You’ve probably noticed that restaurants and bars jack up their prices to take advantage of the romantic vibes on Valentine’s Day on Saturday, Feb. 14. Be happy for them, because they need the business. Still, not everyone can afford to shell out serious cash that day (some of us are still paying off Christmas). Here are some pleasant things to do that won’t cost you a dime.
Friday, Feb. 13
Lucerne Valley: Galaxy Nights – Valentine’s Edition, a free, family-friendly astronomy and stargazing event from 7 to 9 p.m., hosted by the San Bernardino County Library, Avantus and the High Desert Astronomical Society (HiDAS). Enjoy tales of mythical love in the stars, activities and more. There will also be a presentation by High Desert Falconry with two Peregrine falcons — a mated pair — along with an additional Eurasian eagle owl. And a team from the NASA Goldstone Visitor Center provides insights into space exploration, astronomy and humanity’s ongoing connection to the cosmos. Indoors and outdoors, so dress warmly. Sweet treats available for purchase. Lucerne Valley Horst Branch Library, 33103 High Desert State Scenic Hwy, Lucerne Valley. main.sbcounty.gov/2026/01/29/things-to-do-in-san-bernardino-county-109
Saturday, Feb. 14
Anaheim: Seriously free stuff at the Anaheim Indoor Marketplace. If you want to record your devotion for posterity, visit Alex’s Productions in Space G-23 from now through Sunday, Feb. 15 to get a free printed professional photo with a cute backdrop. On Feb. 14, there’s a free mariachi concert in the Plazita from noon until 6 p.m. and crafts for the kids. Note that the venue will also be marrying 10 couples for free that day (yes, free) but you must have obtained your marriage license and applied in advance.1440 S. Anaheim Blvd. anaheimmarketplace.com
Long Beach: If you’re the artsy type, plan to stroll and enjoy the Downtown Long Beach’s Art + Design Walk, a quarterly event which includes local artists, designers, street murals, workshops, film screenings and more. 2-7 p.m. at various venues around downtown. 200 Pine Ave., # 250. downtownlongbeach.org/events/dtlb-art-design-walk/
Los Angeles: Head to downtown’s Gloria Molina Grand Park for its “Love Notes” event, a free celebration of the power of love from 3 to 7 p.m. It includes music of the soulful oldies type, with the tradition of listener dedications to the radio. Neighbors can picnic and share, enjoy music and then watch a drone show overhead. Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave.. grandparkla.org/lovenotes
Los Angeles: Participate in the Frogtown Heart Walk from noon until 5 p.m. There will be 15 stops along the L.A .River with art exhibits, music, crafting, family fun and love. Make Valentine’s day cards or a friendship bracelet, find the frogs during a treasure hunt, write a love note on the wall and more. Organizers ask you to walk, bike, skate or use ride share to get there. 2479 Fletcher Drive. frogtownarts.com
Los Angeles: Look for your soulmate at the Valentine’s Day in-person matchmaking festival at Benny Bow Brewing. It’s free if you sign up in advance. There will be speed dating, line dancing, games, amazing vendors, a photo booth, Cupid sightings (this is real), access to special matchmaking technology for the day and more. Ages 21 and over only. Benny Boy Brewing, 1821 Daly St. bennyboybrewing.com/calendar/2026/2/14/matchmakers-festival-at-bennys
Multiple locations in L.A. Couty: Ready for something unusual? Head out to one of these locations between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. to experience a free sound and light exhibition being simulcast around Los Angeles County. ATTUNE is an outdoor, multi-location, synchronized transformative sound journey and light installation by eight local acoustic artists. No, I don’t really know what that means either, but it’s free. Bring picnic blankets and chairs, relax, destress and enjoy. Locations include Loma Alta Park in Altadena, the Wende Museum in Culver City, Barnsdall Park in East Hollywood, Jesse Brewer Jr. Park in Exposition Park, Hansen Dam in Lakeview Terrace, Promenade Square Park in Long Beach, Sycamore Grove Park in northeast Los Angeles, Boeckmann Park in Porter Ranch, Lemiert Park in South Los Angeles and Tongva Park in Santa Monica. Learn more: nowartpublic.com/attune
Sunday, Feb. 15
Costa Mesa: “From Cacao to Cupid: A Valentine’s Day Chocolate Experience In-Person.” From 1-2 p.m. Sunday, learn about the history of chocolate from its ancient Mesoamerican origins to its rise as a symbol of love and romance. The first 25 attendees will also have a hands-on chocolate truffle making experience. No registration; this is first come, first served at the Donald Dungan branch library in Costa Mesa, so get there early. This is part of the library’s culinary history series. 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa. (Also repeats Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Rossmoor-Los Alamitos library, 12700 Montecito Rd, Seal Beach.) ocpl.libcal.com/event/16291424
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