How to Celebrate an Unconventional Valentine’s Day in Virginia Beach

Whether you are a hopeless romantic or cupid’s biggest critic, Valentine’s Day might be top of mind as Feb. 14 inches closer. This year, why not go beyond the traditional Valentine’s Day activities and explore the unique events happening across Virginia Beach. 

Valentine's Day Paper Luminary, Public Library 
Feb. 7, 5:15-6:30 p.m., Joint-Use Library, Rooms L102 and L103 

Make a Valentine's Day paper luminary at the Joint-Use Library today, Feb. 7. Participants will be able to choose from pre-cut designs and, depending on availability at the time of the program, may also have access to paper punches or a manual die cutting machine to customize the design. There's still time to register! The event is open to adults only.

Love Bites, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 
Now through Feb. 14 at noon 
Price varies 

Celebrate anti-Valentine’s and (symbolically) feed your ex to one the animals at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The Aquarium’s Love Bites fundraiser allows participants to choose from a menu of feeder animals, including a dead rat or fish, creepy crawly cockroach, a slimy worm or dull vegetable and name it after their ex, rival or friend. These symbolically named feeders will be offered to the jaws of one of the Aquarium’s animal residents—the Komodo dragons, sharks, otters, a toad and more. 

This fundraiser will also include some extra items to bid on including artwork painted by one of Aquarium’s harbor seals, the naming rights to their newest animal ambassador, and a personalized Komodo dragon behind-the-scenes tour. 

Astronomy 101 - Valentine's Day Presentation, Parks and Recreation 
Feb. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Kempsville Recreation Center 
$5 Class Fee per Person (center membership or day pass is required) 

Fascinated by the different galaxies and stars? An Astronomy 101 class, including both a presentation and a stroll outside to look up and see the night sky through telescopes (weather permitting), will be offered Valentine’s night. The presentation will cover the Heart Nebula, the Broken Heart Cluster, and the love story of Perseus and Andromeda. Potential targets to observe following the presentation include the moon, Jupiter and some late fall and early winter constellations. 

Teens Play Party Games: Valentine's Edition, Public Library 
Feb. 14, 3:30-5p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library 

Grades 9-12 and homeschool teens are invited to the Central Library for Valentine's-themed mini challenges and party games. Registration is not required. 

For more Valentine’s-themed events at libraries, check out their event calendar.