Best Things To Do This Valentine's Day

Ahhh, it's the most (forced) romantic time of the year, Valentine's Day! Sure, Valentine's Day might be a heavily commercialised holiday that plays into mass consumerism and social pressures, but couldn't we all use a little extra love and TLC right now? So why not lean in and make it one to remember?

Love is in the air, and you're on the clock to find something to do to impress the significant other in your life. While dinner and drinks are a reliable option, use our handy guide of the best things to do this Valentine's Day to find something more exciting to do this year. And even if you think V-Day is lame, you're as single as a Pringle, or are planning to spend the day with mates or glamming up for Galentine's Day, these are still pretty great deals worth checking out. Cupid called, and he said spots are filling up fast, so book ahead and score extra brownie points this Valentine's Day.

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For a Romantic Movie Under the Stars: Moonlight Cinema, Botanical Gardens

Perennial favourite summer to-do, Moonlight Cinema at the Botanical Gardens is turning up the heat this February with a dedicated Week of Romance. A curated line-up of loved-up films, spanning feel-good rom-coms to darker stories of obsession and desire, is in store for those wanting to spend an evening under the stars. Catch the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights on Valentine's Day, but we suggest booking your spot ASAP before it sells out. 

For a Cheeky Night at the Museum: Museum of Desire, Collingwood

Explore a whole new world of art, play and sensual pleasure at the Museum of Desire this Valentine's Day, as it opens its doors to the ultimate VIP Valentine's Day Weekend, celebrating all things love and lust. Experience live performance art, intimate installations, sensory encounters, and romantic mischief throughout the weekend, curated to seamlessly blend art, intimacy, play, and pleasure. From complimentary kissing booth portraits to spicy lucky dips and naked body painting, there's no better place to turn up the heat, or rekindle that spark this V Day. 

For a Nostalgic Roller-Skating Ride: Dewberry Roller-Rama, Southbank

Channel your inner 90s child with a retro rollerskating session this Valentine's Day weekend. To celebrate the relaunch of its most requested fragrance of all time, Dewberry, The Body Shop is delivering a pop-up roller rink full of 90s energy — think disco vibes and DJs, free samples, and Dewberry-flavoured gelato. While the event is free, it's essential that you book in advance to secure your session. The perfect way to entertain your date, or get the gals out and about, this V-Day. 

For an Interactive Dessert at a Glam Hotel: W Melbourne, CBD

This year, W Melbourne, one of the city's most glammed-up and design-forward hotels, is offering three distinct Valentine's Day experiences, all with the same romantic ending. Whether you choose to go for refined Italian dining at Lollo, an intimate omakase at Warabi, or casual cocktails at Curious, you'll get to experience the signature interactive dessert moment designed for Valentine's Day. The Heart's a Mess dessert features an edible rose cracked over the dish upon serving. 

For Those Looking for Sexy Speed Dating: High Note, Northcote

There's no need to be down in the dumps about being single this V Day, with this sexy speed dating event sure to spice up the most romantic day of the year. Crush Club, the beloved in-person dating series, is partnering with Skylab Radio to throw a flirty and fabulous event at High Note. This structured, yet low-pressure speed-dating scene will help you get off the apps and meet some other like-minded singles. It's open to those aged 25 to 35, with speed dating running from 7.10 to 8pm, followed by a free-entry party at High Note. 

For a Galentine's Day High Tea: Mary Eats Cake, Montrose and Brunswick

Make Valentine's Day all about the gals this year with Mary Eats Cake's high tea experience. Whether you're celebrating with best friends, family members or soul mates, do it with lamington scones, pink champagne cocktails and unlimited specialty teas. The experience is available at the stores in both Montrose and Brunswick from Wednesday, February 4th, to Sunday, March 1st.

For a Luxe Staycation: Pan Pacific Melbourne, South Wharf

Immerse yourself and your significant other in a world of luxury this Valentine's Day with a staycation at the Pan Pacific Melbourne. For one night only, the hotel's restaurant, DOC 37 Bar & Kitchen, is offering a specially curated four-course set menu featuring dishes such as seared scallops with caviar, oysters with champagne mignonette and beetroot macarons. To add to the romantic atmosphere, a live illustrator will sketch couples throughout the night, creating the perfect keepsake to remember this Valentine's Day.

For a Communal Feast Celebrating Singles: Gemini, Coburg

Gemini, a beloved neighbourhood bar and pantry in Coburg, is turning up the heat not only for couples this year (offering a romantic four-course dinner for two), but for those going solo too, with their Palentine's Day Singles Dinner. The flirty evening will include a four-course menu served in the Chef's Dining Room, with champagne on arrival and paired wines, creating a low-pressure yet social and dynamic atmosphere that encourages small talk and may lead to more...

For an Indulgent Chocolate Treat: Pidapipo, Various Locations

One of Melbourne's best gelato stores, Pidapipo, is offering up a seriously sweet treat this Valentine's Day. Back by popular demand, Pidapipo's Valentine's Profiterole, which features Italian choux pastry, vanilla bean gelato, and a hot drizzle of Pidapipo's signature chocolate sauce, is a sweet and saucy way to say I love you this February. It's available at all stores daily until sold out, for $10 a pop, until February 15th.

For a Sexy Show to Spice Things Up: VIVA, North Melbourne

This cabaret show has redefined Melbourne's nightlife scene since its launch in 2024. The twin productions, Vogue and Vicious, feature an immersive format where guests can drink and dine throughout the performance. While Vogue focuses on high fashion and avant-garde artistry, Vicious is an electrifying spectacle that channels raw power, seductive intrigue and dynamic energy. If you're looking to reignite that spark, consider lighting the flame at VIVA this Valentine's Day.

For a Crafty Workshop to Get Your Hands Moving: Red Hill Estate, Mornington Peninsula

If you're keen to get out of town this Valentine's Day, head to Red Hill Estate for the ultimate day trip that combines drinking, eating and creating. A Love That Lasts — Valentine's Ceramic Workshop, hosted at Red Hill Estate, is being run by Lilli Fender of Peninsula Ceramics Studio, and includes a glass of bubbles, a grazing platter, and a personalised functional piece to take home.

Feature image: VIVA.