Love in many forms: Events celebrate Valentine's Day through reading, theater and hot air balloons

It’s February – which means it’s time for Valentine’s Day.

This year the day falls on a Wednesday, yet there are plenty of events around the city to celebrate with a loved one.

The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum is presenting “Love Is In the Air: A Sunset Glow Cocktail Party” set to captivate hearts on Saturday, Feb. 10.

The unique event celebrates love set to an evening sunset dotted with hot air balloons, whimsy and wonder.

Guests are invited to indulge in the magic of museum love as they stroll through the historic museum. The event features live music with Robb Janov, cuisine by M’tucci’s Catering, cocktails with Red Door Brewing, and, of course, balloons.

Love in many forms: Events celebrate Valentine's Day through reading, theater and hot air balloons

Guests may also choose to participate in additional love-themed offerings such as candle making with Enchanted Wik, card making, mini-flowers bouquets and hair sparkles.

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. and includes a display of large and miniature hot air balloons inflating and glowing during the magic sunset hour on the museum lawn overlooking the Sandia Mountains.

“We are thrilled to announce the generous donation of a hot air balloon ride from Rainbow Ryders hot air balloon ride company for our upcoming Love Is In the Air event,” said Kate Anella, spokesperson for the Balloon Museum Foundation.

Proceeds benefit the Balloon Museum Foundation. Tickets are on sale at balloonmuseum.com.

The University Libraries Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections will host its “Love in the Archives” event on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

This year’s theme, “Love of Nature,” promises a captivating exploration of the university’s rich historical archives and the connection between humanity and the natural world.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Frank Waters Room in Zimmerman Library, offering attendees the chance to immerse themselves in CSWR’s extensive collection of pictorial archives and documents.

“The Love in the Archives” exhibit will also extend to an online platform.

“Nature might not be your first thought when it comes to archives, but we found that we have quite a few items in the collection that have a nature theme to them,” said Portia Vescio, CSWR university archivist. “From conservation to the UNM campus to pieces of art, we have a wide variety of materials that we think people will be happy to learn are available.”

CSWR is proud to feature “A Book of Cranes,” a recent addition to its permanent collection. This collaborative masterpiece, created by 12 New Mexico poets and artists, captures the elegance of cranes in a stunning work of art.

“A Book of Cranes” is a large, accordion-style folding screen book which consists of 10 pages, including covers, showcasing art on both sides.

Western New Mexico Fine Arts Center Theatre in Silver City, is hosting a “one night only” production to raise money and awareness for the mission and vision of Silver Regional Sexual Assault Support Services.

Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 online for the event, which starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14.

“The Vagina Monologues” explores sexual experiences, body image and other topics through the eyes of women of various ages, races and sexualities. The WNMU presentation will feature a cast of eight local women.

Due to the sensitive subject matter, it is recommended for people 16 and up unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. showtime. Tickets and more information is at silverregionalsass.harnessgiving.org/events.