Best things to do Valentine's Day weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: February 14 - 16

The recently founded Clay Collective is an eclectic group of artists representing a plethora of genres. Together, they offer an exciting evening of hip-hop fusion and contemporary dance helmed by Gheremi Clay, a vibrant choreographer and performing artist, with a fine-tuned sense of musicality.

I got my life the last time I saw Honey Dijon spin at a show. She’s part of the lineup at Skyline Festival, a popular house/electronic music event. Other artists include The Martinez Brothers, Gordo and Green Velvet to name a few. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes and consider public transportation if you go. (You can choose to go just one night or both with the weekend pass.)

What is it about actors who are drawn to music? With Timothée Chalamet currently wowing audiences with his take on Dylan in the 2025 Oscar race, we’re reminded how much they love to take center stage with a mic in hand. Two-time Oscar nominee actor Michael Shannon (Take Shelter, Man of Steel, George & Tammy) joins forces with musician Jason Narducy (Bob Mould Band, Superchunk, Sunny Day Real Estate) to play REM’s 1985 LP Fables of the Reconstruction, celebrating its 40th anniversary. The pair will be backed by Jon Wurster (drums), John Stirratt (bass), Dag Juhlin (guitar), and Vijay Tellis-Nayak (keyboards). In addition to playing the album, the group will play a few REM deep cuts. Comedian Dave Hill opens the evening.

This show combines athleticism, dance, and music and is pure entertainment. You’ll see stunts and hear live Afro-jazz, percussion, and kora musical accompaniment. Multidisciplinary artist Yamoussa Bangoura, an alumnus of Cirque du Soleil and Cavalia, created this act after studying the Nyamakala cirque tradition of West Africa.

This is for the baddies and their friends who want to have a Sunday Funday since there’s no school and work (for many) the next day. This looks like a fun time if you’re grooving to the new Bad Bunny album. I just don’t know what people will do when Drake tracks come on 😀. Anyway, The Reserve has a beautiful lounge that’s worth checking out if you haven’t been.

Want to have a Hilary Duff moment and “come clean” after the rain with a sound bath? First, Barnsdall Art Park is a vibe so you know it’ll be cute. Second, the sound bath is set to take place during the sunset, so it’s extra cute. This might be a good Galentine’s or Brolentine’s activity. Organizers say to dress warm and bring a yoga mat to lay on. (Note: the session is free/donation-based.)

OK, I wanted to include something happening Valentine's Day weekend that wasn’t just for the lovers. This is a great bestie date or possibly a solo date. DJ RoseGawd always does it for the R&B and pop girlies on the dancefloor (check out her Beyoncé nights if you haven’t been). This dinner special is also pocket-friendly. I just advise you to prepare for the parking situation at this Hollywood and Highland restaurant.

Get a taste of this new American diner ahead of its soft opening. Le Hut Dinette’s menu takes cues from classic diner foods to delicatessen staples, using seasonal, local ingredients, along with nods to Chef Ryan Garlitos’ Filipino-American heritage. Their prix-fixe menu includes chocolate bibingka (chocolate and rice cake) – which might just hit the spot. Enjoy! 

I’ll be honest: this is one of my fave restaurants in L.A. because they have great bites and a beautiful dining area. I had to include them on this list because this spot is pretty romantic and it has a tasting menu that’s alright on the price. Menu highlights include Mayakoba bean hummus with suadero (confit brisket) and flour tortillas, and Kampachi tostada with chintextle and Mexican kosho. Yum.

Dinner seating is sold out, but the bar is open for walk-ins with the same menu.⁠