Share the Love This Valentine's Day
 Oakland has plenty of activities for romantics. Explore a Valentines Day Love Mission on Saturday, February 12 at the Chabot Space & Science Center, including an all-access pass to Chabot, special Martian beverages, treats and a souvenir to bring home with you. Reunite with the Tower of Power at Yoshi's Jazz Club when they come back to Oakland February 12 - 14. Celebrate the Valentine's Day Love Fest with The Whispers and Stephanie Mills at The Paramount Theatre on February 13. Take a romantic Valentines Day Cruise with Celebrations on the Bay on February 13, including music, dancing and cocktails. If you prefer to cruise in a Gondola, take a stroll on Lake Merritt with a private tour by Gondola Servizio. For more ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, see our website at  www.visitoakland.org.

Honoring Black History Month

Oakland's strong African American community includes a plethora of celebrations and events honoring Black History Month. On February 5, the 21st Annual African American Celebration through Poetry invites poets of all ages to share their thoughts and words at the West Oakland Branch Library. The Attitudinal Healing Connection will hold a session on February 5 on the Spirituality of Drumming, an opportunity for individuals to experience diversity through rhythm and sound. Children's Fairyland will host a Black History Weekend February 5 - 6, including African tales, puppet shows and crafts. The First Congregational Church will hold an African American Cultural Celebration on February 17, including African music, jazz, drumming and student choral performances. Grammy nominee Melanie DeMore will also sing a solo. On Sunday, February 27, the Black History Month Exhibit honoring Dr. Martin Luther King and President Barack Obama will be open for viewing in the Black Wall Street District. For more events honoring Black History Month, go to www.visitoakland.org. 

Romantic Getaways in Oakland

Grab your loved one and book a room at one of Oakland's romantic escapes this Valentine's Day. The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa's "Be my Valentine" special includes the Valentine's menu for two at the Meritage, breakfast for two the following morning and a  2 p.m. late check out. The "Love is in the Air" package, available until June 30, includes breakfast for two, a bottle of sparkling wine and more. The Holiday Inn at the Oakland Airport offers romantic weekend getaways, including overnight accommodations for two, sparkling white wine and complimentary chocolates.  The Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square will offer a "Kiss the Frog" package, including continental breakfast for two, early check in and late check out, and a wine hour reception. Book now to show your sweetheart a good time. For more accommodations, visit www.visitoakland.org.