Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, which is naturally the night to go out. So whether you’re going out with your better half, best bud, or the whole family, here’s a virtual tour of all that’s happening in the Midcoast and beyond for a memorable Cheap Dates night.

Rockland/Thomaston

If Valentine’s Day for you is all about the food and you’re looking for a high quality Cheap Date, you might want to check out Midcoast School of Technology’s high school-run Osprey Café on Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. See my recent story on this little known gem. Friday’s menu is New England comfort food for just $10 per person. Clam fritters. Yankee Pot roast. Lobster bisque. Yum. Just be aware, it will be packed! See the menu.

Early in the evening, Rockland Public Library is hosting a “Your Library Loves You” Open House from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The free event will have hot food and soups, drinks, and desserts. Juggler Steve Athearn will be showing you how it’s done while artist Susan Beebe will lead an art activity for kids. Music will be provided by jazz duo Bill Barnes and Dave Briggs in the Reading Room. And if you have a Rockland Public Library card, put your name for door prizes, which will include an iPad and gift cards for local businesses. And hey, as long as you’re at the library (even if you possess a card from another library, feel free to check out a book or DVD.) Details.

For the literary and theatre lovers, The Watts Hall Community Players are looking at love through the lens of a play titled “Love Letters” by A. R. Gurney. This imaginative two-person play is the story of two lifelong friends who read aloud their letters, cards and notes sent and received over decades. Tickets are $5.00 per person will be sold at the door only. Doors open at 7 p.m. $30 for singles, $55 for couples. Details.

Rock Harbor Brewery is getting creative with a wood pallet “Love Art” paint party from 6 to 8 p.m. for singles and couples to paint and create art out of wood pallets. Tickets.

Camden

Penobscot Bay YMCA is throwing an all-ages Valentine’s Day dance from 6 to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited: little kids, grandparents, parents and non-parents. Enjoy a live DJ, plus complimentary refreshments, courtesy of Quarry Hill. Everybody welcome! No need to register. For more information, call 301-6116. Details.

Liberty

Restaurants everywhere are, of course, going big for this night, but there is a  pop up worth mentioning. 51 Main in Liberty is pairing up with Stone’s Throw Catering for a happy hour cocktails and snack special from 4 to 8 p.m. reservations taken between 4 - 8 p.m. Click for Menu For reservations, call 207-691-2821 or email stonesthrowcatering@gmail.com

Belfast

A mellow cider tasting might by on the V Day menu if you go to Perennial Cider Bar & Farm Kitchen from 6 to 9 p.m. to listen to the beauty of sound and string with guitarist Aaron Lefebvre.

Ease into the evening with a special Winter Dance Party with super energy funk, soul, rock ‘n roll band, The Right Track at The Crosby Center (96 Church Street) from 7 to 10 p.m.  Courtesy of a number of Belfast eateries, there will be pizza, sweet treats and even a photo booth. Details.

Then if you really want to shake that tail feather, head on over the Belfast American Legion (143 Church Street) for a Bottomed Out Funk Dance Party going from 9 to 11 p.m. The band will present some funk classics as well as some lesser known tasty funk numbers, with some blues and reggae thrown in. Suggested donation $5 and up. Details

And for more events going on not mentioned here, check out: Three local gifts to give your BFF for Galentine’s Day

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com