For lovers

These couple-friendly events this weekend should bring out the romance in you.

I [HEART] ART

Minneapolis Institute of Arts' Louvre-inspired "In Pursuit of a Masterpiece" makes for a perfect special event for artsy lovers. Watch Korean dance performances, learn about the art of monotype printing with William Blake's "Nebuchadnezzar," try your hand at refiguring Jasper Johns' "Figure 2" with charcoal, pencil and chalk, and make your own art-inspired Valentine. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free. 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls. 612-870-3131.)

VALENTINE'S DAY IRON POUR

Here's an unusual idea: Franconia Sculpture Park hosts a hot metal iron pour with a romantic angle. (It's "hot," get it?) Bundle up with your sweetie and brave the cold to witness 10 nationally recognized metal sculptors cast their work in iron. We suggest bringing a thermos of cocoa -- or a flask of whiskey. (Noon-5 p.m. Sun., free. Franconia Sculpture Park.)

PAPER HEARTS

The closing reception for Rogue Buddha's love-themed art show "Till Death Do Us Part" doubles as a Valentine's Day party. The party is sort of like a live version of Missed Connections: Guests are encouraged to write cute messages on hearts made out of construction paper, and they'll be posted on the wall for all to see. With treats from Cake Eater Bakery, free drinks and love songs spun all night by Matt Perkins of Minnesota Public Radio. (7 p.m. Sun. Rogue Buddha Gallery.)

MORE OPTIONS

  • "Moonshine Love: Valentine's Day Edition." Valentine's-themed specialty cocktails and drink specials. (5-11 p.m. Sun. Free. Prohibition Lounge, W Hotel.)
  • Minnesota Zoo Love Tour: Offering a glimpse into the mating rituals of animals followed by dinner in Discovery Bay. (5:45-10 p.m. Sun. $175 per couple. Minnesota Zoo.)

Singled out

Don't have a date for Valentine's? You just might meet someone special at these singles-friendly parties.

PUNK ROCK DATING GAME

If your style is more "Punk Rock Love" than "Endless Love," Bedlam's Punk Rock Dating Game is the place to be. Anti-authoritarian bachelors and bachelorettes will be up for grabs, as will be live accordion music, beer, a photo booth and safe-sex supplies. E-mail punkrockdatinggame@yahoo.com to sign up. After the game show, stick around for sets by Zombie Season and Sleeping in the Aviary. Need not be a punk to apply. (7-10 p.m. Fri. $5-$15 donation. Bedlam Theatre.)

ST. VALENTINE'S FUNK 'N FASHION SHOW

Eat Street businesses eschew romance in favor of funk for a night of fashion, food and music. A fashion show from vintage shops the Lost and Found and B-Squad kicks off the night. DJ Rambo Salinas provides the funk soundtrack. Then head over to A25 at Azia for an after-party. (Fashion show 7 p.m. Thu. After-party 10 p.m. Thu. Free. The Lost and Found, 2524 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls. 612-886-1397.)

SWEET HEARTS STARAOKE NIGHT

Arzu and crew host a special Saturday-night version of their popular karaoke night on the intimidating Triple Rock stage. Known for its comprehensive song library, Staraoke is sweetening the deal with cupcakes and other treats from Cake Eater Bakery. We're thinking power ballads and duets should be a theme. (10 p.m. Sat. $5. 21-plus. Triple Rock Social Club.)

MORE OPTIONS

  • Valentine's: An MPLS.TV Premiere: Live music by Gospel Gossip and Elite Gymnastics; DJs Bach and Real Talk Radio; and a premiere screening of the new "MPLS.TV" episode. (8-11 p.m. Fri. $5. All ages. Suburban World Theatre.)
  • Our Hearts Are Gold: A Valentine's Event: Music from electro indie-rockers Aaron & The Sea; DJs It's a Celebration, I Am the Break He Is the Beat and Plot Twist; and a dance performance by Dance Nineten. (9 p.m. Fri. Free. 1419, 1419 Washington Av. S., Mpls.)

Additional events

FOXY TANN'S BURLESQUE BONANZA

When it comes to pasties and politics, Foxy Tann is queen of the risqué. The burlesque boss has gathered a small troupe of performers for this cabaret revue, which she says will include "burlesque, magic, music, political commentary and large Afros." More event details.

'FAME: THE MUSICAL'

The hit musical tracks four years at New York's storied High School of Performing Arts. Mystic is offering dinner packages with each show. (2 and 8 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Mystic Lake Showroom, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake. $24-$39. 952-496-6563. www.mysticlake.com.)

TWILIGHT

The monthly lesbian dance night at this cushy Dinkytown bar celebrates its 8th anniversary on Valentine's Day weekend. More event details.

LE CIRQUE ROUGE

Nothing says "Be my Valentine" like burlesque. The famous German restaurant has turned its banquet room into a "Kabarett" for Le Cirque Rouge and its 15-member cast. More event details.

'2 OR 3 THINGS I KNOW ABOUT HER'

No one does baroque sensuality like French New Wave master Jean-Luc Godard. This stylized mess from 1967 might not warm your heart, but it'll get you thinking about love and sex. (7 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Trylon Microcinema, 3258 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. 612-424-5468. www.take-up.org.)

  • Tom Horgen