Valentine’s Day 2014: Top 5 Cheap Date Ideas

It’s coming up to the weekend and you’ve got nothing planned yet for Valentine’s Day – and worse you’ve got no money to spend?

Normally that would be a nightmare for your love life, but we’ve hunted down some fun and unique ways to have Valentine’s fun, while allowing you to keep your wallet in your pocket for most of the night.

Pillow Fight
– Friday, February 14, 2014 (6pm)
– Justin Herman Plaza, 1 Market Street, San Francisco

Feathers will fly at this fun flash-mob type event which takes place annually on Valentine’s Day in Justin Herman Plaza just as the Ferry Building clock tower strikes 6pm. Bring a synthetic pillow (trust us… feather pillows are way too messy) and run Braveheart-like full speed and lovingly beat up each other until the whistle blows. Make sure you bring a garbage bag and help clean up afterward – The price of having fun is keeping your city clean to make sure this event can take place each year.

Off the Grid Valentine’s Day Blood Drive
– Friday, February 14, 2014 (9am to 1p)
– Front Street between Vallejo and Broadway, San Francisco

Let your heart do the work on Valentine’s Day by donating blood with your special someone at a mobile blood drive. And instead of just getting fed cookies and apple juice afterward, the Blood Centers of the Pacific have partnered with Off the Grid food trucks to give you a super tasty reward for being a blood hero. Everyone who donates will get a voucher for a free lunch at one of the food trucks: Seoul on Wheel, An the Go, Phat Thai, Ebbett’s Good to Go. Walk-ins are accepted, making reservations are highly recommended.

One Billion Rising: Flash Mob to End Violence Against Women
– Friday, February 14, 2014 (4pm)
– San Francisco City Hall , 1 Dr. Carlton Goodlett Pl., San Francisco

Help raise awareness to end violence against women and girls by participating in a massive flash mob planned for the steps of City Hall on Valentine’s Day. Learn the dance or just come to the  event and lend your support along with Mayor Ed Lee. For early risers join up with Code Pink for a dance across the Golden Gate Bridge at 8am or attend an anti-violence film screening (10am) and free self-defense class (1pm) at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco.

Valentine’s Weekend Adopt-a-thon
– Party: Thursday, February 13, 2014 (5pm to 9pm)
– Free Adoptions: Thursday to Sunday
– SPCA Temporary Adoption Center, Florida and 16th Street, San Francisco

Find a new furry friend to be loved by at the SPCA’s third annual “Be Mine Adopt-a-thon” celebration from February 13-16. Fees are waved on adoptions all weekend. Kick things off on Thursday night with an open bar cocktail party, tattoos, and food trucks. On Saturday there’s free dental health checks for pets and animal behavior workshops.

Free Valentine’s Belgian Waffle Day
– Friday, February 14, 2014 (9:30am to 11:30am)
– Capital 360 Cafe, 101 Post Street, San Francisco

Start your Valentine’s Day off with something hot and sweet from b.street waffles. Capital 360 Cafe in the Financial District wants to hook you up with a complimentary freshly baked Belgian-style street waffle that’s made with local TCHO chocolate and raspberry jam. That’s super yummy, but it’s also super limited so make sure you arrive early before these tasty freebies run out.

Other fun and strange Valentine’s Day ideas in SF for 2014:

– Horrors of Love: Valentine’s Day Haunted House
February 14-15 (8pm to 11pm) | SoMa |  $10 but no one turned away due to lack of funds. Not for the easily offended, hold your breath during this brand new haunted house which promises to uncover the secret love lives of zombies, weirdos and mutilated Valentine’s stuffed animals.

– Valentine’s Night Nerf Spy Game
Friday, February 14 (7pm) | Union Square | FREE | A Valentine’s-themed espionage game for couples involving nerf guns like a giant secret game of Capture the Flag.

– “On the Edge” Annual Erotic Art Show
February 14-16 | SoMa | $10 | An annual group exhibition of more than 450 erotic photographs with fashion shows and adults-only entertainment. Friday (4pm to 9pm) and Saturday (1pm to 9pm) is $10, but Sunday (Noon to 5pm) is free.

– Operation Street Love
Thursday, February 13 (6pm) | Ferry Building | FREE | Wear red for this annual parade of love revelry along with people dressed in giant foam candy hearts or as cupids and angels with the sole purpose of spreading cheer along Market Street.