You can spend Valentine’s Day going out to dinner or seeing a show with your significant other – or you can opt for less traditional activities.
From learning how animals mate at the National Zoo to petting cats at Crumbs & Whiskers, here are some of the most unconventional activities to do around D.C. Friday:
‘Woo at the Zoo,’ at the National Zoological Park
The National Zoo is educating people about animal mating at a 21-plus night out Friday. Tickets for “Woo at the Zoo” include a cocktail, access to an 80’s prom-themed dance party, desserts and the main event: presentations on animal dating and mating. The presentation “Waddle I Do Without You” focuses on how penguins find their soulmates when they all look the same, and another workshop titled “Performance Anxiety” walks through ways to ensure endangered species are bred at the zoo.
National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, activities vary from 7 to 10 p.m. with the presentations playing at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $60, 21-plus.
Crumbs & Whiskers
The popular Georgetown cat cafe is hosting events for both Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13 and 14. Starting at 7 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday, visitors can bring their significant others or friends to the cafe for sweets, a free cafe beverage and the opportunity to pet a bunch of cats.
Crumbs & Whiskers, 3211 O St. NW, tickets are $35 each for both events.
Diva Royale Drag Show
For those interested in dinner and a show, Diva Royale Restaurant near Penn Quarter will host a “Drag Dining Experience” at 7 p.m. Friday. The event features optional prepaid dinner packages along with drag queens impersonating iconic female vocalists like Dolly Parton, Adele, Nicki Minaj and Britney Spears.
Diva Royale, 1201 New York Ave. NW, 7 p.m., tickets range from $20-75, 21-plus.
Date Lab at the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is offering a free event to learn more about how The Washington Post’s Date Lab is run. The Post’s column “Date Lab,” in which writers pair D.C.-area singles and send them on a blind date, is partnering with the American Art Museum for an interactive exhibit to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the writers of the column pair people for dates. Attendees can also participate in a dating game show where audience members can help pair up dates on stage or take part in a “social scavenger hunt” inside the museum.
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G streets, third floor, 6 p.m., free.
Boxing with Bae
The District Running Collective has an opportunity for you to box with your partner or friend. “Boxing with Bae” is a couples/partnered-themed boxing workout. During the 60-minute class, participants can learn the basics of boxing and mitt work together, allowing you to “connect with your significant other in a way you never have before,” according to the event description.
District Running Collective, 733 11th St. NE, 7 to 8:30 p.m., tickets range from $25-150.
Love is Hell: A Valentine’s Day Horror
Port City Brewing Company will offer a “Valentine’s Day horror experience” Thursday and Friday in which visitors can get advice from an evil Cupid and take pictures in a horror-themed photo booth. Your ticket also includes a free pint of beer, and you can pick up food at the trucks Basic Burger on Feb. 13 and Borinquen Lunch Box on Feb. 14.
Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandria, Va., 7 to 10 p.m., Tickets are $25.
