Will You Regret Missing This? 7 Unforgettable Valentine's Weekend Events at Bankhead!

As Valentine's Day approaches, the Bankhead Theater in downtown Livermore is set to offer a variety of engaging performances for those looking to celebrate with their loved ones. The weekend promises a mix of soulful music and captivating theater, providing ample options for couples and families alike.

This Friday, February 13, 2026, the theater will host the acclaimed trio, The String Queens, as they present their latest album, “RISE.” Hailing from Washington, D.C., this ensemble, composed of violinist Kendall Isadore, violist Élise Sharp, and cellist Dawn Johnson, is known for their “authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound.” The album seeks to address contemporary global issues through unique arrangements of timeless classics, featuring original compositions from music legends like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson. According to the representatives from Livermore Valley Arts, the music on “RISE” offers a transformative journey, navigating from a place of loss and hopelessness to one of faith and triumph.

As if that wasn't enough to draw in audiences, the following evening—Valentine’s Day itself—will see the Livermore-Amador Symphony present its “Forbidden Love” concert at 7:30 p.m. This special event features young cellists Donghu Kim from Dougherty Valley High School and Cara Wang from Stanford Online High School, both aged 16. They were competition winners for young musicians and will showcase their talent performing pieces from Dvořák and Tchaikovsky. The concert will also feature works inspired by William Shakespeare, including Frederick Delius’s “The Walk to the Paradise Garden” and Sergei Prokofiev's “Romeo and Juliet, Suite No. 2.” Symphony representatives promise that the evening will conclude with Edward Elgar’s romantic piece, “Salut d’amour,” designed to uplift the audience's spirits.

Following the musical performances, theatergoers can enjoy “Selected Shorts,” returning to the Bankhead stage at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 15. This live theatrical reading will feature actors Geoffrey Arend, Wendie Malick, and Joshua Malina, offering audiences a delightful mix of funny, mysterious, and poignant short stories that explore themes of love and unexpected encounters.

For family-friendly entertainment, CYT Tri-Valley is set to present “Seussical JR” the weekend of February 18-19. This lively production will feature beloved characters from Dr. Seuss's world, including Horton the Elephant and the Cat in the Hat. Director Wendy Hughes expressed pride in the young performers, emphasizing their energy and diverse talents that bring a fresh take on classic tales. The show will include school-day matinees designed for field trips, alongside two evening performances open to the general public.

Those interested in community engagement can attend a panel discussion hosted by the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance on February 20, featuring State Senator Jerry McNerney and CalNonprofits representatives. This discussion will focus on the role of nonprofits in the community and is set to begin at 10:30 a.m.

Later that evening, the International Guitar Night tour will return for its 15th year, featuring guitarists from around the globe, including Alexandr Misko from Russia, Lucas Imbiriba from Brazil, Thu Le from Vietnam, and Taimane Gardner from the U.S. (Hawaii).

As the month progresses, the Bankhead Theater will also host a free Lunar New Year Celebration on February 22, followed by the “Wild and Scenic Film Festival” on February 27, and a two-weekend run of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Così Fan Tutte” starting February 28.

With such a vibrant schedule, the Bankhead Theater is set to be a cultural hub this February, offering diverse entertainment that caters to audiences of all ages and interests. Whether you're in the mood for soulful string arrangements, theatrical readings, or lively performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy this Valentine's weekend.