Love fills the air come February, carrying the sweet scents of roses, champagne, and chocolate. We owe this celebration to St Valentine, a rebel priest in ancient Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II's anti-love laws by secretly marrying soldiers. Today, we honour St Valentine by spreading love every February 14th, not just amongst lovers but also with family and friends. While a cosy dinner for two is a classic, don't forget to share the love with those closest to you. Need some ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day in Joburg? We've got you covered. 
 

Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) Valentine's Gala Concert

Sat, Feb 10
For the lovers who appreciate beautiful sounds, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) presents its Valentine's Gala concert at the Linder Auditorium, one of Joburg's most acoustically impressive concert venues. Conducted by Daniel Boico and with performances by vocalist Jonothan Roxmouth, pianist Nina Schumann and soloist Karen Petersen. You'll want to hurry and purchase tickets online here.
 

'Love Bytes' by The Cirk

Sat, Feb 10 until Sun, Mar 17
The latest production by The Cirk, Love Bytes, explores the union of old-school circus traditions with love in the digital era. This tongue-in-cheek show skilfully weaves the worlds of love, technology, and connection, inviting the audience to embark on a whimsical journey where laughter and awe collide. Book your tickets now. 

Valentine's market at Sandton Sports Club

Screen My French Film Festival at home

Until Mon, Feb 19
Looking to add a touch of romance to your Valentine's Day plans? Transform your home into a cosy cinema and indulge in the finest French films for free with My French Film Festival. Explore the world of contemporary French cinema, available for live-streaming throughout the month. Whether you're planning a date night on a budget, organising a virtual viewing party with friends, or simply treating yourself to some well-deserved me-time, this festival has you covered. To help you decide which of the 26 films to watch first, we've chosen some highlights. 

All things gin at Time Anchor Distillery

Wed, Feb 14 
If you love a good G&T, why not take it a step further at Time Anchor Distillery in Kramerville with a three-hour session of crafting and distilling your own gin. You'll learn about the process of what makes a great gin, create a one-of-a-kind blend from their library of over 40 botanicals, explore the age-old art of distillation with their copper pot stills, and bottle your gin in a Valentine's Day-themed bottle. Tickets are R1,200 per couple and include welcome drinks, snacks, and of course, your gin to take home. Tickets are limited. 

Romance is brewing at Tea & Antique

Valentine's dinner at Rand Club

Wed, Feb 14
A classic date night in Joburg includes good food, entertainment, and of course a date. While there are many places for a date night experience in Joburg, Rand Club is one of those rare locations: a beautiful and grand historic building that makes it a one-of-a-kind venue for a Valentine's dinner celebration. Indulge in a three-course dinner menu that'll knock your socks off with a pea and mint soup starter, a short rib main served with a variety of vegetables, and an ooey-gooey chocolate lava pudding to end off the meal. Tickets are R235 p.p. for members R295 for non-members and include dinner and a welcome drink, tickets are available online here.
 

Murder mystery Valentine's dinner at Jasmine Fusion

Wed, Feb 14
Was it a crime of passion or a simple miscommunication? Solve the murder mystery at Jasmine Fusion, a fully halaal restaurant in Morningside that blends Malaysian, Moroccan, and Singaporean flavours. Each of the five courses holds a clue that will point you in the direction of the culprit seated among you with prizes for the duo who finds the murderer first. As if that wasn't exciting enough, the menu features an Asian meze for two, tempura prawns, crab curry, beef Wellington (vegetarian options are available), and a secretive Chef's special dessert. Tickets are R2,500 per couple (includes drinks) and the dress code is formal, so shake off your sequins and don your dinner jacket for a fun night of wining, dining, and mystery-solving. 

Cooking class at Vitality HealthyFood Studio

Thu, Feb 15; Sat, Feb 17
With professional chefs and a fully-equipped kitchen, plus a rooftop terrace with a great view, the Vitality HealthyFood Studio is a great place to go for cooking lessons and inspiration. The courses here are informative, interactive, and most importantly, fun. The team is spicing things up over the Valentine's period with cooking courses like Amiamo la Pasta and Summer Dessert Delights. Their Love at First Bite class on Valentine's Day is sold out, but you're bound to enjoy the other classes in equal measure. It's an opportunity to learn more about your date through food, pick up an arsenal of new skills that will help you dazzle in the kitchen, and end it off with a delicious meal. 
Tickets for each course are R600 p.p., book online here (spaces are limited).

Taste the movies at Hyatt House Sandton

Fri, Feb 16 and Sat, Feb 17 
Have you ever watched a movie and craved what you saw on screen? Indulge in a unique cinematic and culinary experience at Hyatt House Sandton and taste the movies while your dinner unfolds right along with them. Each course is perfectly synced with specific moments in the film, and this innovative dining concept, which is popular internationally, is causing excitement at Hyatt House. If you're all about celebrating "Galentine's Day" with your squad, mark your calendar for Fri, Feb 16 for a screening of Bride Wars (2006), or prepare to "frost yourself" with edible magazines and sparkly food while you enjoy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) on Sat, Feb 17.
Tickets are R1,200 p.p. (all-inclusive). 

Berries and Bubbles on Parkhurst's 4th Avenue

Sat, Feb 17 
Experience the spirit of Parkhurst's 4th Avenue with some bubbly to make it taste just right. While kids have a blast in the play area, parents can savour the flavours and tastes of Prosecco, Champagne, sparkling wine, and non-alcoholic bubbly drinks; indulge in the diverse culinary offerings from their berries, deli, and eateries stalls; and catch up on a bit of shopping. Local restaurants serve up street food and their regular sit-down menus.
Tickets are only needed for the bubbly tasting at R350 p.p.

Midsummer Night's Dream kink party by EDEN

Sat, Feb 17 
If you are looking for a disobedient dance party... we found you one. Step into the enchanting garden of EDEN, an extraordinary consent-focused event that promises to transcend boundaries and celebrate freedom of self-expression, sensuality, and empowerment. Join them at Villa Simonne Boutique Hotel for a Midsummer Night's Dream party to properly celebrate the day of love in a fun, sexy, and unique way. The dress code is strictly kink so enter if you dare.
Attendees under the age of 21 will not be permitted and phone photography is prohibited (selfies included). 

Concert of Love at Nirox Sculpture Park 

Sun, Feb 18 
Enjoy live music and fine food in the tranquil surroundings of Nirox Sculpture Park in the Cradle of Humankind this Valentine's weekend. Whether you are single, in a relationship, or it's complicated, everyone is welcome to celebrate love in this sublime space. Enjoy lunch from high-end food stalls serving gourmet fare courtesy of the Epicurean Emporium, imbibe top-class bubbly from Bernie's Bar, or book a table at the on-site restaurant And then there was fire. 
Tickets are limited to maintain the intimate atmosphere (early-bird tickets are already sold out).  

VNJ presents The Love Ball at AGOG

Sat, Feb 24 
VNJ Ball returns for a fabulous Valentine's ball event at AGOG Warehouse. The upcoming Love Ball is a celebration of love where freedom, desire, and intimacy, whether platonic or romantic, can find life in the darkness and live in the light. The theme is love and you'll do well to come dressed to impress. Expect a vibrant, queer-focused crowd where love is being served and you're invited to the feast.
Early bird tickets are R100 p.p. No under-18s. 

SOME LOVE FOR SINGLES 

The Not So Broken Hearts Club party at Villa Simonne

Sat, Feb 10
Turn a new page on the ups and downs of love, revel in romance, and celebrate the triumph of love over heartbreak at the Not So Broken Hearts Club Party at Villa Simonne Boutique Hotel in Houghton. It'll be a night filled with music, laughter, and a whole lot of positivity. Whether you’re mending from a recent break-up or just want to surround yourself with good company, whatever it is, capture the night in the photo booth, enjoy performances by Ricci B and IceJ, and expect giveaways and prizes.
Tickets are R300 p.p., book here. 

Love Bites Valentine's Singles Party at Saigon Suzy, Fourways

Sun, Feb 11 
If you're single and keen to mingle then Saigon Suzy Fourways is the place to be with icebreakers and conversation starters. They say "What happens at Suzy, stays at Suzy" and this event is no exception. Saigon Suzy is a hip Asian-inspired joint (we love their branch in Parkwood) that attracts an energetic crowd with their exciting menu of ramen bowls, sushi, and more. Fall in love or get fed this Valentine's Day, either way. 
Tickets are R100 p.p; email singleseventsjhb@gmail.com for payment details and to secure your spot. 

Singles' party at A Streetbar Named Desire

Wed, Feb 14 
Whether you're in a "situationship", newly single and loving it, looking to spread the love with your friends, or if your relationship status can only be described as complicated, you'll be in store for a night of fun at A Streetbar Named Desire. John Lyra, Teddy Tumi, and Lucidity will be on the decks with a guest appearance by DJ NFT to bring the tunes to the party. Space is always limited so book a table and dance the night away (but don't bring a date!). 
Singles only; get a group together to book a table as space is limited. Call +27 11 268 6485 or email info@streetbar.co.za
 

Single mingling at Dlala Nje

Wed, Feb 14
Find love on the 51st floor of Ponte, Africa's tallest residential building. This Valentine's Day Dlala Nje are hosting a night of dancing, drinks specials and meeting new people. Tickets are R100 with a welcome cocktail included.