Valentine's Day -- associated as it has become with cheap chocolate, relationship pressure and hollow sentiment -- has a bit of a bad rap. But what could be better than celebrating the love in your life, whether that's with family, a partner or your pals? Fortunately, there are events around Anchorage that range from fun, to funny to romantic (or all three), for whichever way you're feeling Feb. 14.
Thursday
Savage Love Live — Dan Savage has made a career of boldly covering everything related to sex and relationships. From BDSM to virginity and sexting, Savage has made a career of confronting often-taboo topics with frankness and humor. His shows are driven by anonymous questions from the audience, so there's no telling where the conversation might go. 7:30 p.m. at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium. UAA students, $5 advance or $10 door. General public, $20-$25. (uaatix.universitytickets.com)
Friday
Valentine's Big Band Tribute to Nat King Cole — Nothing says vintage romance quite like a big band tribute to Nat King Cole under the twinkling lights of Williwaw. John "Pypes" Teamer will solo. Get dolled up and kick it old-school. 7-10:15 p.m., Williwaw Social, 609 F St. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased online. All proceeds benefit Beacon Hill, serving Alaska's foster children and those at risk of going into foster care. (529-4584, williwawsocial.com)
'Stars of the Alaskan Sky: Valentine's Edition' — Get some star-gazing in without freezing your honey (or your hiney). In a special Valentine's program, Planetarium Manager Omega Smith will talk about the triumphant couples and star-crossed lovers depicted in the night sky's constellation. You must be in the theater 10 minutes before the show starts. Reserved seats will be released after this time to stand-by customers. There is no entry after the show begins. 8-9 p.m., UAA Planetarium and Visualization Theater, 3101 Science Circle. Online tickets are $5-$10; $6-$12 at the door. (786-1838, uaatix.universitytickets.com)
Viva-Voom Brr-Lesque presents: Love Tease — The saucy ladies of Viva-Voom Brr-Lesque are back at it, with striptease, live music, comedy and prizes for your beloved, date or fun-loving posse. Doors at 8 p.m., show starts at 9, Friday and Saturday at Koot's. Tickets $20 at brownpapertickets.com. Ages 21 and over. (vivavoomburlesque.com)
'Town Romances' — Olga Hurlbert, a theater actress and theater expert, will sing romantic songs and share some stories of her life. Her album, "The Town Romances," will be available for purchase. This free event is sponsored and organized by the non-profit organization Center of Russia/American Friendship & Trade of Alaska. Guests will be offered free tea, coffee and dessert. 6-7 p.m. Friday, BP Energy Center, 900 E. Benson Blvd. (346-8021)
Saturday
Mo Pitney Valentine's concert — Rising country star Mo Pitney ("Country," "Boy & a Girl Thing") will perform a Valentine's show with guests including Nashville singer-songwriter Bobby Tomberlin and Alaska's own Ken Peltier. Coyote Creek will play afterwards to top off the evening. Ages 21-plus only. $25 or $50 VIP, which includes seating up front and meeting the artists before the show. Get tickets online at williwawsocial.com. 7 p.m. Saturday at Williwaw, 609 F St.
Scared Scriptless Valentine Show — Maybe you hate Valentine's... but you probably like candy, right? Anchorage's long-running improv group is giving away free candy and offering some laughs along the way. Now that's a Valentine's anyone can get on board with. 8-9:30 p.m., 49th State Brewery, 717 W. Third Ave. $10. (538-2711, scaredscriptless.com)
35+ Singles Club — If you're single, over 35 and want to meet new people at a friendly and welcoming gathering, this could be the event for you. Organizers promise live music, dancing, food, beverages, free dance lessons and good company in a safe and clean environment. Entry is $15-$18. 7 p.m. every Saturday at the Carpenter's Hall (downtown on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Denali Street).
'Lounge Lizards' dinner theater — Fancy dinners can get stuffy, so why not go for something fun and off beat? Dine on beef tenderloin or halibut Olympia while watching a live performance of "Lounge Lizards," a musical comedy about a down-on-his-luck lounge musician whose life is disrupted by a mother/daughter team of professional assassins. No spoiler here, but if you bring a guest to the play, treat them to a Terminator, one of the specialty drinks. It will supply a private laugh at your table later on. 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 21 at Anchorage City Lofts on Fourth Avenue (enter through door on C Street). Tickets are $57.50 (dinner included) at centertix.net or 263-2787.
Spenard is for Lovers Dance Party — Whether you describe your status as single, attached or "it's complicated" — sometimes you've got to dance it out. DJs Spencer Lee and Alex the Lion take over the Tap Root Public House to celebrate Valentine's Day and help you do just that. 10 p.m Saturday, 3300 Spenard Road. $5. (345-0282, taprootalaska.com)
Sunday
Baby Loves Disco: Valentine's dance party — This family-centric dance party (aimed at children 10 and under and their parents) sold out at Bear Tooth Theatrepub last Halloween. Now DJ Spencer Lee back to preside over a Valentine's Day dance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lee and Victamone will mix everything from disco classics to current jams to keep boots and booties shaking under the flashing lights. There will be prizes and giveaways. Food from the Bear Tooth will be available for purchase, along with adult beverages for the grown-ups. $15 for individuals, $12.50 when a family four pack is purchased ($50). (beartooththeatre.net and 276-4200)
Love Vibes and Groove Times at LED Ultra Lounge — Anchorage R&B artist Dawn McClain will perform several mini-concerts to put guests in a romantic mood. Singles and couples welcome. $16 per person includes choice of a dinner entree (Cornish game hens, shrimp scampi or ox-tails). Starts at 5 p.m. 901 W. Sixth Avenue. (907-278-8797, ledultralounge.com/events)
An evening of smooth jazz with Peter White and Euge Groove — UK jazz artist and songwriter Peter White will join saxophonist, composer, producer and radio host ?Euge Groove for a Valentine's Day concert. Partial proceeds will benefit Alaska Community Foundation. 8-10:30 p.m. Sunday, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall, 621 W. Sixth Ave. $25-$60. (229-3178, centertix.net)
Valentines meals
Muse — Offering a semi prix fixe menu of four courses, set for 4-9 p.m. Friday, at the Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. Enjoy the special menu paired with Muse's extensive wine list. Prices range from $100 to $130 per couple and include appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. Book your reservations through OpenTable.com. (929-9214, anchoragemuseum.org)
Kinley's — Only the Valentine's prix fixe menu will be offered Sunday evening, 3230 Seward Highway. $65 per person; optional wine pairing, $35 per person. (644-8953, kinleysrestaurant.com)
Torchon Bistro — Four course prix fixe menu available through the holiday weekend, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. House menu will also be available. Located at 1921 W. Dimond Blvd. (563-8888, torchonbistro.com)
Simon & Seafort's — Reserve your Valentine's table for brunch or dinner Saturday or Sunday. Or celebrate Valentine's Day in the private dining "Room 49" featuring a chef's select five-course menu. Seatings at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Sunday at 420 L St. Visit website for details. (274-3502, simonandseaforts.com)
PubHouse Gastropub — Enjoy a special three-course prix fixe menu all weekend, as well as a limited house menu. Wine flights will also be available. Reserve a table between 5 and 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Live music by Rick Brooks from 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday. 1200 L St. (pubhouseak.com)