We’ve made it past the midway point of winter term. This calls for celebration, and Valentine’s Day couldn’t be more perfectly timed.
There’s an abundance of events you and your significant other can attend in Eugene on Valentine’s Day.
The 13th annual Sweetheart Ball will be hosted at the Hilton Hotel (66 E. 6th Ave.). Dinner will be complemented by entertainment from the Eugene Gleemen, the Sheldon Dublinaires and dancing to the Blue Skies Big Band – all for $50 per person.
The Valentine’s Day Dance presented by KindTree and hosted at Cozmic Pizza (199 W. 8th Ave.). Enjoy dancing, with DJ music by Frankie and Deano, and everyone’s favorite: karaoke — all for $5 for couples and $3 for all you single people out there.
Valentine’s Wine Dinner at Route 5 (248 E. 5th Ave.) offers a delicious course of house charcuterie board, broiled willapa bay oysters, followed by dungeness crab salad, an entree of ribeye for two and meyer lemon pot de creme for dessert — $85 total.
But if you’re not in a relationship, or don’t want to make a big deal about a capitalist-centered holiday here’s what else you can do:
EUGENE
Feb. 13 Ninkasi Dawn of the Red Zombie Pub Crawl
Ninkasi Brewing Company is bringing back their Dawn of the Red brew and they’re inviting everyone (over 21) to celebrate the return with drinks a pub crawl.
The hopping begins at Kesey Square (E. Broadway & Willamette St.), at 6 p.m., for free.
Feb. 13 & 15 Casablanca presented by Radio Redux
The critically acclaimed classic is coming to Eugene in a stage adaptation. The World War II based screenplay falls under the Valentine’s Day theme with “long-smoldering romance.”
Hult Center (Willamette St., between 6th and 7th), 7:30 p.m. on the 13th and 2 p.m. on the 15th, $21.
Feb. 14 Miranda Lambert
The Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and Academy of Country Music award-winning performer is making a stop at Matthew Knight Arena on her Certified Platinum Tour. Justin Moore and RaeLynn will be opening up the show.
Matthew Knight Arena, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $39.75.
Feb. 14 – 15 Oregon Asian Celebration
Celebrate Asian culture and heritage at the Asian Celebration. Demonstrations/performances will range from martial arts, material arts and cooking. Along with performances, 22 food booths and more than 70 marketplace vendors will be present.
Lane Events Center (796 W. 13th Ave.), 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on the 14th and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on the 15th, $6 for one day or $10 for both days.
PORTLAND
Feb. 13 Meghan Trainor
She’s all about that bass, and she making a stop at Portland’s Wonder Ballroom a week after presenting at this year’s Grammy Awards. “All About That Bass,” which reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 last year and was nominated for a Grammy this year.
128 Russell St., 6 p.m., tickets start at $20.
Feb 14. Zwickelmania
Zwickelmania is a one-day event where breweries are opening up to the public. Those taking part in this event will be able to meet the people that brew their beer, and (of course) beer taste. This event is free and locations are spread out through the Portland area. Check here for participating breweries.
Feb 14. Cuddle Con
Perfect for Valentine’s Day weekend, Cuddle Con models after Comic Con in having different panels for different people. Some of the events that will take place are cuddling classes, Acroyoga and pillow fights.
1015 E. Burnside St., noon – 6 p.m., entry starts at $10.
Feb 14. Cuff Me! The Fifty Shades of Grey Musical Parody
One of the year’s most anticipated films already has a parody out. The show has popular (and cheesy) music, like Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”, while spoofing the Fifty Shades of Grey book. This musical has been critically acclaimed by the NY Daily News, the Washington Post and the AP.
1111 S.W. Broadway, 8 p.m., ticket prices start at $30.
Follow Mike Mendoza on Twitter @MikeWheresIke