During the prohibition era from 1920 to 1933, a “gang war reached its bloody climax in the so-called St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929” in Chicago, according to Biography.com. The massacre involved Al Capone and the Irish gangster, Capone’s enemy, George “Bugs” Moran. Gunned down by Capone’s gang, six of Moran’s members were murdered but one was found barely alive. Frank Gusenberg was interrogated during the remaining minutes of his life. As he was gasping for breaths, the police asked him to reveal what happened and for what reason. He would not talk.
This isn’t the origination of the pagan festival in February, Valentine’s Day. For singles, divorcees and divorced, and maybe even couples, however, the holiday may seem like a bloody massacre to the heart, the sheets, jewelry stores or fancy restaurants. Love may be in the air for some, but perhaps not for those who want to drown their sorrows in carbs and Netflix or enjoy a night out with close friends whom they know will never leave their side.
For the single people in the area, who may not be ready to mingle, the city of Indianapolis has provided opportunities to engage in social interaction for self-fulfillment without having to beat the clock for a hot date.
According to Howl at the Moon’s website, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Feb. 10, Howl at the Moon live music bar will be hosting its annual “Love SUX” dance party. The price to enter is a simple “shredded, torn or mutilated” photo of an ex. The location will be providing select alcoholic beverages with prices ranging from $3 to $20. The music bar is located at 20 E. Georgia St.
Much like the classic game show “Wheel of Fortune,” but without amounts of money, men are placed on a wheel to be spun for a 10-minute mini date with the lady who spins it, according to the “Smiley’s Wheel of Men” Facebook page. The doors open at “Smiley’s Wheel of Men” at 8 p.m. and admission is free until 9 p.m. on Feb. 10. The event takes place at The Vogue in Broadripple, which is located at 6259 N. College Ave.
For singles looking to indulge in a romantic-comedy for one, “Spank!” A Fifty Shades Parody will be showing in Old National Centre on Feb. 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. Ticket costs range from $27.50 to $47.50 and all ages are welcome. According to the Do 317 website, “Spank!” is the world’s No. 1 theatrical musical parody.
To achieve the potential revenge body and run your heart out, Indy’s annual “Be My Valentine 5K Run/Walk” will begin at 9:35 a.m. at The Athennaeum at 407 E. Michigan St. Runners will receive cupcakes, hot chocolate, a fleece blanket and a finishers medal with a raffle for other prizes beginning at 9:05 a.m. on Feb. 10, according to fun-races.com. It costs $30 to enter before race day, according to the Run Sign Up website.
As well as singles opportunities to celebrate or loathe the holiday, Indianapolis also has an array of date night ideas for couples looking for a fun and romantic night out.
Besides the “5K Run/Walk,” another form of steamy Valentine’s Day fitness for those couples looking to expand their intimate connection. Partner Yoga and Massage with Anna Hoke at Invoke Studio, 970 Fort Wayne Ave., will take place on Feb. 18 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The downward facing dog of a price is $60 per couple, according to the Invoke Studio website.
Sweet ear candy in concert at a student-discounted price only comes so often. Chris Botti will be performing with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 10 and 11 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. “The Grammy Award-winning contemporary jazz trumpeter will return to the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage and perform many of his renditions of popular standards as well as original compositions from his hit albums,” according to the ISO website.
“Sweets for your Sweetie,” is hosted in the Garfield Conservatory at 2505 Conservatory Drive on Valentine’s Day at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The price for entry is $10 per person and making reservations is advised because spaces fill up quickly. Celebrate with your sweetie with treats from the tropics including chocolate and coffee, all while enjoying the candlelit romantic atmosphere of the Conservatory.
The Sycamore at Mallow Run Winery is hosting its annual Valentine’s dinner and dance on Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. The entry fee is $75 per person and guests must be 21 or older to enter. The dinner consists of a three-course meal, each course paired with a different wine. The Castlewood Singers, a mixed ensemble of singers from the Indianapolis area will, perform during the event and Cool City Band will provide live music for after-dinner dancing until 10:30 p.m., according to the Mallow Run Winery website.
Valentine’s Day is not limited to these suggestions, especially if money is tight. Websites like Pinterest and BuzzFeed keep their audiences up to date with do-it-yourself activities that will not break the bank. Suggest celebrating “Galentine’s Day” or “Dude-entine’s Day” with friends, perhaps splurge by shopping if money is not tight or pick a date with food, food and more food. There are always alternatives out there with enough creativity.
Whether you are in a relationship, simply single or just looking to get out of the house, these events can serve as an opportunity to try new things or to keep in mind for the next Valentine’s Day.
Graphic by Zoë Berg
