7 awesome Bay Area things to do this pre-Valentine’s weekend, Feb. 10-12

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from Valentine's-worthy movies and meals to a night with the world's "most romantic band."

Technically, Valentine’s Day arrives next week, but if you want to get an early start (always a good idea) we have some fun romantic movies, meals and excursions to recommend.

As with everything these days, be sure to double check websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines. Meanwhile, if you’d like to have this Weekender lineup delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning for free, just sign up at www.mercurynews.com/newsletters or www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

1 WATCH: A charming new rom-com

It’s funny, witty and features a leading couple — Alison Brie and Jay Ellis — that are totally swoon-worthy. In other words, “Somebody I Used to Know” is a quintessential Valentine’s movie. It tops our list of new movies and shows you should totally watch.

2 MAKE & SHARE, Part 1: New take on dinner date

Since Valentine’s Day comes on a week night and everyone is really busy these days — here’s a hella-romantic date idea for you and your sweetie: Cook together. Or if you’d rather leave the culinary crafts to someone else — here are five romantic meals you can order.

3 MAKE & SHARE, Part 2: A chocolatey V-Day gift

Here’s another V-Day culinary idea: We have a hunch that if you make your beloved Chocolate Pots de Crème for Valentine’s Day, they’ll appreciate it (even the name is dreamy). So here’s how it’s done.

4 SEE & HEAR: Great concerts and shows

From “Cinema Paradiso” with a live score to one of the Bay Area’s best actors playing the great Louis Armstrong, here are 10 great shows and concerts to see this weekend and beyond.

5 PLAY: Love in a park

A hike or stroll surrounded by nature’s splendor makes for a great romantic excursion. Here are six National Parks that fill the bill.

6 SEE & HEAR: The world’s ‘most romantic band’

Those Aussie crooners in Air Supply have sold millions and millions of records singing joyously sappy songs about love and longing. And you can start your Valentine’s weekend early by catching them tonight.

7 PLAY & SIP: It’s Beer Week

Beer Week kicks off Friday and why this is not a national holiday with mandatory days off, confetti explosions and so forth is beyond us. But here are 12 ways to celebrate in the Bay Area.