There’s a lot to celebrate this weekend in Boston, and it’s not just Valentine’s Day

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February 12, 2026

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There’s a lot to celebrate this weekend in Boston, and it’s not just Valentine’s Day

Greater Boston has a ton of Valentine’s Day offerings this weekend. But there’s plenty to celebrate beyond the romantic holiday.

With Black History Month events and school vacation week looming, the city is brimming with things to do. WBUR’s Candice Springer joined Morning Edition to share a few recommendations.

Few things scream Boston more than holding a festival outdoors in the middle of winter. The “Frostival,” which goes on until March, has events on its calendar throughout the month, including ice skating and a wine festival. For Valentine’s Day weekend, you might want to take your date to see the Boston skyline from the recently-installed giant Ferris wheel.

While you’re at the Greenway, you can also check out an impressively lit Tunnel of Love. 

If you’d rather stay indoors, you can catch special features of one or two 1987 classic films on Valentine’s Day. “The Princess Bride” is playing at The Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline and “Dirty Dancing” is showing at The Brattle in Cambridge.

You can check out the the Museum of African American History in Boston for free from Saturday, Feb. 14 through Tuesday, Feb. 17. The offer is through the Red Sox Foundation, so can use code “RSF” when reserving tickets.

While there, stop by the new exhibit called “Black Voices of the Revolution.” It tells stories of daily life for Black Bostonians from the 1620s to 1800 through interactive AI-driven, holographic images. This is also a perfect activity for school vacation week.

The Joe Val Festival, named for the Everett-born bluegrass legend, runs throughout the weekend. The late mandolinist and singer is largely credited with popularizing bluegrass in New England. The festival is making its full return this year, after a five year hiatus post-COVID.

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