If you’re looking for someplace special to take the focus of your affections, Nanaimo has Valentine’s Day happenings to liven up the evening or maybe even help kick off a romantic weekend.
Spice up your Valentine’s Day with something other than cinnamon hearts Friday (Feb. 14) when Vindicated Vixen Events presents its first burlesque show of 2014 at the Cambie. Contests, prizes and treats round out the evening. Doors open at 8 p.m. $10 per person.
Don’t cry the Valentine’s Day blues – boogie to them with the King of Hearts Singles Club and Vancouver Island blues band Lazy Mike and the Rockin’ Recliners, known for bringing a passionate performance to any party. Bring a friend, meet a friend or bring your sweetheart for the night at Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.10 Friday, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $15; $12/legion members and available in advance or at the door. For more information, please visit the King of Hearts Singles Club website at www.kingofheartssinglesclub.ca/events.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the folks who speak the language of love at the 2014 Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable. The event runs Friday to Sunday (Feb. 14-16) at Beban Park and includes a family Valentine’s Day dance and a weekend of celebrating French-Canadian culture. There will be a variety of performers, plus French-Canadian food including maple sugar toffee.
The Cranberry Arms Hotel is hosting a dance for romance Friday in Cedar featuring party rock by Hygrade, from 7:30-11:30 p.m.
People looking for a family friendly, disability friendly, non-alcoholic Valentine’s celebration can find one at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, which is hosting the Valentine’s Community Dance at its hall at 100 Chapel St., Saturday (Feb. 15) 6-9 p.m. The event is open to everyone and features high-tech lighting, music video and a photo slideshow. It’s like a nightclub atmosphere, except it’s non-alcoholic with snacks, drinks and prize giveaways with DJ Rock and Fullspectrum spinning the tunes from all eras. Admission is a $2 suggested donation to cover costs. For more information, please visit the Nanaimo Community Dance Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nanaimocommunitydances.
There’s still time to get in on a chance to win a $1,500 date downtown in the grand prize for Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association’s Picture Sweetheart contest draw. Snap a shot of yourself with your sweetheart at any of 15 Picture It locations downtown and post your shot on the business association’s Facebook page. The winners will be selected Monday (Feb. 17). For more information, please visit the business improvement association’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/downtown.nanaimo.bia.