On this day-early special edition of Downtown Digest, now back from its winter break hiatus, we have a rundown of events (and gifts) in downtown Phoenix for your sweethearts. And if you aren’t happily cuffed, treat yourself. Self love, baby.
Here’s a list of things happening on Sunday and Monday:
Big Love Brunch & Maker’s Market
When: Sunday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Palabras Bilingual Bookstore at 906 W. Roosevelt Street
The event will feature:
- Pachamama’s delicious plant-based eats, including mexiyaki, pozole and taquitos de papa.
- Hakirí Coffee’s coffee bus serving up caffeinated sweetness, including Valentine’s specials “Canela Con Amor Cold Brew” (cold brew, cinnamon, brown sugar and oatmilk), “Peach Spritz” (peach juice, rose water, strawberry sauce, Topo Chico and mint) as well as “Gesha Pour Over” from Moxie Coffee Co.
- DJs Drea and Drew will be spinning “love Jamz” and duo Revizor (Jesse Simms and Marivel Luna Simms) will be playing live music.
- Handmade gifts from Fabiola Jewelry, Local Matriarch, Joan Baron, Timothea Haider, Madre Mia Candle Co., Enchiladitos, Junior Toltecatl, Abalone Mountain Press, Won1 Day Boutique, Pony Puff Beads and Turquoise Mafia.
Palabras Bilingual Bookstore also has “Cariño Kits,” which included a Mexican felt embroidered heart, chocolates from the Xocolate Bar as well as a choice of book from the bookstore and greeting cards from Mazapán Paper Co., according to its Instagram account. The kits are $24, plus the cost of the book of choice. Palabras has a lot of books about love!
The event is free to attend.
Galentine’s Day Brunch
When: Sunday, Feb. 13 at 12 p.m.
Where: The Pemberton at 1121 N. 2nd Street
The event will include 2 pours of rosé bubbly, French pastries and build-your-own charcuterie, according to Mosielle’s Instagram. Tickets are $45 per person.
Valentine’s bouquets from Buckaroo Flower Co. will also be available for pick up all day.
Bark in the Park: Valentine’s Edition
When: Monday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Civic Space Park at 424 N. Central Avenue
Who doesn’t love puppies? The best part: They will be available for adoption from Almost There Rescue.
Attendees can “cuddle a pup, pick up a Valentine gift basket from Hidden Track, enjoy live music from girlnamedScot and take a selfie at our Almost There kissing booth,” according to DTPHX’s website.
Willie’s Taco Joint food truck will also be there.
The event is free to attend.
Valentine’s Day at Gracie’s
When: Monday, Feb. 14 at 4-10 p.m.
Where: Gracie’s Tax Bar at 711 N. 7th Avenue
From 4-7 p.m., bring your date or pup for Polaroid pictures, 2 for $10 or 5 for $20, sponsored by Wilson Camera.
Starting at 7 p.m., Gracie’s will be serving pasta (tagliatelle, pink sauce, parmesan cheese and fried capers) for $10 until sold out.
Free carnations will be given out to those who attend.
Other Valentine’s Day and February specials
If your love language is sharing a meal or cup of joe, downtown Phoenix businesses have plenty of specials to get your fix. Nothing says “I love you” quite like these:
- Froth Coffee Roasters will be offering “Aphrodite Raspberry Matcha” (matcha, raspberry, whole or oat milk), “Cherry-Bomb” (dark chocolate, cherries and choice of milk), “Lemon-Ruby” (lemonade with nitro hibiscus) all February.
- Kähvi Coffee and Cafe has a raspberry white chocolate mocha with pink whipped cream.
- GenuWine is offering two cupcakes and a bottle of prosecco for $30, available for dine in or take out over Valentine’s weekend.
- Monroe’s Hot Chicken is celebrating its third birthday on Feb. 14 with buy one sandwich, get the second for $3.
- Earth Plant Based Cuisine has a “Monster Shake,” complete with chocolate-covered strawberries and heart-shaped churro, available through Feb. 14.
- Carly’s Bistro has “Chocolate Covered Cherry” on special with vodka, Kahlua, grenadine, cream (also available with oat milk) and chocolate.
- As of Jan. 31, Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge is offering “The Smitten” and “Cupid Sunset” drink specials.
- During the month of February, Morning Squeeze, open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., is offering chocolate-covered strawberry stuffed french toast (filled with strawberry cream cheese, topped with whipped cream and a red heart cookie) and “Be Mine Mocha” (white mocha, crème de menthe, topped with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies and candy hearts).
Contact the reporter at mailport@asu.edu.
Michelle Ailport is a graduate student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. In addition to being arts and entertainment editor for Downtown Devil, she also writes Downtown Digest, a weekly column with things to do.
