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From lunches and carols to markets and meeting Santa
Things to do for Valentine’s Day: fun is in the air
Learn how to cook together, go wine and whisky tasting or watch a drag show
Last updated: Thursday, 2 February 2023
Who says Valentine’s Day is only for couples? We believe in celebrating all kinds of love - whether that’s the love between you and your spouse, partner, new flame, child, best friend, mom or yourself. Here are some of the most unique and interesting Valentine’s Day events in Cape Town, regardless of who you’ll be spending it with.
LEARN HOW TO COOK, TOGETHER
Don’t feel like a romantic dinner at a restaurant? Try Food Jams instead. You and your loved one will be taught how to make a four-course meal. You’ll be given the tools, ingredients and recipes, as well as a welcome drink. While you cook, you’ll get to listen to vibey music - it’s called Food Jams after all!
Where: Soute Studio, Salt River
When: 14 February, 6pm - 9:30pm
Price: R550pp, book here
45 Yew Street | Salt River | 063 292 0419 | @foodjams_capetown | Image: Food Jams
CATCH A WHOLE WEEK OF ROM-COMS
Cuddle up and pack a hoodie: The Galileo is showing romantic movies the whole week. On 14 February, you can watch Owen Wilson’s and Jennifer Lopez’s new film Marry Me. Your ticket includes a backrest and blanket, as well as a selection of Geldhof chocolate and Lyre’s mocktail. Gates open at 5pm and you’ll be treated to live music while you wait for the movie to start. Prefer the classics? Four Weddings and a Funeral, Pretty Woman, Bridget Jones's Diary and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again are on the lineup too.
Where: Various locations
When: 14 February - 18 February
Price: From R129, book here
Various locations | 071 471 8728 | hello@thegalileo.co.za | @thegalileo | Image: The Galileo Open Air Cinema
TASTE WINE IN AN OLD WINE VAT
At Klein Roosboom, you can experience a wine tasting in an old wine vat. This 300-year-old winery in Durbanville also has a restaurant and a deli shop, so you can buy lunch and go on a picnic in the vineyard.
Where: Klein Roosboom, Durbanville
When: The tastings are available Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm
Price: Tastings start at R95
Tygerberg Valley Rd | Durbanville | 079 693 9646 | @kleinroosboom | Image: Klein Roosboom
TRY UNIQUE CUTS + GET FREE WINE
Meat lovers - this is the perfect date for you. Char'd Grill is known for its unique and interesting cuts that you won't find anywhere else, and this Valentine's Day, you can get two free glasses of wine when you order the meat appreciation platter. The platter includes one unique cut, 2 more commonly used cuts like sirloin or ribeye, hearty bone marrow, garlic rolls, onion rings and fries. Pick between Lomond Merlot or Syrah to go with your meat appreciation platter.
Where: Char'd Grill, Hermanus
When: 10.30am - 9.30pm
Price: R345 per platter
Village Square | Hermanus | 028 312 1986 | www.chardhermanus.co.za | @chardhermanus
MAKE DESSERT CANDLES WITH YOUR BESTIE
Apothacafe makes vegan candles that look (and smell) just like dessert, and this Valentine’s Day, they’re hosting a workshop with Kinetic Touch. You’ll learn how to make your own candle and get a free gel manicure. The workshop also includes a pancake and flapjack bar, mocktails and non-alcoholic champagne.
Where: 169 Buitenkant St, Gardens
When: Saturday, 11 February, 11am to 14:30pm
Price: R450pp (adults), R350 (kids under 13). Find more information here
169 Buitenkant St | Gardens | @apothacafe | @kinetictouch.sa | Image: Apothacafe
DRINK WINE ON THE WATER'S EDGE
Milk on the Beach is the ultimate date spot: this scenic eatery has a deck overlooking Onrus lagoon, the beach and the surrounding mountains (plus, it serves fresh fish and sushi). Visit between 6pm and 7pm and enjoy pink cocktails and selected rosé at a discount. Learn more about this bucketlist summer spot (and it's waffle shack).
Where: Milk on the Beach, Onrus
When: 14 February, 6pm - 7pm
Price: R70 for 2
1 Atlantic Drive | Onrus River | 028 316 1516 | @milk_onthebeach | Image: Milk on the Beach
BE DAZZLED BY A SPEAKEASY BURLESQUE SHOW
Join the Art of Duplicity for Valentease: An evening of glitzy performances, luxe cocktails and decadent canapés. This burlesque show is held at a secret speakeasy location where you can sip signature cocktails like the Aperol Ditz (prosecco, watermelon cordial, rooibos and mango) and Glory Gloria (gin, coffee and salted caramel). Dress up in your most stylish 1920’s gear.
Where: CBD (speakeasy location revealed closer to the time)
When: Friday, 10 February. 6pm - 8pm; 9:30pm - 23:30pm
Price: R450pp, book here
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PLAY A THRILLING ESCAPE GAME
This is a great idea for families and friends, or for couples who want to spend Valentine's Day a little differently. HintHunt has a variety of escape rooms to play - free yourself from a submarine before the time runs out or play your own version of Prison Break. The last game slot is at 8:30pm on Valentine's Day, which means you can go to dinner before or after the game as well.
Where: HintHunt, V&A Waterfront
When: First game slot is 10am; last game slot is 8:30pm
Price: R295pp
HintHunt | Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | 076 187 2764 | capetown@hinthunt.co.za | @hinthuntafrica
ENJOY A LUXE THREE-COURSE DINNER
The Sanctuary, located at Kloof Street Hotel, has a rooftop deck overlooking Table Mountain. Sit on the deck and watch the sunset while having a romantic three-course dinner: the delectable options include a dark chocolate and hazelnut tart with raspberry sorbet and a white chocolate caramel drizzle, and smoked salmon and wild rocket with a honey and chia dressing.
Where: Kloof Street Hotel, Gardens
When: 14 February, 7pm
Price: R395pp, book here
8 Rheede St | Gardens | 021 424 1530 | @kloof_street_hotel | Image: Kloof Street Hotel
GO CLUBBING WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Party the night away with your crew at the Waiting Room’s annual Valentine’s Day event. Celebrate platonic love (or meet someone new!) and dance to all sorts of music: R&B, hip hop, trap, amapiano and house.
Where: The Waiting Room, Long Street
When: 14 February, 8pm to 2am
Price: From R40, book here
273 Long Street | Cape Town City Centre | 082 425 7732 | @waitingroom.ct | Image: @riz__zla__
GRAB THE GIRLS AND ENJOY A DRAG SHOW
The Outlore is hosting a Valentine’s drag show, The Muses: Daughters of Aphrodite. Tickets vary in price, from an entry-only ticket to a ticket that includes pizza and rosé. It’ll be held at Outlore Base on Hout St, which makes it a great spot if you want to go out for drinks after.
Where: Outlore Base, CBD
When: 14 February, 7:30pm to 10:30pm
Price: From R120pp, book here
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DINE ON ITALIAN FOOD UNDER THE TREES
At Limoncello, you can sit in a courtyard and eat authentic Italian food under the branches of old milkwood trees. The area is prettily decorated with fairy lights, which makes it a great spot for a romantic dinner. It’s situated at the foot of Chapman’s Peak on the Noordhoek side, so there are mountain views, too.
Where: Limoncello, Noordhoek
When: Tuesday - Thursday, 5pm to 10pm; Friday - Sunday, 12pm to 10pm
Price: From R90
Cnr Beach Rd and Pine St | 071 114 8947 | @limoncello.ristorante | Image: Limoncello Ristorante
CHALLENGE YOUR PARTNER TO AN OBSTACLE COURSE
Be that couple and go on a run on Valentine’s Day. You can choose a 5km or a 10km trail (with or without an obstacle course) and run through the stunning greenery of D’Aria Winery in Durbanville. Make sure to come dressed up - there are prizes for best-dressed.
Where: D’Aria Winery, Durbanville
When: 11 February, from 6am
Price: From R130, register here
M13 Tygerberg Valley Rd | 021 801 6772 | Image: D’Aria Winery
TRY WHISKY FROM AROUND THE WORLD
A visit to The Whisky Library is a great choice if you want a no-fuss Valentine’s Day (or if you want to celebrate with friends, or go solo). This 1920’s style speaky-easy bar has more than 1100 whiskeys for you to taste. Pair with a cigar or a charcuterie board.
Where: Rust-en-Vrede Art Gallery & Clay Museum, Durbanville
When: Monday - Saturday, 10:30am to 8pm
Price: Varies
10 Wellington Rd | Durbanville | 066 558 1953 | @the_whisky_library_sa | Image: The Whisky Library
VISIT A COMMUNITY MARKET
Visit the opening of the Mitchells Plain Community Market and spoil your loved one(s) or yourself with an early Valentine’s treat. The market is Valentine’s themed and there will be lots of wares from local small businesses available, such as clothing, food, toys and skincare products.
Where: Dagbreek Hall, Mitchells Plain
When: 11 February 2023, 10am to 4pm
Price: Free
1 Koornhoop Road | Mitchells Plain | Facebook | Image: Annie Spratt/Unsplash
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FIND MORE VALENTINE’S FUN
Go on a romantic picnic at this hidden park in the suburbs.
Drink wine at this funky wine bar with international street food.
Enjoy a sexy night of drinks and dancing at these bars and nightclubs.
Not a fan of Valentines? Plan your weekend with our top finds.
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