We do know that every day should be filled with love, however there is one day where the world explodes with hearts and flowers – read on for a few ideas about how to share the love. Check out a hilarious video art installation at SF Camerawork – celebrating SHeros! The tulips are headed our way for the annual Tulipmania, and Jennifer Weiner, witty author and creator of the viral hash tag, “weartheswimsuit “, entertains us in Campbell. Did the Groundhog see his shadow in your neck of the woods?

3 Things to Do on Valentine’s Day

The Zoo

So many ways to feel the love in SF depending on your mood. Here’s a new one for me, celebrate at the SF Zoo by taking a “lovers stroll” to visit animal couples, mates and families. You can decorate a valentine for your favorite animal or share the love by purchasing an “adopt-an-animal” for your sweetheart. February is also Senior Sweetheart month and those over 65 receive two for one admission all month long. Sfzoo.org

Pillow Fight

If you would rather do something a little more on the “active” side, here’s one for you. The Great San Francisco Pillow Fight! In the past, approximately 1,000 people have shown up at Justin Herman Plaza on Market Street on the 14th with pillows hidden in their bag only to bust them out when the clock strikes 6pm. It is reported to be an amazing sight to see with feathers flying everywhere, and those who have attended assure us it’s a great arm workout. This is by far one of the most unique SF Bay Area Valentine’s Day events.  Check out the FB page for more info.

The Presidio Sock Hop

Again on the more active side you can hop back to the 1950s at the Presidio. Be there or be square with live music from The Ely Brothers + The Doubletake Band, dancing, and retro cocktails available for purchase from Arguello Restaurant. This event is free so go shake, rattle, and roll with your sweetie. Presidio.gov

Video Art

The time is ripe and it’s all about Tomatoes – everywhere we turn there is some really great works celebrating women. At SF Camerawork, a true hidden gem, you can feast your eyes on NOW: A Video Art Ritual  – a multi-screen, audience participatory performance and video installation produced by performance and video artist Monet Clark and media artist John Sanborn.

NOW is guided by two hilarious opposing (s)heros: the sarcastic rage filled, haute goth Catharsis and the vamp, Valkyrie yogini Perspicacious. Within 10 screens, including a projection on water, they explore the connection between technology and ritual by inviting the audience’s participation and guiding them through a personal process. NOW examines (among other things) global warming, punk rock ideology, and spiritual philosophy. It was created to provide comic relief and ironic commentary on this present moment in history, while inspiring the concept that “you matter now.” And Tomatoes, you know it. We DO matter. Sfcamerawork.org

Feb. 10-18. Tulipmania

When you head to Pier 39 next week, it may or may not be spring weather here in the Bay, but it will look like Holland in springtime when the iconic floral festival, Tulipmania, returns. From February 10 – 18, (I recommend avoiding the weekend tourists and go during the week) feast your eyes on more than 39,000 blooming tulips and other seasonal garden favs. Get your cameras (phones) ready for those many opportunities to hash tag your way to instagram.

As you immerse yourself amidst the blooms, you can imagine windmills and wooden clogs while enjoying our own delightful city. You will also learn helpful gardening tips by taking free guided tours led by PIER 39’s Landscaping experts. The guided tours depart at 10am daily from the Crab Statue in the Entrance Plaza and end with a special treat from Trish’s Mini Donuts. Self-guided tours can also be taken any time .

Feb. 12. Jennifer Weiner

Best selling tomato author Jennifer Weiner is sharp, witty and oh so laugh out loud funny. What I love is that she uses her social media platform to encourage women’s voices, self-esteem, and body positivity. Her 14 books include, “In Her Shoes”, “Good in Bed” and “Then Came You”. In the summer of 2016, she posted a picture of herself in a bathing suit with the #weartheswimsuit hash tag, encouraging women of all ages and sizes to put on their bathing suits and get in the water.

We get to join her for a real girl’s night out at the Campbell Heritage Theatre, where she’ll dish out helpful advice, share stories and more. Monday February 12^th at the Heritage Theatre in Campbell.  Get discount tickets Goldstar.