All Weekend
► Valentine’s Day Fitness at The Ailey Extension
Where: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, 405 W. 55th St., Midtown West
When: Feb. 13 and Feb. 14
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is offering Valentine’s Day-themed fitness events all weekend, including two Valentine’s Day Zumba dance parties on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. and a Valentine’s Day Salsa event on Sunday at 7 p.m. For those aiming to avoid any and all Valentine’s Day activities, the theater is also offering a full-day Brazilian Carnival event from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, which includes Samba workshops followed by a Carnival party.
► Sweeter than Sugar Valentine’s Dessert Tour
Where: W. 18th Street and Eighth Avenue, Chelsea
Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
An “elite dessert tour company” is offering a tour of the best dessert spots in Chelsea for Valentine’s Day weekend. The tour starts at West 18th Street, winds through the Chelsea Market and onto the High Line and ends in the West Village. Past tours have included cupcakes, hot chocolate and half-pound cookies. Tickets are $50.
► 31st Annual Sword Dance Festival
Where: Brooklyn and Manhattan libraries, museums and at Central Park
When: 12:30 to 3 p.m., depending on location
Twelve sword dancing troupes will descend upon New York City for their annual sword dance festival, which will feature different types of Morris dances from England, from long sword dances to rapper dances, all of which include swords made out of steel or wood.
► "Stories from the Heart" at 9/11 Tribute Center
Where: 120 Liberty St., Financial District
When: Sat. at 1:15, 2:15 and Sun. at 1:15, 2:15
Survivors and rescue workers of 9/11 share 15-minute stores of how love has given them strength and resilience. Free
Friday, February 12
► After Work Salsa Dance Party
Where: Bishop Perry Hall at 57 W. 138th St., Harlem
When: 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Join in on this special dance party to kick off Valentine’s Day weekend. Dress in red and get ready to dance the salsa and cha cha all night long. A live DJ will be playing music throughout the night.
Saturday, February 13
► Discussion on “The Art of Mingling”
Where: Eileen Fisher, 341 Columbus Ave., Upper West Side
When: 6 p.m.
Author Jeanne Martinet will read from her book “The Art of Mingling” and discuss techniques for mastering any room, followed by a book signing. Light refreshments will be served.
► Love Monster and the Last Chocolate Storytime
Where: Barnes and Noble, 33 E. 17th St., Union Square
When: 11 a.m.
Valentine’s Day: It’s not just for gross grownups. Come hear the story of Love Monster and the important lesson he learns about sharing when he finds a box of chocolates on his doorstep. Coloring activities to follow story time!
► Chinese New Year Family Festival
Where: 100 Washington St., Financial District
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate the Year of the Monkey with a free lion dance and kung fu performance in front of 100 Washington Street. Afterwards the China Institute will offer traditional food and New Year-themed workshops and activities including dumpling making, paper cutting, and a special Year of the Monkey craft.
Where: 65 Jumel Terrace, between 160th and 162nd St., Washington Heights
When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join Morris-Jumel Mansion executive director Carol Ward and assistant curator Kelsey Brow to discuss the history of chocolate, chocolate pots and the consumption of this delicious treat. There'll be a tasting also for attendees to enjoy. There's a $30 for regular attendees, $25 for members and registration is required.
Sunday, February 14
► Valentine’s Day Rally to Respond to Radical Hate With Radical Love
Where: Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
A coalition of New York University groups and community organizations will gather in the park to celebrate love triumphing over hate, with a series of readings, remarks and performances with the theme of love and common humanity. Speakers and performers, listed on the event’s Facebook page, include local imams, rabbis, chaplains, poets, a gospel choir, and officials from the mayor’s office and the United Nations.
These listings were compiled by DNAinfo's Manhattan reporters Emily Frost, Gustavo Solis, Maya Rajamani, Noah Hurowitz, Danielle Tcholakian, Irene Plagianos and Shaye Weaver.
