From date nights to self-love indulgences, celebrate Valentines’ Day on the Eastside

Love is in the air—and whether you’re spoiling your sweetheart, bestie or celebrating you, the Eastside is serving up plenty of ways to feel the love this season. From swoon-worthy date nights to self-love indulgences, we’ve rounded up the best local events and specials happening this Valentine’s season. So go on, spread the love!

Valentine’s mini photo session for one, two or many 

Looking to get some professional shots taken with your boo, bestie or whole crew this year? Or want a photoshoot dedicated just to yourself? MarLens Photography is offering a Valentine’s mini photo session for one or two at their private home studio in Boyle Heights. You can schedule your 15-minute photo session by February 10 here. 

Lilly’s Café

A cozy, low-key Valentine’s vibe? Lilly’s Café has you covered with warm drinks, sweet treats, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger. Whether you’re catching up with a friend or stealing a quiet moment with your love, this neighborhood café is a perfect stop.

• Location: Lily’s Café (4645 E Cesar E Chavez Ave.)
• Time: Open 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Mercadito de Amor

Tonalli Studio and Self-Help Graphics are collaborating for a Valentine’s Mercardito where you can snag gifts for your boo, besties, or yourself (because self-love is the real MVP). 

• Date: Feb. 8, 2025
• Location: Tonalli Studio (4539 E Cesar E Chavez Ave.)
• Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

East Los Soul

Looking for a family-friendly event this Valentine’s Day? East Los Soul is having a special Valentine-themed night that features live art, open mic, poetry, DJs, bands and art vendors.  

• Date: Feb. 12, 2025
• Location: East LA Rising (324 N. McDonnell Ave.)
• Time: 8 to 9:45 p.m.

I ❤️ Music Mixtape Swap

Calling all music lovers!

Whether you’re swapping playlists with your boo, your bestie, or making a new friend, this mixtape swap at The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory is the move. Expect live DJ sets, fun giveaways, screen printing, and all the nostalgic vibes of burning a mix CD for someone special. Bonus points if your playlist has an early 2000s love song. Register online here.

• Date: Feb. 14, 2025
• Location: Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory (2700 E Cesar E Chavez Ave.)
• Time: 4 to 7 p.m.

East L.A. Valentine’s Day Bike Ride

A Valentine’s Day ride for lovers, friends, and anyone with a little “cora” on two wheels. Cruise through East L.A., make pit stops at iconic spots like El Pino, and end the night at Quiet Please Pop-Up for an art show that celebrates love in all its forms. Love on wheels? We’re here for it.

• Date: Feb. 14, 2025
• Location: Esquina Bicycle Shop (2228 Whittier Blvd.)
• Time: Meet at 5 p.m., roll out at 5:30 p.m.

We Are the Romantic Ones: A Valentine’s Exhibition

Forget the dating apps—step into an art world where romance, rebellion, and nostalgia take center stage. This thought-provoking exhibition flips 18th-century romanticism on its head, exploring love in the digital age through paintings, photography, and sculptures. Swipe right on culture and come through. 

• Date: Feb. 14, 2025
• Location: 4932 Whittier Blvd
• Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Barrio Los Angeles

For a swoon-worthy Valentine’s dinner, head to Barrio Los Angeles in City Terrace. They’re rolling out a special menu blending Italian, Guatemalan and Moroccan flavors, plus a curated beer and wine selection. Oh, and live music to set the mood.

• Date: Feb. 14, 2025
• Location: Barrio (4011 City Terrace Dr.)
• Time: Reservations available 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.

The Queer Mercado: Lavender Festival Love

The Queer Mercado is back! This time it’s all about lavender love. Celebrate queer joy with LGBTQ+ artists, vendors, and performers in a market full of heart, talent, and community. 

• Date: Feb. 15, 2025
• Location: East L.A. Civic Center (4801 E 3rd St.)
• Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Noche de Poemas (Valentine’s Edition)

Love or heartbreak? Either way, there’s a poem for that. Picaresca Barra De Cafe is hosting a special Valentine’s edition of Noche de Poemas where you can share your own words, soak in some spoken word, or sign up for a last-minute mic drop moment. Plus, Birria Pa La Cruda will be serving up delicious eats—because poetry (and love) is best enjoyed with good food.

• Date: Feb. 15, 2025
• Location: Picaresca Barra De Cafe (2931 East 4th St.)
• Time: 6 – 9 p.m.

Celebrando El Mes del Amor

Hosted by Molcajete Dominguero, the monthly Latinx pop-up shop is going full romance mode this month at Placitia Olvera. With more than 40 vendors, live music, dancing, and hourly raffles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Date: Feb. 16, 2025
• Location: Placita Olvera (125 Paseo de la Plaza)
• Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saddies & Baddies Heartbreak Brunch

Hello Stranger and East Los Musbi are hosting a Valentine’s Day event filled with food and drink specials, heartbreak jams, and local vendors. If love has you in your feels, this brunch is for you. Get ready to vibe to the best sad songs while enjoying delicious bites and drinks.

• Date: Feb. 23, 2025
• Location: Hello Stranger (320 E 2nd St.)
• Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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