In case you forgot, Valentine’s Day is Friday, or if you’re more of the anti-Valentines sort, that’s Friday as well. We’re not taking teams, but we will give you the best recommendations in the city to celebrate, whatever it is you’re toasting.

Our inboxes have been filling up with restaurants advertising candlelit dinners, heart-shaped meringue, and pours of Malbec so generous it won’t go unnoticed, or unappreciated. On the flip side, the anti-Valentines emails boast two-for-one cocktails, DJ sets, and even fire shows (?) It all felt a bit… much.

So instead we’re going to recommend the classics, our Herald favorites for a laid-back, low-key porteño weekend that won’t let you down:

• Start off at a book store so your date is clear that you’re both cultured and intellectual
• It’s a no-fail plan if it includes a parrilla
• But you’re probably gonna want a beer first
• And maybe another one afterwards
• Or you might be more in the mood for icecream
• Date went so well that now you’re searching for brunch spots
• You’re basically soulmates so may as well head out for a day trip
• In which case, no time for brunch, grab a pastry instead

Foolproof. See? We told you we had you covered.

If you’re looking for a few more events to bolster your weekend plans, these are worth your while.

Hay Plan Valentine’s Day Party

Friday 14 — 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Club Deseo (Av. Chorroarín 1040)
Tickets must be purchased in advance: ARS $16,000

This February 14th, whether you’re single or with someone, the place to be is the coolest dance floor in the country. La Matiné de Hay Plan — Besitos Edition.

Celebrating love in all its forms by breaking it down on the dance floor. Expect fun challenges to meet new people and win drinks. DiYaneiro, Vicu Garabal, and No Dj Gawa guarantee a playlist full of hits, where you can dance freely without anyone pushing you around.

With an early start and an early ending, this party is designed to let you enjoy the next morning’s breakfast. Speaking of food — at 2:30 a.m. one of the night’s highlights: free hot dogs for everyone.

For the Besitos Edition, as the name suggests, the star of the night will be the kiss cam. Keep an eye out if you see it nearby, it’s said to bring good luck in love for the whole year.

Music Festival Fundraiser to support the fires in Patagonia

Sunday 16 — 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Camping (Av. del Libertador 999)
Tickets start at ARS $15,000, donations to support the fires can be made at ticket purchase

Join musicians coming together in solidarity in response to the devastating fires in Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, and other parts of northern Argentina. Spend your Sunday afternoon at an outdoor music festival supporting a vital cause.

All proceeds will be donated through Centro Cultural Antu Quillen to families who need to rebuild their homes and to purchase firefighting equipment for the affected areas.  

You decide how much to contribute with your ticket. Even if you can’t attend, donations are much needed and appreciated.

Buenos Aires Matsuri

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 — noon to 8 p.m.
Mercat Villa Crespo (Thames 747)
Free entry

A Matsuri is a traditional Japanese festival celebrating community, customs, and cultural heritage. In Japan, they’re held at various times of the year. The summer Matsuri celebrates the warmest season with energy and joy (which is an optimistic take on humidity). This is the first time this celebration will be held in Buenos Aires, melding Japanese traditions with porteño culture.

Expect live performances from Nikkei rock and pop bands, Japanese dances, taiko drums, and Bon Odori — a traditional dance symbolizing joy and unity.  There will be more than 50 stalls offering Asian products, manga, anime, and Japanese art, as well as a section dedicated to cosplay.

And now the real reason that we’ll be making an appearance this weekend: the street food and Japanese cuisine. From onigiri, yakitori, and sandos to takoyaki and okonomiyaki, plus traditional sweets like dango and taiyaki. We might be able to get on board with this summer energy and joy thing after all.