I don’t know about the rest of you ladies, but for us single women of Chapel Hill, Valentine’s Day can be a bit of a drag. For many years, I’ve looked forward to the holiday, not so much for the festivities of Feb. 14, but for the rollback sales on fancy chocolate on Feb. 15. Beyond that, it’s never been much of an opportunity to celebrate.
But frankly, with or without a special Valentine’s date, it’s time we singles learned to make Valentine’s Day into a night out for ourselves, so here are six things that you can do around Chapel Hill, this Valentine’s Day – either with a good group of best friends or completely solo.
- Portrait of a Lady on Fire
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You’ll probably need a car to go to this one, but Duke University is putting on Celine Sciama’s Portrait of Lady on Fire at 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. For a holiday about love, this movie is a stunning (female-directed!) period piece about two women’s relationship in late 18th century France. The best part? The screening is absolutely free! Learn more here.
- LAB! Theatre’s Live Erotica
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This one is an annual tradition for my friends and me. LAB! Theatre is a student organization dedicated to putting on free theatre, year-round. The Live Erotica event is a chance to hear some “classic fanfics, along with some fabulously foul student-written works” (according to their own Facebook post). There will be two show times at Linda’s Downbar on Feb. 14 at 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 8) and one at 10 p.m. (doors open at 9:30). Tickets go live on their Facebook page on Feb. 9 at 10 p.m., so check them out for a night of hilariously cringey smut.
- ’90s-Themed Galentine’s Day Dance
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On Saturday, Feb. 15, Cat’s Cradle and WXYC will be presenting a ’90s style dance party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Cat’s Cradle (300 E Main St., Carrboro). Tickets are free for all students, if you remember to flash that OneCard at the door, or $5 for any off-campus buddies. Learn more on their Facebook post.
- Galentine’s Day at Rumors
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A good daytime event for the Valentine’s weekend, Rumors will be holding a trunk show on Feb. 15 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. According to Rumor’s Facebook, the store will have “a bunch of fun female-owned vendors on the porch at Rumors Chapel Hill,” including flower trucks, vegan sweets, local kombucha, cotton candy, handmade jewelry and thrift shop options for all! See you there on Saturday afternoon at 106 N Graham St. Suite C, Chapel Hill.
- Eyes Up Here Comedy Showcase
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This one’s another driving event, but it’s sure to be a good time! The female-led comedy group Eyes Up Here will be holding a Showcase at the Pinhook in Durham on Friday, Feb. 13 from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (doors open at 7:45 p.m.). It should be a great time for those who love to laugh! Best of all, they’re collecting unopened feminine hygiene products to donate to Period at NC State, so bring pads, tampons or soap when you catch them at 117 W Main St., Durham with a $5 cash only ticket! Learn more here.
- Throw a little party yourselves
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Last but not least, maybe just throw a little party yourself. Get some cheese, some chocolate, maybe some wine, if that’s your thing, and invite your favorite people to come hang out with a movie and good company.
After all, it’s a holiday that ought to be about love in every form.