Reno Vampire Crawl, Feb. 13th.

Does Valentine’s Day Always Have to Suck?

If you’re a vampire, then you sure hope so. For far too long, Valentine’s Day has been one of the most miserable holidays on the calendar, but last year, that started to change. This year, it’s going to be even better. On Saturday, February 13, downtown Reno will become host to the second annual Valentine’s Vampire Crawl, with thousands of costumed bar crawlers throwing on their fangs and sinking their teeth into a night of drink specials and great times.

According to event organizer Ed Adkins, who also runs the Reno Zombie Crawl, the vampire crawl was developed as a way to take a holiday that no one really likes and make it fun.

“Every year, I hear people complaining that Valentine’s Day is their least favorite holiday because of all the pressure to make it special, the focus on cutesy hearts, and the general feeling of missed expectations,” says Adkins. “So I figured, let’s take it back.”

As a result, the Vampire Crawl was born, and everyone celebrates the edgier side of romance.

“No one finds candy hearts and frilly cards sexy, but everyone wants a vampire,” says Adkins.

Starting at 8pm on the Feb 13, crawlers are instructed to begin at Amendment 21 to purchase their crawl cup and map. They then can move on to any of the 20 bars that will be participating. On the crawl, participants will enjoy $2 and $3 specials on a variety of drinks, including various beers, Barefoot Wine, New Amsterdam Gin, and others.

Aside from just having fun, Adkins says that a portion of the proceeds from the crawl will be donated to the American Heart Association.

“Since February is Heart Month, we decided that the AHA was a perfect charity to work with on the crawl. Also, it turns out there are no organizations that actively help vampires.”

For costume ideas, Adkins says that he is talking some area shops into stocking up on vampire teeth and makeup, and also suggests looking around downtown shops for vintage clothes.

“Junkee is always a great shop to find vintage clothes, while the Melting Pot is sure to have some really interesting alternatives, and the Chocolate Walrus is always great for the sexier look,” says Adkins.

A limited number of VIP packages will be sold for the night of the crawl that will include an exclusive vampire dinner and burlesque show held at 6pm, drink tickets, and a limo ride home. For more information on the crawl, go to www.renobarcrawls.com or look on the Passport events section.

Also, Adkins says that anyone who RSVPs on Facebook will be kept up to date on new bars joining the lineup, what drink s specials will be offered at each bar and any entertainment or contests that are being scheduled for the evening.

Text by Baldo Bobadilla
Photo by Justin Sullivan