This Valentine’s week, love—for the most part—is in the air.
Wednesday, February 10
At 6 p.m. via the New Haven Museum’s Facebook page, Hamden author Jill Marie Snyder discusses her book Dear Mary, Dear Luther: A Courtship in Letters (2015) and other fruits of the research process behind it. The book traces the post-Depression-era love story of her African American parents, who corresponded by letter during a years-long courtship that began at a mutual friend’s wedding and finished at their own, just a few months before they settled in New Haven. Free.
Meanwhile, at 6:30 p.m., East Rock Brewing Company’s weekly team trivia night pops the questions. Romantic comedy, presumably in film, is the theme. 285 Nicoll Street, New Haven. (475) 234-6176. Free.
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Friday, February 12
The Lunar New Year arrives today, kickstarting roughly two weeks of festivities in China. Leaning into the possibilities of digital gathering, the Yale-China Association’s 2021 Lunarfest celebration—called “Lunarfest (At Home)” this time—lasts just as long, stretching well beyond its usual one-day itinerary. A mix of live and recorded virtual events celebrating both the holiday and Chinese culture is scheduled through February 26 and spans four categories: arts and performances; crafts and activities; food; and wellness.
Some people really hate Valentine’s Day. Among them, it seems, are the folks at Fright Haven (411 Barnum Ave Cutoff, Stratford; 203-796-4737). From 7:30 to 10 p.m. today and tomorrow, “Connecticut’s largest, scariest and greatest world-class indoor haunted house attraction” hosts a special “Valentine’s Day SUCKS” event. Details about the presentation are eerily thin, but we know this much: “The undead are plagued and their thirst grows.” $25.
Saturday, February 13
No zombies are allowed during a much sweeter occasion in Edgewood Park, where Naomi Senzer “will lead a sugar maple tree tapping demonstration and will explain how to make syrup from sap.” Attendees should meet at 1 p.m. at the top of the park—“near the trees by the footbridge and West River, behind the tennis courts and basketball court.” Free.
A special kind of love is on offer during a 1 p.m. virtual adoption event hosted by the Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter. Via the shelter’s Facebook page, “we will be broadcasting live and showing off some of our adoptable dogs and cats.”
At 8 p.m., the Shubert Theatre offers the chance to “let Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz, R&B superstar vocalist Brian McKnight and special guest Sheléa provide the romantic soundtrack to your Valentine’s weekend celebration at home with this one-night-only live concert special.” $35 regular tickets include “an exclusive digital copy of the A Romantic Night In EP, a collection of Koz’s most romantic songs,” while a $50 VIP option promises “exclusive one-on-one meet & greets.”
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. Image features Isabelle, a past resident of the New Haven Animal Shelter. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
