You might not be able to safely embrace your Valentine this year or go out on the town, but there are some pretty sweet activities you can enjoy virtually around Arizona. Not coupling this Valentine’s Day? No sweat – these online events are just as sweet for solo flyers. And they cost a lot less than a typical V-Day extravaganza – some are even free.
Free Cooking Class
Scottsdale-based real estate group The Rider Elite Team has been presenting free online cooking classes led by chef Jude Walker for a long time, but the complementary culinary lesson closest to Valentine’s Day sounds especially special-occasion – lobster saffron risotto with drunken strawberries. The class takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 11. Register here.
Free Virtual Star Party
See star clusters, planets, nebulae, and galaxies far, far away with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. The group will stream its quarterly star party on its Facebook page from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, February 12.
Virtual Valentine’s Date Night In
Feeling artsy on sweetheart’s day? Take a live canvas class with artist Kendall Faber of The Art House Gilbert. Faber will instruct acrylic technique during the step-by-step class and take questions via Zoom. Couples can order their kits in advance here to be ready for the start of class at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 14. Kits include two 16 x 20 canvases, acrylic paints, two brush sets and a pencil. Kits cost $70 and can be picked up at The Art House Gilbert between 3 and 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 11.
Medicinal Plants of the Desert Southwest Class
Take a virtual foraging foray into the Sonoran Desert via Zoom. Desert Moon Botanicals and Desert Sage Herbs present this event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 15. Participants will learn about the array of edible and medicinal plants in our own backyards and will receive a handout with information about desert flora and some recipes utilizing desert plants. Register for $35 per person here.
Modern Day Romance with Beverly Jenkins
Discover what a modern romance novel is made of in this fun and heart-warming workshop with award-winning romance novelist Beverly Jenkins. The class is part of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at ASU’s “Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference,” and takes place on Zoom from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17. Registration costs $75 for general admission; $67 for students. Visit piper.asu.edu for more information.
