Where to Celebrate Love in NYC This Valentine's Week

Valentine’s Day in NYC is a whole vibe! Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a fun night out with your crew, or a solo date to treat yourself (because, why not?), the city is serving up premium experiences for every kind of love. From candlelit dinners at top Black-owned restaurants to high-energy events celebrating Black love and culture, here’s where to be this Valentine’s week. 💘

1. Langston Hughes Festival 2025 – A Celebration of Black Love & Culture

✨ Celebrate the power of Black love, art, and culture at the Langston Hughes Festival, honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance. Expect inspiring poetry, soulful music, and powerful storytelling in tribute to one of the greatest literary icons of all time. If you and bae are into culture and history, this is the perfect date night!

📍 Shepard Hall, City College of New York

🎟️ Tickets

2. Hip Hop & R&B Love Party – Valentine’s Day Boat Cruise

✨ Turn up on the Hudson River with a night full of smooth R&B vibes, hip-hop bangers, and NYC skyline views. This luxury yacht party is bringing the energy with live DJs, a fully stocked bar, and gourmet bites—perfect for couples and singles ready to dance the night away under the stars.

📍 Pier 40, Hudson River

🎟️ Tickets

3. S’Aimer NYC – African Cuisine with an Intimate Ambiance

✨ Love and food go hand in hand, and S’Aimer NYC is bringing the romance with a modern twist on traditional African dishes. This Black-owned gem offers an intimate, luxurious dining experience perfect for making Valentine's memories over bold flavors and exquisite wine pairings.

📍 338 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

🎟️ Reservations

4. Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi – A Culinary Love Letter to NYC

✨ This isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Tatiana is where fine dining meets cultural storytelling. With a menu that blends flavors from the Caribbean, West Africa, and the Bronx, this Black-owned hot spot is a must-visit for foodies looking to elevate their Valentine’s date night.

📍 Lincoln Center, New York, NY

🎟️ Reservations

5. Melba’s – Comfort Food Meets Romance in Harlem

✨ Nothing says love like soul food, and Melba’s is bringing the heat with its famous Southern-style dishes. Cozy up with a plate of fried chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits, all while soaking in the warm, welcoming vibes of this beloved Black-owned restaurant.

📍 300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026

🎟️ Reservations

Honorable Mention: Cupid’s Undie Run – A Fun, Flirty Fundraiser

✨ Strip down (for a cause) and join the wildest Valentine’s tradition in NYC! The Cupid’s Undie Run is a high-energy, pants-optional charity run supporting the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Whether you’re single or taken, this is a hilarious and unforgettable way to celebrate love while giving back. 📍 The DL, 95 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002🎟️ Registration

Where Are You Spending Valentine’s?

NYC is serving up endless ways to celebrate love, so whether you’re vibing to R&B on a yacht, indulging in world-class cuisine, or hitting a cultural festival, there’s something for everyone. Drop a comment and let us know where you’re heading this Valentine’s week! 💕

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See Also: Best Brunch Spots in NYC

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