Things to do for Valentine’s Day: Fun is in the air

14+ ideas: Couples cooking class, singles hoedown, luxe pool party

Last updated: 31 January 2025

There’s so much more to do on Valentine’s Day than romantic dinners. We’ve got solo trail runs in the Winelands, family fests, an outdoor movie with gourmet picnics and rosé, cooking class,  singles hoedown, Galentine’s paint and sip, picnic in a sculpture garden, a pool party and more. Here are 14+ date ideas to fall in love with this Valentine’s weekend.

GALENTINE’S SIP & PAINT WITH YOUR BESTIES

Grab the girls for a guided afternoon painting session at All Africa House, a comfy B&B situated on the UCT campus. There’ll be some premium Deetlefs wines and snacks, as well as the chance to win exciting prizes for your artwork (including a voucher to stay at the venue). 

When: Saturday, 15 February, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Cost: R250pp or R400 for two, book tickets here

All Africa House | Rondebosch | @connect.meet.collaborate | Image: UCT Connect Meet Collaborate

TRAIL RUN WITH BREAKFAST BUNS

Choose between a 5km or a more challenging 10km trail run with mountain and vineyard views at Capaia Wines in Durbanville. You can join as a solo runner or in a group, and after the run, refuel with a breakfast bun. They’re available for purchase or included with your ticket (depending on what type of ticket you buy).

When: Saturday, 15 February, 7.30am (10km), 7.45am (5km)
Cost: From R185, book via Entry Ninja

Capaia Wines | Durbanville | @capaiawines | Image: Capaia Wines

SEXY COUPLES COOKING CLASS

Stir Crazy Cooking School is hosting a hands-on cooking class where you and your partner prepare a three-course meal under the guidance of professional chefs. You’ll receive a complimentary welcome drink and a candlelit dining experience.

When: Friday, 14 February at 6pm
Cost: R1 800 per couple, book here

Stir Crazy Cooking School | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | @stircrazycookingschool | Image: Stir Crazy Cooking School

SINGLES HOEDOWN IN WOODSTOCK

Curated Connections, known for their matchmaking events, is hosting a country-inspired night - think cowboy hats and boots! Dance to the in-house DJ, join icebreaker games and other entertainment. Tickets include a welcome drink.

When: Saturday, 15 February, 5pm till late
Cost: R250 - R350, book your tickets here

 

 

 

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Three Feathers Diner | 363 Albert Rd | Woodstock | @curated.connections | Image: Curated Connections

POOL PARTY & BRAAI AT PALM HOUSE

You’ve got 3 options for V-Day at Palm House: Moroccan-themed picnic under a Bedouin tent with bites and a bottle of MCC (vegetarian options available), steak dinner on the terrace with an à la carte menu, or Chef Gregory Henderson’s six-course tasting menu. Or spend “Sunday Funday” at Palm House with a pool party and a poolside braai lunch on 16 February. 

When: Friday, 14 February to Sunday, 16 February
Cost:

• Poolside braai: R595 per person
• Moroccan picnic: R535 per person
• 6-course tasting menu: R850pp (optional wine pairing costs R600 extra)

Pre-booking essential via www.palmhouse.co.za or WhatsApp: 076 487 2016 
10 Oxford Street | Wynberg | Cape Town | Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa website | Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa

BALLROOM DANCING IN NEWLANDS

For couples wanting a night of romance, the Dinner Dance at the Kelvin Grove Ballroom offers a gourmet dinner, bubbly, and live music by the local band Just Like That. Proceeds from the event will support Magda's Soup Kitchen in Paarl, which helps feed 2 000 people weekly.

When: Friday, 14 February, 7pm for 7:30pm
Cost: R1 400 per couple or R6 000 for a group of 10, book here

Kelvin Grove Ballroom | Newlands | @kelvin_grove_club | Image: Kelvin Grove

PICNIC IN A SCULPTURE GARDEN

Experience a curated picnic with Grub & Vine in the Norval Foundation Sculpture Garden, complete with a welcome glass of bubbly and live music. Your ticket also includes museum entry, giving you and your special someone access to world-class exhibitions.

When: Friday, 14 and Sunday, 16 February, from 12pm
Cost: R1 250 per couple, book on the Grub & Vine website

Grub & Vine at Norval Foundation | Steenberg | @grubandvinenorval | Image: Grub & Vine 

ROMANTIC GIFT IDEA

"I love you" is often said with diamonds - whether it’s to pop the question with an engagement ring or a tennis bracelet for an anniversary. If you’re thinking of buying jewellery for a special someone, take a look at our guide to buying diamonds with global experts Shimansky.

When: N/A
Cost: From R2 800 for a silver Cape Town ring

Shimansky Boutique Store, Opposite Louis Vuitton, Upper Level, V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | @shimansky.sa  | Image: Shimansky 

MASQUERADE BALL IN WELLINGTON

If you're looking for an evening of mystery, this is the date idea for you. Soetendal Venues is hosting a masquerade ball where you’ll be treated to a six-course meal, an all-night DJ, and a cash bar. Dress formally and remember to wear a mysterious mask.

When: Friday, 14 February, 6:30pm for 7pm
Cost: R700 per person, book by calling 066 307 0788 or emailing functions@soetendalvenue.co.za

Soetendal Venues | Wellington | @soetendal_venues | Image: Flying Swan Media

MOVIE NIGHT ON A WINE FARM

Think romantic old-school drive-in on a wine farm lawn. Asara Wine Estate’s outdoor movie night includes a gourmet picnic basket, a blanket, and a chilled bottle of their Cape Rosé. There will also be lawn games, a cash bar, and optional bean bag rentals for extra comfort.

When: Friday, 14 February, gates open at 6:30pm, movie starts at 8:30pm
Cost: R1250 per couple, book via Quicket

 

 

 

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 Asara Wine Farm | Stellenbosch | @asarawineestate | Image: Asara Wine Estate

FAMILY FEST WITH SENSORY MESSY PLAY

Check out the Valentine’s Kids Fest in Worcester, with pre-loved clothes shopping, sensory messy play for kids, a pop-up photo booth, coffee from Plato, and a variety of local handmade gifts, toys, stationery, and lucky packets.

When: Saturday, 15 February, 10am - 1pm
Cost: Free entrance

Worcester Gallery | Worcester | Facebook | Image: Valentine’s Kids Fest

PLUS 4 POPULAR ACTIVITIES 

By Marisa Crous 

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