There’s a lot of food and drink emphasis on the day devoted to St. Valentine, but there’s more to this martyr than a box of chocolates. There actually may well have been more than one historical figure who represented him (kind of like the rumors swirling around that Shakespeare guy), although it’s generally agreed he was a priest and physician, martyred by the Christian-persecuting emperor Claudius II Gothicus in the year 270. His saintly domain, too, covers more than his well-known representation as the patron saint of lovers. He’s also the patron saint of beekeepers (!) and folks with epilepsy. Who knew?
Point being: You can be a well-rounded Valentine, friends. No need to gorge your wallet and stomach on chateaubriand and lobster Wellington if that’s not your bag. There are so many great heart-centric activities happening in the Hamptons over the next week or so. Because while we sure love a great meal, the true key to our hearts is through our brains. Hit up one of these creative, Cupid-friendly goings on.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, CMEE is hosting a special Baby’s First Valentine’s Day from 11 a.m. to noon for children up to 3 years old, complete with crafts, music, free play time and more. $5 for members; $25 for non-member. Then on Friday, Feb. 13, get ready for a full-on family dance party, where all ages can shake a tail feather to some groovy, gotta-move sounds, and get treated to pizza and ice cream, too. $40 for members; $60 for non-members.
Grenning Gallery, 26 Main Street., Sag Harbor, 631-725-8469
Is art the way to your heart? Head to Grenning Gallery on the big V-Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, for the opening of “Truly, Mady, Deeply.” This group exhibition is all about love — and the way local, incredibly talented artists manifest it in their work. Head over from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for the opening reception.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, 631-537-5106
Three’s a charm? We say more! Bring your besties and get crafty making your very own wine charms at Wölffer’s Galentine’s Charm Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. at the main tasting room. Materials, tools and instructions provided by East + Palm will result in your very own unique wine charms, plus each ticket bestows you with a ceramic heart dish in which to store your new handmade treasures and East + Palm drink toppers, too — as well as glass of rosé (small plate noshables are available for purchase). Better yet? Proceeds from your $65 ticket go to support Share the Harvest Farm. Now that makes our heart skip a beat.
Shelter Island History Museum, 16 S. Ferry Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-0025
Head to the SIHM on Friday, Feb. 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a fun night of paint-and-sip guided by local artists Susan Schrott and June Shatken. For $35, you get complimentary snacks and sips, beginner-friendly prompts to get you creating your masterpiece and all supplied to do so. Come with your sweetheart, a group, your fam or even just by yourself.
Ore and Earth, 21 N. Ferry Road, Shelter Island
What better way to say “I love you!” then to create an original work of art through the eyes of a beloved? Head to Ore and Earth for a super fun (and romantic!) “Paint your Partner” night on Feb. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. with artist/co-owner Pauline Fink. All material will be provided, plus wine and chocolate to set the mood — just bring your undying love. Reserve your spot for $70 at [email protected].
The Suffolk, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-4343
Riverhead’s storied theater has a whole weekend of heart -thumping events lined up for you, starting on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. with the ultimate classic romantic film, “Casablanca,” complete with a Morroccan-centric three-course dinner and live music before a screening of the film. $100 gets you the full experience; $25 gets you into the movie, plus a free glass of prosecco and petit fours. Then, on Sunday at 5 p.m., go full-tilt on the romance with “An Unforgettable Valentine: A Celebration of Nat King Cole’s Love Songs” with crooner Jerome Foster Lewis.
Southampton Art Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-238-0967
Don’t know what to get that hard-to-buy-for Valentine? Head to SAC on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to create a one-of-a-kind collage for your sweetie. Or, better yet, bring your Valentine with you. $35 general admission ($30 for members) gets you all the supplies you need plus a glass of wine (and a whole lot of fun!). From Friday, Feb. 13 – Feb 15, take in the debut performance of the WWII-era love story, “Dear Jack/Dear Louise” by Ken Ludwig. Barbara Jo Howard and Jack Seabury star in this emotional war-torn romance. Member tickets are $20; non-member $25.
Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-0806
Who needs Hallmark? Head to East Hampton’s venerable Guild Hall for a Valentine card-making workshop with local artist Julia Nunez Kearns tonight, Monday, Feb. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. Lots of intriguing items to craft your heart-winning notes with will be on hand, and you’re welcome to bring your own photos in laser print single-color for the ultimate in personalization. $45 for members; $50 for non-members. Then on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, grab a seat in the theater for a fun screening of “The Princess Bride” at 7 p.m., part of the Guild’s tribute to Rob Reiner. Tickets are $13.50 for members; $15 for non-members.
The Green Room at Sag Harbor Cinema, 90 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-0010
Upstairs or downstairs, you’ll find a whole lot of love at Sag Harbor Cinema this Valentine’s. On Friday, Feb. 13, grab your tickets for the premier of the latest film adaptation of Emily Bronté’s “Wuthering Heights” starring Margot Robie as the forlorn Catherine and Jacob Elordi as the icon of the romantic ideal, Heathcliff. On Saturday, at a little laughter to your heart with The Green Room’s Valentine’s Day stand-up comedy show hosted by Ruby Jackson at 6 p.m.; $5 gets you in the door!
Ram’s Head Inn, 108 S. Ram Island Drive, Shelter Island, 631-749-0811
Ram’s Head Inn is pulling all the (heart)strings to make V-Day 2026 one to remember for you and your best furry buddy. Head over to the island with your dog Feb. 15 for an afternoon of heartfelt puppy mingling. No dog? ARF is bringing 10 to meet, greet and maybe apply for adopting).
