For some of us, Valentine’s Day can be less of a romantic holiday spent luxuriating in connection and more of a flashing neon sign pointing out the failure to find love. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a lovely V-Day or two, but more often than not, I find myself unpacking what’s missing from my life more than celebrating what I have. So, here’s my new resolution starting in 2025: Let’s worry less about the state of our relationships on Feb. 14 and instead try to be a little more patient and kinder with ourselves. You can’t find love until you love yourself after all.
This goes out to you wonderful Central Oregonians: Whether you’re in something new, something ancient or nothing at all, here are a few ideas for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, stress-free, with love.
Naughty Valentine’s Sip and Decorate Kook’i Class
Look, most of us know there’s not too many things sexier than enjoying incredible food with your sexy partner. But you know what’s even sexier than that? The sweet stuff. Having a sinfully delicious dessert — with your lovers, friends or any combination thereof — can only be topped (see what I did there) by actually crafting those desserts together. The divine purveyor of delectable treats known as Kook’i has seven naughty cookie designs for you to decorate as well as a bar from which to sip while adding those fine details to the girthiest of desserts.
Legend Cider Company
Sun., Feb. 9, 4-6pm
16481 Bluewood Pl., LaPine
Tickets: checkout.square.site/buy/FZCMFLGDBWHYNSSJ67NRER4S
$65
Paint Your Date
It’s so damn romantic to feel seen by someone. It’s even more romantic to feel seen and then painted by that person, like you’re one of their French girls. Personally, I think this would be a blast to bring a bestie to so you can passive aggressively make them look like a hybrid baby of Picasso and Warhol. They’re serving nonalcoholic beverages, but you are free to BYOB. With only a dozen tickets available, jump on this event while you can.
Flying Horse Gallery
Fri., Feb 14. 4:30-6:30pm
161 South Elm St., Sisters
Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/paint-your-date-valentines-day-tickets-1199893155729
$50, ages 21 and over
luperGAYlia
If you’ve ever been to a Cult of Tuck show (which you very well should, they’re amazing!), you know that every single second is filled with some of the very best drag that the Northwest has to offer. Join them for a celebration of Lupercalia, the pagan predecessor to Valentine’s Day, as only the Cult can produce. “Kings, queens and creatures of all kinds will be taking the stage to stir up some queer magic and howl their hearts out,” says drag queen Foxy LaHound. “It’s a much more feral and primal drag show than you may have experienced before, but, as with all Cult of Tuck shows, everyone is welcome for a fun time celebrating love and community.”
The Cult of Tuck presents: luperGAYlia
Silver Moon Brewing
Sat., Feb. 15., doors 7pm, show 8-10:30pm
24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend
Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/the-cult-of-tuck-presents-lupergaylia-tickets-1211493994149
$25, under 18 allowed with parent or legal guardian
Galentine’s Bouquet Bar
Celebrating V-Day doesn’t always have to be romantic. In fact, celebrating Galentine’s Day is usually much more rewarding as spending time with your tribe and reveling in the warm vibes of friendship that nourishes the soul. Tag in with friends and build flower arrangements from recycled distillery material while sipping on cocktails and admiring how amazing all of your people are. Ticket price includes red, pink and white flowers, a vase, a welcome mini cocktail, a ticket for another cocktail of your choice and a goodie bag.
Oregon Spirit Distillers
Fri., Feb. 14, 7- 9pm
740 NE First St., Bend
Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/galentines-bouquet-bar-tickets-1131315167119
$32, ages 21 and over
There are just so many events to choose from. There’s A Killer Valentine: Murder Mystery at Craft Kitchen and Brewery on Feb. 14; La Bon Burlesque is putting on a Valentine’s show inspired by the musical “Chicago” on Feb. 15; Bend Burlesque is doing “My Vaudeville Valentine” on Feb. 14; and there’s a Valentine’s dinner and dance at Sunriver Resort, also on Feb. 14. There are way too many things happening and at least one is perfectly tailored to the type of Valentine’s Day you’re having. Isn’t it lovely?
This article appears in The Source Weekly February 6, 2025.
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Is that woman holding a penis? If that was a dude holding up a cookie that looked like a pair of tits there would be 1000 comments on here in an outrage about the sexualization of women.