Do you like Battlestar Galactica WAY too much? Did you miss Arisia? Here’s the other major science fiction convention in Boston. Their guest of honor is John Scalzi, a science fiction author whose first novel, Old Man’s War, is being made into a movie. Yeah, I’ve never heard of him, either. Westin Waterfront Boston, MA, Fri 2/15–Sun 2/17.more

I’ll Grant you that Lincoln to past presidents with live re-enactors is a rush at the JFK Museum! And the entire school vacation week is full of activities like arts and crafts and ice cream. The JFK Museum is great to visit anytime — interactive and interesting — and you can even try giving a presidential speech from their podium. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Boston, MA, Mon 2/18.more

School vacation week means even more interactive workshops at the Museum of Science, Boston for the Edison in you or your kid! Warning: the robot you build may take over the world and enslave humankind. Museum of Science Boston, MA, Sun 2/17–Sat 2/23.more

This is the Chinatown festival where different lion dance clubs go door to door eating lettuce and throwing around fireworks. They go to every door to accept these ‘offering’, and the ground ends up literally covered with lettuce and fireworks shells! This is not the festival with stages for music and dance. That’s one’s in August. Harrison Ave & Essex St Boston, MA, Sun 2/17.more

I’ve always wanted to see this annual model train show, too, less engineering and more hobby / artistic. It’s only $5 and the museum itself is free! National Heritage Museum Lexington, MA, Sat 2/16–Sun 2/17.more

This is awesome. The local ‘latino arts center’ is having a Chinese New Year celebration too. 3-5pm. And it’s free! Boston, MA, Sat 2/16.more

Paint with bacteria?? Too bad this mad scientist event is only for kids grades 6-12. Adults can watch though, right? Hynes Convention Center (Exhibit Hall D) Boston, MA, Thu 2/14–Mon 2/18.more

Personally I’d rather see the steam engines, aircraft engines, machinists tools, and trains at this engineer’s festival! It’s free with admission to the museum, which is great to visit any day. 10am – 4pm. Charles River Museum of Industry Waltham, MA, Sat 2/16.more

Did you know the Franklin Park Zoo is open all winter? See animal presentations with gorillas and otters. You otter! Franklin Park Zoo Boston, MA, Mon 2/18–Fri 2/22.more

There are so many zoo events just for kids that I urge you to get out and support this event for adults ages 21+. What a great idea for Valentine’s Day! 6-8:30pm. Franklin Park Zoo Boston, MA, Fri 2/15.more

Still don’t have plans for Valentine’s Day? Club Passim will serve up lovey-dovey folk music. 8 pm. Club Passim Cambridge, MA, Thu 2/14.more

Ah, a great excuse to try speed dating! If you can’t find a match, at least you can say you did it to improve your langue de l’amour skills. Boston French Cultural Center Boston, MA, Thu 2/14.more

True tales of love from the audience acted out by puppets? Please tell me the puppets keep their clothes on! The Puppet Showplace Theatre Brookline, MA, Thu 2/14.more

Watson Adventures runs scavenger hunts where you go from place to place doing something cultural and touristy. This one’s at the Museum of Fine Arts, which is cool, but the whole day focuses on nudity ‘for Valentine’s Day,’ which is less cool. I’m imagining a lot of pointing and giggling. Eyeroll. Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, Sat 2/16.more

Poetry, poetry, poetry, a poetry marathon! This one’s about the epic poem of angels, demons, and the fall of mankind. 8:30am-7:30pm. Sawyer Library Poetry Center (3rd floor) Boston, MA, Wed 2/13.more

Are you a crazy cat lady? Do you want to be? Get your training here. Center for the Arts at the Armory Somerville, MA, Sun 2/17.more

Don’t know much about Islam? Expand your mind at this opening reception. Ask what the deal is on the headscarf thing and see art! AIC Center Boston, MA, Fri 2/15.more

Not to be bitter about it, but this sounds like a great and fun event for those that want to take V-Day with a pinch of salt. Oberon Cambridge, MA, Thu 2/14.more

Not a play BY Shakespeare, but ABOUT Shakespeare! Now that’s interesting. Weds & Thurs @ 7pm, Fri & Sat @ 8pm, Sat & Sun @ 3pm. Modern Theatre Boston, MA, Wed 2/13–Sun 2/24.more

Hmm, no description. Well, this is most likely Valentine’s Day related. It’s all live storytelling. Oberon Cambridge, MA, Tue 2/19.more

You did it. I did it. We all did it. We poured our teenage broken hearts into some really crappy verses. And some of us aren’t afraid of sharing them. Doyle’s Caf Jamaica Plain, MA, Sun 2/10.more

This free show will soothe your aching heart if Valentine’s Day is a bummer. And you can get drunk, woo hoo, because THAT’S really going to help. Center for the Arts at the Armory Somerville, MA, Fri 2/15.more