seem geared toward couples, anyone can partake in the events, because everyone deserves a happy Valentine’s Day no matter your relationship status.
