15+ Valentine’s Day date ideas that aren’t dinner and a drink
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’Tis the season of love, and no matter who you’re planning to spend it with, there’s no shortage of things to do in Canberra this Valentine’s Day.
And we’re talking about more than just grabbing dinner and a drink. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, lovebirds have a full weekend to get out and experience what the city has to offer.
Perfect for a romantic, platonic or solo date, here are 15+ ideas guaranteed to add a little spark to your V-Day.
Galentine’s Craft Night at Astoria Romance & Fantasy Bookstore
Perfect for celebrating your gal pals, Canberra’s own romance and fantasy bookstore is hosting a Galentine’s craft night where you’ll create your very own ceramic phallus vase. You read that right. Ideal for rambunctious smut readers, your ticket also includes snacks, refreshments and a gift bag valued at over $50.
Friday 13 February, 7 pm | 2/3 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick | Book your ticket here.
Instant Cabaret: Valentine’s Special
Bringing an energetic hour of colour, movement, song, story and theatre, this Valentine’s special at Smith’s Alternative features unscripted scenes and songs created spontaneously from audience suggestions. Go along with your special someone and enjoy the talents of some of Canberra’s most flamboyant theatrical improvisers.
Friday, 13 February, 7.30 pm | Smith’s Alternative (McGregor Hall), 76 Alinga Street, City | Book your ticket here.
Once Upon a Valentine Romance Reader Market
Romance readers, this one’s for you. This Valentine’s Day, a free romance reader market will take over Ainslie Arts Centre to celebrate one of the world’s most popular book genres. Running from 10 am to 4 pm and promising cosy vibes galore, expect indie authors, special-edition books, bookish merchandise and more.
Saturday 14 February, 10 am – 4 pm | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | Find out more here
K-beauty masterclass and demonstration
Perfect for a little self-love, head along to a K-beauty masterclass and demonstration at the National Museum of Australia this Valentine’s Day. Hosted by Samantha Hallal – Australia’s leading K-beauty expert – you’ll learn all about Korean beauty trends, techniques, products and ingredients. Make sure to stop by the Hallyu! The Korean Wave shop afterwards to pick up some goodies to take home.
Saturday 14 February, 2 pm – 3.30 pm | Gandel Atrium, National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book your ticket here.
Googfest
If your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day includes live music, picnic rugs and an easygoing community vibe, Googfest ticks all the boxes.
Googong’s much-loved free music festival brings locals and visitors together for an evening of live tunes under the stars. Pack a picnic or take your pick from more than 20 food vendors on site, then settle in as Aussie electro-rock icons Rogue Traders take the stage, supported by local acts Midnight Mix and MiLay.
Saturday 14 February, 5 pm–9 pm | Rockley Oval, Googong | googong.net
Valentine’s Day at the NFSA
Take movie night to the next level with a romantic summer evening at the NFSA. Enjoy a live performance by Los Chavos – Canberra’s own Latin reggae powerhouse – in the heritage courtyard, followed by a screening of Strictly Ballroom (1992). Sip on local wines and summer cocktails, and indulge in charcuterie from Dom’s Deli & Bar for a vibrant night of romance, rhythm and retro charm under the stars.
Saturday 14 February, 6 pm – 10 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book your tickets here.
Valentine’s Masquerade Ball
Who can resist a Venetian Carnevale-themed black-tie masquerade ball? This Valentine’s Day, don your finest mask and step into a world of fantasy with Gold Odyssey Events. Expect champagne on arrival, premium canapés, a two-hour gold drinks package, cheese and mezze platters, a nitrogen ice dessert bar, live entertainment and more. There’ll also be a silent auction and lucky door prizes, including a luxury couple’s retreat at Jamala Wildlife Lodge.
Saturday 14 February, 7 pm – 11.55 pm | Hotel Realm Ballroom, 18 National Circuit, Barton | Book your ticket here.
Valentine’s Day Singles Soirée
No date? No worries. Canberra’s biggest singles event is back. This Valentine’s Day, Curated invites you to the Rex Hotel ballroom for a night of champagne, dancing, beautiful food, live music and genuine connection. With no pressure to find ‘the one’, dress up, meet new people and see where the night takes you.
Saturday 14 February, 6.30 pm – 11.30 pm | Canberra Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon | Book your ticket here.
La La Land at the Sunset Cinema
If you can’t resist a romantic movie, book tickets to see La La Land at the Sunset Cinema. Showing for one night only, pack a picnic, grab some snacks and settle in under the stars to watch Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone light up the big screen.
Saturday 14 February, 6.30 pm until late | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Book your ticket here.
Library Lovers’ Day Author Panel
Move over Valentine’s Day – this event celebrates Library Lovers’ Day instead. Featuring local authors Emma Pei Yin, Ayesha Inoon and Emma Grey, the panel will explore their books and writing journeys. Facilitated by Chloe from Collins Booksellers Queanbeyan, with refreshments provided, it’s perfect for bookworms.
Saturday 14 February, 11 am – 12.30 pm | Queanbeyan Library, Queanbeyan | Book your ticket here.
Puppy Yoga with Mini Dachshunds
Relaxing, mood-boosting and dangerously cute, this might be the most adorable way to spend Valentine’s Day. Hosted by Paws & Poses Australia, enjoy 45 minutes of beginner-friendly yoga while mini dachshund puppies roam freely, followed by 15 minutes of dedicated puppy cuddles. We’re pawsitive you’ll have a great time.
Saturday 14 February, 11.30 am, 1.15 pm, 3 pm and 4.30 pm | Studio 9, Building 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book your ticket here.
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special
Love is in the air with this stunning Candlelight Concert. Enjoy live renditions of iconic love songs, including Céline Dion’s My Heart Will Go On, Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love and Elton John’s Can You Feel the Love Tonight? for an unforgettable, multi-sensory evening.
Saturday 14 February, 6.30 pm or 8.30 pm | James Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | Book your ticket here.
Spellbinding Sips: Mixology for Valentine’s Day
Channel your inner witch or wizard at this spellbinding mixology class at Quizzic Alley. Over 90 minutes, you’ll concoct two magical cocktails (or mocktails) under the guidance of their Potions Master – perfect for couples, friends or solo adventurers.
Saturday 14 February, 4.30 pm – 7 pm | Quizzic Alley, 5 Pirie, Fyshwick | Book your ticket here.
Live music at Mount Majura Vineyard
Live music at sunset at Mount Majura Vineyard? Say no more. Enjoy a performance by Australian folk singer-songwriter Malia Stirling, playing original music and beloved covers from Fleetwood Mac, Missy Higgins, Joni Mitchell and more. Tickets include a drink on arrival, with cheese and charcuterie available to purchase.
Saturday 14 February, Saturday 14 February, 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm | Mount Majura Vineyard, 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | Book your ticket here.
Valentine’s Day Paint Your Partner
Looking for something fun and a little different this Valentine’s Day? This is a playful, relaxed painting class designed for couples or friends who want to laugh, connect, and get creative together. There’s no experience needed and no realism expected as you take turns painting each other, creating a memorable keepsake from the night!
Saturday 14 February, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm | Q Gallery, Ainslie Shops | Book your tickets here.
Let’s Bowl Over Cancer – Valentine’s Day Edition
This Valentine’s Day, fall head over heels for an afternoon of lawn bowls, games, and good vibes, all in support of Tour de Cure. Including Valentine’s-inspired games (nothing too cheesy) and raffles as well as bar snacks, canapés, and platters of food for you to munch on, it’s perfect for couples, singles, friends and families!
Saturday 14 February, 2 pm – 5 pm | 54 McCaughey Street, Turner | Book your tickets here.
St. Valentine’s Day Bush Dance
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at this traditional Australian Bush Dance – no experience required. Ideal for couples or anyone looking for a good time, all the dances will be taught on the night, so all you need to do is bring a plate of food for a shared supper and enjoy!
Saturday 14 February, 7.30 pm – 10.30 pm | Currie Crescent Community Hall, Currie Crescent, Kingston | Book your ticket here.
Futeuroscope
Ditch the Valentine’s clichés at this underground rave in the former Transit Bar space at Bailey’s Corner. For one night only, Brass Knuckle Brass Band transforms the venue into a Euro-techno bunker, delivering high-octane beats and brass-heavy reworks of EDM classics. Perfect for friends, solo dancers or non-traditional dates.
Saturday 14 February, 8 pm | Former Transit Space, Bailey’s Corner, City | Book your tickets here.
Valentine’s Workshop at Gracias Flower Studio
This intimate floral-arranging workshop on Sunday 15 February is a lovely way to continue the Valentine’s celebrations. Using fresh, seasonal blooms, you’ll enjoy a relaxed introduction to flower arranging and leave with a beautiful creation of your own. Tickets include a glass of wine and sweets.
Sunday 15 February, 3.30 pm – 5 pm | 58 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | Book your ticket here.
