Is there a more pressure-filled holiday than Valentine’s Day? If you’re single, you’re peeved: No one is gonna call you “Valentine” this year, and all the “forget Valentine’s Day” parties leave a slightly bitter aftertaste.
If you’re coupled-up, there’s stress on both sides: What’s the best gift? How can you look extra good? Did you make a reservation? Heads up, they’re out of roses at King Soopers.
As always, though, Denver’s night life comes through with a chocolate-box’s worth of fun V-Day ideas for singles and couples alike.
Whatever the situation is in your love life, there’s a party that could make Valentine’s Day a little lovelier.
Saturday’s “Tantra” party at Beta (1909 Blake St.) is not for the faint of heart. The club will be filled with naughtiness, including naked sushi body art, body painting, stripper poles and beds strewn about.
There’s live entertainment, too, headed up by Denver night-life luminary Orangepeelmoses. His new single, “P-Whipped,” can be heard now and downloaded soon at .
Other performers include DJs Bryan Matthew, Alan Endorfun, Devo and MLE, performing with drummer Dr. J.
“Tantra” is open to guests ages 18 and older. Presale tickets are $10 on groovetickets , but ladies 21 and older get in for free before 11 p.m.
The area around Larimer Square is another place to be, thanks to the Lotus Clubs. Valentine’s events go on all weekend.
Tease up your hair, dig out your Swatch watches and puff up your sleeves for tonight’s “Back to the ’80s Prom” at 24K and Monarck (1416 Market St.).
Everyone will look stylin’, and early birds get bonuses: Prom photos will be taken 9-11 p.m., so look sharp. Coincidentally, women drink free at Monarck from 9 to 11 p.m., possibly so they can knock back a few before committing their outfits to film.
Also tonight, VH1 fans will want to visit Suite Two Hundred (1427 Larimer St.) to meet Daisy de la Hoya.
A former contestant on VH1’s “Rock of Love,” de la Hoya was known for her mischievous charm and her, um, other features. X-Rated, a peppy, pink liqueur, will be on special all night to brighten the spirits of downtrodden daters.
Then, tomorrow, 5 Degrees (1475 Lawrence St.) hosts “Forbidden Love,” a special prix-fixe dinner for couples (and singles).
For $75 for two, guests get a three-course Italian dinner and a bottle of wine. Music, mingling and specials on champagne continue after the meal. The dinner party goes from 6 to 8 p.m.
Suite Two Hundred will be done up tomorrow, too, for the “Viva La Luxe Love Ball.” Get your photo taken on the red carpet with cupid before exploring the Valentine’s- themed club, with Victorian-dressed models, cupcakes and roses galore.
On the other side of Denver — in more than one way — Rockbar (3015 E. Colfax Ave.) will be Valentine’s Central.
Tonight is DJ Rockstar Aaron‘s birthday bash, complete with drink specials and a set by the birthday boy himself. The night is hosted by another reality star, Darlen from Season 2 of Oxygen’s “Bad Girls Club.”
The big Valentine’s celebration is another prom, though Rockbar expects this one might be more of a ” ‘Fast Times (at Ridgemont High)’ meets ‘Porky’s’ type prom.”
The flier touts the big bowl of punch they’ll be serving, too, “the fizzy good kind with dry ice and sherbet.” This could get fantastically messy.
Finally, after all the pink-and-red streamers have come down, it’s time to reckon with Sunday. Luckily, the folks at Dazzle (930 Lincoln St.) are ready — they’re hosting a “Love Hangover” dinner, presented by Babes Around Denver.
Bring a special someone, and learn about making canapes from chef Duncan Smith, see how to make the perfect martini, and relax with live music by Eef and Rita Batiste.
Tickets are $25 — buy them in advance at .
