When I was in fifth grade and kids in class were sending valentines to each other, I was thrilled to receive a valentine from the girl I had a crush on. On the outside was a picture of Snoopy holding a sign that said “Be My Valentine.”
On the inside of the card, the girl had written “SNOOPY IS SAYING THAT, NOT ME.”
Which is to say I’ve always felt some ambivalence towards Valentine’s Day. Sure I love chocolates, flowers, and heart-shaped pizzas, but it can be a holiday that comes with a lot of complicated emotions and expectations, whether you’re in a relationship or not.
On the City Cast Madison podcast today, executive producer Hayley Sperling and host Bianca Martin went to two local bars to talk to Madisonians about the state of the city’s singles scene.
If you’re opting out of Valentine’s Day this year, or against the entire notion of a holiday devoted to romantic love, Madison has got some fun ways to celebrate anti-Valentine’s Day. Because heartbreak feels good in a place like Madison.
Crucible, Feb. 13
Madison comedians perform and are then interviewed about their sex lives – the good, the bad, and the ugly. No question is off limits!
Henry Vilas Zoo, Feb. 13 and 14
If you’re feeling all hot and bothered, chill out in some frigid waters in the annual plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Wisconsin.
The Forward Club, Feb. 14
Everybody loves a great dating war story. Cheshire Cat Comedy has put together this showcase of top Madison comedians sharing their favorite dating disasters (and, to be fair, the occasional date that actually went well).
North Street Cabaret, Feb. 14
Drown your sorrows in an ice-cold martini and enjoy tunes from this Madison collective featuring vocalist Anna Purnell and pianist Adam St. Reiff playing classic songs of love gone wrong.
Garver Feed Mill, Feb. 14
If you’ve got your emotional armor on these days, this could be the event for you. Watch armored combat between WiscMCC and the Milwaukee Iron Stags engaging in medieval combat in full metal armor.
Union South Marquee Theatre, Feb. 14
Sure, you might think Baz Luhrmann’s take on the Shakespeare classic is one of the greatest love stories of all time. But do you remember how it ends? If nothing else, this 1996 film is a throwback to a time when it was age-appropriate for Leonardo DiCaprio to date a 24 year old.
The Rigby, Feb. 16
What’s the best breakup song? “Love Hurts”? “Since U Been Gone”? “Someone Like You”? Grab the mic and get it off your chest at The Rigby’s Monday night karaoke.
