Valentine’s Day is over, but it’s still February. That means the love-themed events can go on strong until the lion — or lamb — shows up March 1.
At that point, it’s time for all things green and stereotypically Irish to pop up on the calendar.
But this weekend still offers two sides of the romance coin: the good and the bad. Tonight, Le Rouge (1448 Market St.; 303-892-5555) hosts Free Love. It’s an appropriately hippie-ish name, since the night marks the Denver launch of Herbn Love, a new energy drink.
Herbn Love purports to be an all-natural aphrodisiac and herbal supplement. Take that for what it’s worth. Similar to predecessors like Red Bull, it’ll probably be mixed, in defiance of good taste, with all sorts of liquors.
Celebrate the herbal life starting at 10 p.m. There will be drink specials and a free champagne toast, too. Call 720-935-5595 to reserve bottle service.
Also on Friday, on the south side of the same block, the Martini Ranch (1317 14th St.; 303-534-6100) hosts Love Sucks.
There isn’t much to the party, just the essentials: lots of booze. A $10 open bar runs from 9-11 p.m. for the lovelorn, the broke and the bitter.
The only requirements are that you sign up for the guest list at and pony up the cash at the door. The rest is up to you — there might be lots of lonely hearts on the prowl.
Smoke ’em if you got ’em.
Local cigar aficionados will congregate in smoky celebration Saturday: It’s the sixth anniversary of Stogies & Bogeys (9535 Park Meadows Drive; 303-790-0900).
The south-metro cigar shop will offer a tasting of Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve cigars, plus drink samples. Enter a raffle to win a limited edition humidor and wine cabinet — complete with a whole box of Romeo y Julieta cigars. The party lights up at 7 p.m. Saturday.
The night doesn’t have to burn out when your cigar does, though. Stogies is part of the Robusto Room martini lounge. Pop in for a bite or a beverage.
The beat goes on.
Spring is just around the corner, so it’s time once again to celebrate The Elements.
The annual blowout features four renowned DJs, one for each element — earth, wind, fire and water. Icey, Irene, AK1200 and Filo & Peri will all take the stage, along with plenty of other local and national spinners.
This year’s party will have atmosphere to spare, too, with giant props, custom lighting and huge sound.
Doors open at the Expo Hall at the Denver Merchandise Mart (451 E. 58th Ave.) at 7 p.m. Saturday. Advance tickets are $45; buy online at . Admission will be higher — and cash-only — at the door. Call 303-991-6685 for more information.
Oscar night fun.
Got little gold men dancing in your head? Either you’ve ingested a toxic substance or you’re crazy about the upcoming Oscars.
At press time it seemed the writers strike would end in time to put on the big show Feb. 24. That means Academy Awards parties galore, and what better place to throw down than at a movie theater?
Neighborhood Flix Cinema and Cafe (2510 E. Colfax Ave.) hosts “Hollywood on the Fax” on Oscar night, a full evening of food, drinks and merriment. Each $25 ticket includes an appetizer, entree, dessert and a drink ticket. Even better, proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Denver Public Schools middle school arts programs.
Early birds can start saving their seats at 5 p.m. that night, with red-carpet coverage on the big-screen TV and an Oscar pool heating up.
Call 303-777-3549 to make a reservation.
Kathleen St. John: 303-954-1568 or kstjohn@gmail.com
