Alternative Valentine's Guide for ABQ

Why have a boring Valentine's Day?  Come to think of it, why have a boring month?  There are lots of creative Valentine's Date ideas in our guide, and plenty of fun events for singles to live it up.  Not feeling creative?  Now you have no excuse!  Do something fun.  Start today.

Self Serve's

Alternative Valentine's Guide for ABQ

All Month

Rt 66 Pin Ups ~ With every purchase in February:

• a gift card for a free boudoir session with Kevin's Photography
• 20% off cut, color, or style by Jessica at Dollface Salon
• 10% off your next purchase from 66 Pin-Ups

Betty's Bath & Day Spa Specials

Give yourself the gift of indulgence or book a private hot tub

Post your personal ad already
Just about everyone's doing it.  Not sure where to go?  Locally, try the Alibi, checkout Fetlife for something different, or post to the biggies and start shopping. 

Anti Valentine's Day Writing Contest

Enter the first-annual Bookworks Anti-Valentine's Day Contest and share your misery with the world! Submit your best worst date story to events@bkwrks.com (under 250 words, please) by Feb. 10. Three (un)lucky submitters - the saddest, most horrifying, or most heinous stories, as decided by Bookworks staff - will win some great prizes.

FEBRUARY 3
 
Self Serve Wine and Chocolate Tasting
6-8 pm, rsvp required, 21+

Local IQ Singles Mixer 6-8 pm swanky, interactive single's party at Q Bar

The Octopus and the Fox 1 Year Anniversary Party
6-10 pm, Celebrate 1 year with art and cupcakes!

FEBRUARY 8

Self Serve Intro to Couples' Toys
Learn about ways to increase intimacy, create newness and provide more pleasure for both parties. 7:30 pm, Free, at Self Serve, 3904b Central SE, Upper Nob Hill

FEBRUARY 10-11

6th Annual Southwest Burlesque Showcase
Friday & Saturday, 8 pm at the KiMo Theatre, 18+
Tickets $14-$20, available now online or at the Kimo Box Office.
Buy early, these shows WILL SELL OUT

FEBRUARY 11
 
Burlesque, Puppetry & Performance Classes 
at the Southwest Burlesque Showcase
8 different classes throughout the day!  Details online


Adults Only Zoo Tours
Indulge your animal instincts with special tours about the exotic, erotic and often curious romantic rituals of animals. 2 pm, $10 at the gate


Stand Up Comedy at the Guild

10:30 pm Local comedians Matt Peterson, Rusty Rutherford, James Morrow, Joe Quesada and Roger Peterson will be tag teaming the mic for our humor sensory good times!

FEBRUARY 12

Local Love Bazaar 1-4 pm
Buy local for V Day!
at 5321 Acoma Rd. SE (off San Mateo between Central & Zuni)

FEBRUARY 13
Still no Valentine's gift? Head to Papers and get supplies to craft your own personal Valentine.  Some of the best gifts are hand made!  And they have hella yummy caramels, too.


FEBRUARY 14

GetEqual NM Valentine's Day Rally for Equal Rights
Fight for same-sex marriage equality in New Mexico!
Marriage Applications @ 10:30am in ABQ 

Albuquerque Rally is @ 11:30am, Civic Plaza
Santa Fe Rally is @ 2:00pm, the Roundhouse

Free Anonymous HIV Testing at Self Serve!

First Nations Community Health Source is providing FREE on-site mobile HIV testing at our shop.  Get tested and know your status. They also have a massage therapy special available right now - details online!

Self Serve Chocolate and Body Treat Tasting
We'll provide free chocolate samples, a chocolate fountain and body treats to sample during your Valentine's Day shopping.  This Valentine's Day, explore sensual ideas, learn new bedroom techniques or pick up a new game or toy.  Free, 5-9 pm, 3904b Central Ave SE in Upper Nob Hill  


Lip Service: a Dirty Zine Reading w/Annah Anti Palindrome & On a Clear Day
ABQ Zine Fest presents another dirty, DIRTY zine reading!
Don't let Valentine's Day get you down! Spend it with us and a sh*t-load of dirty words turned into filthy stories! Bring your lover(s) too . . . $5-$15 sliding scale, 7-9:30 pm at Winning Coffee, 111 Harvard SE

Larry's Hats in Nob Hill
Offering wine, a vintage jewelry sale and a free yacht cap with every purchase!



FEBRUARY 17

Massage Techniques for Couples
This class at Self Serve is an introduction to massage techniques you can use at home to impress (and relax) the one(s) you love.  Bring a partner for this hands-on, clothed class. 8:30 pm, $28/pair
 

FEBRUARY 18




Yoga and Tantra: An Experiential Journey into Self Love
Join Avery Kalapa and Dr. Rasa Lila for a delicious afternoon workshop, geared for anyone interested in deepening their felt experience of love and appreciation.  We will explore yoga asana, Tantra techniques, and sacred sound to create a safe, yet profound transformational sensual journey. 1 pm - 5:30 pm $45/50 |  High Desert Yoga, 4600 Copper Avenue NE

Animal Humane's Tail Date Mixer
1 pm at the Barley Room
a club for dog lovers to meet and socialize

FEBRUARY 18-19

Vagina Monologues at UNM
Saturday, Feb. 18th at 7:00PM
Sunday, Feb. 19th at 2:00PM
Theatre X, in the basement of Popejoy Hall



FEBRUARY 23

Lesbian Sex Secrets for Guys 
Have you ever wondered what lesbians do in bed? Join Matie, one of Self Serve’s owners for an in-depth, no holds barred discussion on female pleasure. We’ll discuss the 12 secrets they never taught you in sex ed to rock her world.  $15 at Self Serve, 3904 Central Ave SE in Upper Nob Hill

Plan for a New Year of Love

Our January 2012 classes are now online!

Check out our events page for a calendar of January sex ed classes for women, men and couples.  We'll also be celebrating the 5 year anniversary of Self Serve next month, so mark your calendars.  Throughout the month of January Self Serve will be spreading the love - through special store events, sales and surprises to brighten your day (and love life).

ABQ V Day Events Guide 2011

Every Valentine's Day, Self Serve shares ideas for a fun and creative Valentine's Day*.  We've got great ideas for New Mexico couples, happily single folk, friends that are sick of the hype and new lovers alike.

Feel free to add more ideas in the comments below!
To get more sex tips, Albuquerque events and discounts, join the Self Serve email list.

1. Learn random stuff at Ignite 9
2. Surprise someone with a love note published in the Alibi (due February 2nd at noon!)
3. Attend the 5th Annual SW Burlesque Showcase
4. Take surprisingly sexy Biopark tours Birds & the Beasts and Love Bugs at the zoo
5. Eat your heart out at Jennifer James 101 or Seasons, both offering unique theme dinners
6. Explora with someone you love
7. Enjoy free decadence at the Self Serve Wine & Chocolate Tasting (RSVP to get in!)
8. Make zines at "Screw You, Valentine's Day" night at Cellar Door Gifts and Gallery
9. Sadly, Seventh Goddess is closing... get beautiful lingerie and sexy gifts now on sale
10. See NM Gay Men's Chorus in a Cabaret: It's Just Love, What's Everyone So Scared Of?
11. Give Blood & get your heart health screening at a YWCA Sharing the Love health fair. 
12. Enjoy desserts, music and entertainment at Feast of Fools in Santa Fe: Love in 3 Rings!
13. Try something new in bed, and take your self or your sweetie to Self Serve.
14. Single? Dreaming of some fantasy date night? Give yourself that gift.  Treat yourself to a hot tub, a massage, maybe some sensual dessert and some self-love.  You deserve it.

*Keep in mind events above have various dates, so plan ahead!