Every year Feb. 14 comes up and the masses wonder what to do for this day of love. While it’s traditionally a day that people in relationships can show how much they care, the festivities can also include single women and men, and celebrate platonic love. Flowers and chocolates are nice, but doing something different can make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Alamo Drafthouse

Instead of the regular movie and dinner, this Valentine’s Day, a fun twist would be to go to the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar and watch the classic romance, “West Side Story.” West Side Story is about a man and a woman from opposing gangs in 1950’s New York who fall in love. It contains everything worthy of Valentine’s Day: forbidden love, spontaneous singing and choreographed knife fights. Enjoy all this while eating specialty meals inspired by the movie such as the “Sharks” or “Jets” plates. The movie starts at 7 p.m. and tickets can be bought online at www.originalalamo.com. The tickets cost a whopping $75 per person, but if you can afford it, it’s a sure way to impress your date.

Valentine’s Day Karaoke

Many places have Karaoke Monday nights and since Feb. 14 just so happens to fall on that day this year, there will be plenty of different stages to hit up. If Valentine’s Day makes you want to scream, belt it out on stage at The Highball on South Lamar at their Love Bites Karaoke night complete with wigs and props to get the ultimate 80’s metal ballad feel. The event will be held on Valentine’s Day at 10 p.m. and best of all it’s free. You can also go to Beerland and the Stardust Club for karaoke. If you bring someone, make sure to dedicate a song to them!

The Belmont

On Saturday, Feb. 12, The Belmont on 6th Street will be throwing a Valentine’s Day party called Cupid’s Revenge. It will be a night of dancing and drinks without the lovey-dovey drama of the holiday, and be sure to wear red. After the partying on Saturday night, a nice dinner on Monday tops off the weekends events nicely. Taking your significant other out doesn’t have to break the bank. With The Cheap Date Night at the Belmont you can pretend you have the money for a fancy dinner but only pay $39.95. For that price, you get one appetizer, two entrees and two glasses of what they call “Grown-up Grape Juice.” Not a bad price for a place that proclaims itself as “the hippest night spot in Austin.”

Secret Circus

To make a truly unforgettable Valentine’s Day there is possibly no better place to go than the Secret Circus. The Secret Circus is a 1920’s European Cabaret environment that includes street performers, aerialists, dancers, live music and fashion shows. For $75 per ticket, guests have access to an open bar, several live musical performances and other entertaining live acts. For $150 per ticket, you can get a dinner to go along with your show. The event will be held at The Mansion at 2312 San Gabriel Street in Austin. To buy tickets or get more information go to www.secretcircus.net.

Shows

Whether single or not, music lovers can spend Valentine’s Day in their own way at some free shows in Austin. The Grand, the new and improved pool hall that replaced Eric’s Billiards will be hosting a free Valentine’s Party with live music by Ben Blackout, the Flesh Lights and A Giant Dog. Ben Blackout is a DJ that spins regularly for The Grand, The Flesh Lights are a punk-rock band, and A Giant Dog is a female-led garage rock band. The Grand is like any other pool hall with several pool and foosball tables, darts and new flat screen TVs, so there’s plenty to do while listening. The Grand is located at 4631 Airport Blvd, Suite 121. If rock is not your preferred music of choice, maybe a performance by local blues-funk-R&B singer LZ Love and her band performing love songs throughout Valentine’s Night would set the mood a little better. She will be performing live at the Jax Neighborhood Café at 7 and 9 p.m. The cover is only $5, and the Jax Café is located at 2828 Rio Grande at 29th Street. Their popular pizza and warm, relaxed environment would be a great contrast from the recent cold winter days.

Austin Steam Train

On Feb. 12 and 13 the Austin Steam Train will be having a Sweetheart Special. For one ticket price, passengers can enjoy a meal, complimentary beer, wine and entertainment in a two hour trip. The train departs in Cedar Park, about half an hour away from St. Edward’s University, and arrives back two hours later in the same place. The event will start at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. For ticket information go to www.austinsteamtrain.org.