It’s the season of love, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, these events for friends and couples alike are perfect for anyone who views good food and good drink as their love language.
Aperitivo Bar
The Italian spot in Pennington Square Shopping Center offers a Valentine’s Day cocktail party on Saturday, February 15, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Beam Bar will be present, offering its custom permanent jewelry — bracelets, rings, and necklaces that are welded shut so they cannot be removed by undoing a clasp.
Aperitivo Bar, Pennington Square Shopping Center, 25 Route 31 South, Pennington. 609-303-7594. getforky.com/aperitivobar.
Artworks Trenton
The nonprofit arts organization celebrates the season of love and Black History Month with its event Ink & Drink | A Love Supreme on Friday, February 14, from 6 to 9 p.m.
This special Black History Month workshop, inspired by the profound voices of Black poets and thinkers such as Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and bell hooks, celebrates the transformative power of love.
Through the lens of poetry and music, participants will explore how love serves as a foundation for artistic expression, emotional freedom, and cultural celebration. Led by Raven George, this workshop encourages open interpretation and personal reflection, honoring the depth and richness of Black culture. This workshop will be a welcoming space to create, reflect, and celebrate love as a powerful force in art and life. Join us as we embrace love’s capacity to heal, empower, and unite. Registration is required; tickets are $35.
Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton. www.artworkstrenton.org.
Catch a Rising Star
The comedy club at the Hyatt Regency in Carnegie Center presents “Married with Laughter” on Friday, February 14, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. The show features two stand-up comedians who have been married for 10 years, Renee DeLorenzo and Jeff Norris.
Tickets for the evening are $99 to $149 and include a special Valentine’s Day buffet dinner. Options include Sicilian and white bean salads, a charcuterie board, chicken wings, penne with marinara, meatballs, a selection of Italian pastries, and coffee. The $149 VIP tickets included preferred seating and an open bar.
Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency Princeton, 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton. www.catcharisingstar.com.
Coopers Riverview
The Trenton venue is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner Dance, offering live entertainment by The Soul Cruisers Band and DJ Johnny Rossi on Friday, February 14, from 7 to 11:30 p.m.
Guests can choose from exclusive VIP Riverside seating, which includes a full buffet and surf and turf dinner along with access to a decadent chocolate fountain dessert bar. Alternatively, there are options for main room seating or River’s Edge Room seating, each providing a reserved seat to enjoy the full dinner buffet. General admission tickets are also available.
After indulging, all attendees are invited to join the dance party for a night of music and celebration. Tickets, ranging from $15 to $75, are available via EventBrite.
Coopers Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. www.coopersnj.com.
Hopewell Valley Golf Course
The public course hosts a Valentine’s Day dinner show featuring a performance by the Jack Furlong Jazz Orchestra on Friday, February 14. Seatings for the four-course meal are available at 5:30 and 8 p.m. at a cost of $160 per couple including tax and gratuity. The menu includes an entree choice of red wine cherry braised short rib, cedar plank honey-glazed salmon, or mushroom wellington as well as a cash bar. Reservations are required.
Hopewell Valley Golf Course, 114 Pennington Hopewell Road, Hopewell. 609-964-7393 or www.hvgc.com.
Nassau Inn
The hotel’s Yankee Doodle Tap Room celebrates Galentine’s Day, the annual celebration of women’s friendships, on Thursday, February 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. with a hands-on mixology experience. Learn to craft three delicious cocktails while enjoying light food samplings in a fun and festive atmosphere. Reserve your spot on Resy.
The cost is $48 per ticket plus tax. Event sold out at press time; check for cancellations.
Romance stays in the air for a romantic comedy trivia night on Wednesday, February 19, at 8 p.m. in the Tap Room. From “The Notebook” to “Love Actually,” test your knowledge of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time. All are welcome: couples, besties, or singles. Event for ages 21+; food or alcohol purchase required.
Nassau Inn, 10 Palmer Square East, Princeton. www.nassauinn.com/dining.
Old Hights Brewery
Cranbury Station Gallery offers a Valentine’s Day-themed paint and sip event at the Hightstown brewery on Wednesday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m. The price of $35 per person includes your first beer of the evening. Participants will paint “In Love,” a Valentine’s Day favorite. Pre-registration is required with a credit card to hold your seat. Call Cranbury Station Gallery at 609-495-5641.
Old Hights Brewery, 123 West Ward Street, Hightstown. www.oldhightsbrewingcompany.com.
Old York Cellars
The Ringoes-based winery offers a number of special couples experiences for Valentine’s Day weekend. A special five-course wine-pairing dinner is available Friday and Saturday, February 14 and 15, for $99 per person with reservations required. The Spanish-inspired menu includes an “ensalada del amor,” a variety of tapas, a choice of filet mignon or stuffed roasted tomatoes, and more.
The Valentine’s Cabana Experience, $75 per person, includes tapas and charcuterie platters, dessert, and a bottle of sparkling wine in a cabana outfitted with a table, couches, chairs, and a fire pit.
From February 14 through 23, you can reserve a guided tasting featuring pairings of chocolate and wine, priced at $25 per person.
Old York Cellars, 80 Old York Road, Ringoes. 908-284-9463. www.oldyorkcellars.com.
Palmer Square
The downtown Princeton shopping and dining destination presents “Love Is in the Square” on Sunday, February 16, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The ticketed event is a one-of-a-kind experience for two with specials like a secret drink at Winberie’s, a permanent jewelry party at Dandelion, and pop-up discounts and treats from Halo Fete, Maman, Lilly Pulitzer, the Bent Spoon, and more. The day ends with a performance of excerpts from “Swan Lake” by dancers from American Repertory Ballet.
At check-in, each coupler will receive a Sweetheart Swag Bag filled with treats, local offers, and promotions from Palmer Square businesses with a Love Map to guide you through each stop. Explore the options and then enjoy live acoustic music, light bites, and refreshments before the ballet show starts at 4 p.m. Advance purchase of tickets, $45, is required.
Palmer Square, 11 Hulfish Street, Princeton. www.palmersquare.com.
River Horse Brewery
“Charcuterie & Cheers: A Galentine’s Day & Valentine’s Day Celebration” comes to the Ewing beer purveyor on Thursday and Friday, February 13 and 14, from 4 to 9 p.m. each day. Reserve your spot to get a specially prepared meat and cheese box from Cherry Grove Farms in Lawrence to enjoy alongside Riverhorse’s freshly brewed beers. Vegetarian boxes are available. Reserve your tickets, $18, via EventBrite.
River Horse Brewery, 2 Graphics Drive, Ewing. www.riverhorse.com.
Terhune Orchards
The farm’s vineyard and winery joins wineries across the state for a weekend of wine and chocolate. A special wine and chocolate pairing of locally made chocolates and Terhune wines includes a wine flight, chocolates from New Hope-based Pierre’s Chocolates, and a souvenir glass. Terhune’s own bakery will also be creating an assortment of homemade chocolate treats for the weekend.
Pairings are available from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, February 15 and 16. There will be live music each day from 1 to 4 p.m., with Chris P. performing on Saturday and Sarah Teti on Sunday. No reservations are required. Groups are limited to seven guests or fewer.
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence. 609-924-2310. www.terhuneorcards.com.
Unionville Vineyards
“Sweets & Wine with your Valentine” is a couple’s wine tasting with specially paired sweet and savory baked goods and chocolate truffles by Blawenburg Bistro. Each purchase includes two wine tastings, a treat package to share, and two glasses of wine of your choosing after your tasting. The $65 program is offered Friday through Sunday, February 14 through 16. Tickets must be purchased at least two days in advance. Once purchased, you may visit the tasting room on the day you select when ordering between noon and 4:15 p.m.
Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes. 908-788-0400 or unionvillevineyards.com.
Working Dog Winery
Also participating in the Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend is the Hightstown winery, offering their New Jersey wines paired with chocolates from David Bradley from Friday through Sunday, February 14 through 16. There will be live music each day, including Chris Giakas on Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Erin McAndrew on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.; and Roger Gardella on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Working Dog Winery, 610 Windsor Perrineville Road, Hightstown. workingdogwinerynj.com.
The Sensational Soul Cruisers offer live entertainment at the Valentine’s Dinner Dance offered by Coopers Riverview in Trenton on Friday, February 14.,
