We got your weekend: Valentine’s, Vieux, and All-Stars after hours

Friday / What’s love got to do with it? : This Valentine’s Day, say “no” to the Love Actually and Sleepless in Seattle cable marathons. Instead, head over to Le Nuit Theater (5039 Freret) for some off-the grid comedy. As part of their lineup, New Orleans Comedy and Arts Festival, running Wednesday through Friday, is debuting a new program — a comedy shorts film fest. The full set is comprised of 15 local and national submissions; and if you’re deeply afraid of long term commitments, don’t worry, each submission is only between 1 and 12 minutes. Tickets are $10 and include a free pint of beer from Nola Brewing Co. The show starts at 9 PM.

Head to Bacchanal for a French-themed Valentine’s Day.

Friday / International love : Although the Marigny Opera House suddenly had to cancel their Valentines Day Ball, Bal des Guinguettes, have no fear — you can still celebrate like a Frenchmen. The French-inspired party has been moved to Bacchanal Wine (600 Poland Ave.). The public is invited to dance, sip, and dine from 7:30 – 10:30, while enjoying the sounds of French cellist and singer Helen Gillet and her Wazozo Orchestra. Admission is free; donations to the artists are always welcomed.

Friday / Love bites : If stomach really is the way to your heart, check out the special Valentine’s Day pop-up dinner hosted by My House NOLA and Good Eggs, featuring culinary delights from Communist Swine Taco Social. The 4-course Central American-inspired dinner will feature dishes such as slow braised pork shoulder, grilled pina, garlic confit, pickled pepper and pear tacos on homemade tortillas; and peppers stuffed with oyster mushrooms, garlic and onion, potatoes and Mauthe’s Progress eggs, and Country Girls Creamery Mozzarella cheese. The event starts at 6:30 PM; dinner will be served at 7:30PM. It will be held in the Good Eggs warehouse (1746 Tchoupitoulas). Tickets are $45 prix fixe/ $60 with unlimited sangria and beer / $100 all-inclusive for two. Vegetarian options will be available.

Read more about Communist Swine Taco Social here, and check back on NolaVie tomorrow for their covetted tortilla recipe.

Saturday / Flower children : Get yourself outside for the annual Camellia Gardens Open House at the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refugees Complex (61389 Hwy 434 Lacombe, LA). From 9 AM – 3 PM guests are invited to explore the Bayou Gardens — a 110-acre property, boasting over 400 blooming cultivars of Camellias — independently or on guided walking tours. If you like what you see, camelia plants will also be for sale, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to The Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refugees. Free and open to the public.

Get costume-ready, like this Harem couple at Krewe du Vieux 2012, before the parade at King Pin.

Saturday / Dress to impress : Just in time for Krewe du Vieux shenanigans, King Pin (1307 Lyons) is bringing out the big costume guns . The bar has invited local costumiers, including Love, Marigold; Costumes by Barbara; Lesley Nash; Outfitting by Rain; Dante’s Masquerade, to showcase and sell a variety of Carnival apparel — from fur stoles to sequin jackets; vintage headdresses to handmade leather masks. The event is free and open to the public. Cocktails will be available for purchase, if your 5 o’clock starts early.

Saturday / Shane’s shout out : Rock On Alt-Star Party with the Walkmen and Lost Bayou Ramblers. One Eyed Jacks — doors at 9 PM. $40.

Why you want to catch this show — straight from the horse’s mouth.

Chelsea Lee is associate editor at nolavie. Email comments to her at chelsea@nolavie.com.