Celebrate Valentine's Day Early: Events in Los Gatos and Beyond

Valentine’s Day is five days away on Tuesday, Feb. 14 and there are a slew of events leading up to it around the South Bay and Santa Cruz. Whether single or coupled, enjoy one of the many VDay themed activities throughout the area— including savoring handmade chocolate, dancing the night away, and getting crafty making cards.

SOUTH BAY

LOS GATOS: 

Time/Place: 1-3 p.m., Sun., Feb. 12, 15980 Los Gatos Blvd.
What: Pile on the sprinkles at this festive event that’s fun for kids and adults. Learn how to bake, and create, your own unique cookies. 
Cost: Free, but a $1 donation benefits the Live Oak Senior Nutrition Center.

LOS GATOS:

Time/Place: 12 noon-5 p.m., Feb. 11-12, ,, , , MJA.

What: All the Summit Wineries are open Saturday, Feb. 11 for this event; however, only Burrell School, Villa del Monte, and MJA Vineyards are open on Sunday to romance you. Love is in the air... and it tastes and looks like Pinot Noir. Or maybe your paramour is a Cabernet, or Chardonnay, or Merlot. Wine tasting, wine specials, gifts for the wine lover on your list  and a special "heartfelt" celebration at each winery.

Cost: $5-$10 (each winery's tasting fee/policy applies)

CUPERTINO: 

Time/Place: 5-7 p.m., Sat., Feb. 11, , 20955 Stevens Creek Blvd.
What: If you want to make your sweetie some chocolate (and strawberry and shortbread) treats, or just indulge yourself, this is the class for you. 
Cost: $15



Time/Place: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fri., Feb. 10. Northwest YMCA, 20803 Alves Drive
What: Here’s a charitable event for all ages to dance the evening away. Proceeds will go to the giving campaign of the YMCA.
Cost: $5 plus extra for food

CAMPBELL: 

Time/Place: 9 a.m.-12 noon, Sat., Feb. 11, begins at , Gilman  and E. Campbell avenues. 
What: If you want to work off all the chocolate you’ll be consuming later, and have a good time, this 10K run is for you. You’ll weave through the Campbell Par Course, Los Gatos Creek Trail, Lark Avenue.
Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for children, to register. 

SAN JOSE: Valentine's Day Revel of Poetry, Music and Wine

Time/Place: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, Le Petit Trianon, 72 North Fifth St., San Jose

What: Nils Peterson and Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Sally Ashton, a Los Gatos resident, will perform with the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus conducted by Shawn Reifschneider. Those who come early will enjoy a glass of wine or soft drink.

Cost: $10 donation requested

GILROY: 

Time/Place: 12-4 p.m., Sat. and Sun., Feb. 11-12 at the Solis Winery, 3920 Hecker Pass Road
What: Sample five decadent chocolates from the DeBrito Chocolate Factory matched with Solis’ wine
Cost: $10 

Time/Place: 7-10 p.m., Sat., Feb. 11, 9Lives Club, 7430 Monterey St.
What: The South County Derby Girls will host a night of dancing and live music featuring the Melting Horses. 
Cost: $10

MILPITAS: Valentine’s Day Party for Desi Singles

Time/Place: 6:30-11 p.m., Sun. Feb. 12, Chandni Restaurant in nearby Newark, 5748 Mowry School Rd. 
What: Don’t have a honey this VDay? No problem, especially for Desi singles, who can mingle over Bollywood music, fun party games, and last but not least delicious food. 
Cost: women $25; men $50


MOUNTAIN VIEW: 

Time/Place: 6-8 p.m., Fri., Feb. 10, , 1400 Terra Bella Ave. 
What: Want to announce how you feel about your loved one to the world (or at least community)? KTMV will be taping a night of VDay shout-outs, in which every person has 15 seconds to record their greeting. First come, first served.
Price: Free

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

CAPITOLA: 

Time/Place: noon-3 p.m., Sun., Feb. 12, , 1710 41st Ave.
What: Planning on staying in and cooking up a tasty meal on Feb. 14? Staffers will be on hand to advise you on recipes and the aphrodisiacs er, ingredients, that go into them.
Cost: Free

SANTA CRUZ: 

Time/Place: 12-5 p.m., Sat., Feb. 11, Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave.
What: If you’re looking for a more literary celebration of VDay, look no further than Bookshop Santa Cruz! Couples will answer questions about their beloved, before writers create a customized a love letter or poem on a typewriter for them.
Cost: Free



Time/Place: 8-10 p.m., Sat., Feb. 11, Center Stage, 1001 Center St.
What: Hast thou a desire to learn about the many faucets of love through eight centuries? Join a stellar cast for this musical and theatrical performance.
Cost: The event is free, but donations are encouraged through the theater’s website. 

SCOTTS VALLEY: 

Time/Place: 12-4:30 p.m., Sat., Feb. 11, , 2346 Bean Creek Road
What: Simultaneously savor decadent wines and sweets, not limited to chocolates, caramels, and truffles. 
Cost: $15/tasting.

WATSONVILLE: 

Time/Place: 2:30-5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, , 275 Main St.
What: When the big VDay does roll around, get crafty making cards for your friends and family. 
Cost: Free