Syracuse University Hosts Variety of Valentine's Week Events

From soul food history to ballroom dancing, SU offers diverse activities to celebrate the holiday.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Syracuse University is hosting a variety of events this week leading up to Valentine's Day, including a Pitch Perfect-inspired a cappella riff-off, a soul food history and tasting exhibition, upcycled Valentine's Day card making, and an inaugural LGBTQ+ ballroom dance event.

Why it matters

The diverse lineup of events provides Syracuse students and community members with opportunities to learn about Black history and culture, engage in creative self-expression, and celebrate the upcoming holiday in an inclusive manner.

The details

The events include the 'Hair Me Out and Black Flea Market Expo' on Monday featuring student-run businesses, the 'Heart and Soul Food' exhibition on Wednesday exploring the history and health of soul food, upcycled Valentine's Day card making on Friday, and the 'Inaugural Swann Ball: Valentine Xtravaganza' LGBTQ+ ballroom dance event on Friday night. The week culminates in the 'Riff Off and Roses' a cappella competition and Pitch Perfect screening on Sunday.

  • The events will take place from Monday, February 10 to Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The 'Hair Me Out and Black Flea Market Expo' is on Monday, February 10 from 12 to 4 p.m.
  • The 'Heart and Soul Food' exhibition is on Wednesday, February 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • The upcycled Valentine's Day card making is on Friday, February 14 from 12 to 2 p.m.
  • The 'Inaugural Swann Ball: Valentine Xtravaganza' is on Friday, February 14 from 8 to 10 p.m.
  • The 'Riff Off and Roses' a cappella event is on Sunday, February 16 at 7 p.m.

The players

University Union

The student organization hosting the 'Riff Off and Roses' a cappella event.

Belonging and Student Success

The Syracuse University department organizing the 'Hair Me Out and Black Flea Market Expo'.

Barner-McDuffie House

The campus venue hosting the 'Heart and Soul Food' exhibition in collaboration with the Barnes Center at The Arch.

LGBTQ+ Resource Center

The campus center hosting the 'Inaugural Swann Ball: Valentine Xtravaganza' event.

Letters of Love

The student organization co-hosting the upcycled Valentine's Day card making event with the Writing Center.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Syracuse, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Syracuse University is offering a diverse array of events this Valentine's week, providing students and the community opportunities to celebrate the holiday, learn about Black history and culture, and engage in creative self-expression in an inclusive environment.