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Come February, love fills the air, 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 performing marriages for soldiers. Today, we honour St Valentine by spreading love every February 14th, not just among 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.
City Sightseeing Valentine's sunset bus tour
Fri, Feb 14 and Sat, Feb 15, 2025
Departing from Rosebank at 17:30, this exclusive City Sightseeing Red Bus tour is designed for romance. Enjoy Lindt chocolates and a glass of bubbly as you take in stunning panoramic views from a breathtaking viewpoint. Spend 45 magical minutes soaking in the sunset before a scenic ride back, arriving at 19:30 with memories to cherish. For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) Valentine's Gala Concert
Fri, Feb 14, 2025
For those 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 Eddie Clayton, the evening features the soul-stirring vocals of Zita Pretorius and Monde Msutwana, alongside Adam Howard's mesmerising trumpet melodies. You'll want to hurry and purchase tickets online here.
Valentine's dinner at Café del Sol
Fri, Feb 14, 2025
Love is in the air – and on your plate – this Valentine’s Day at Café del Sol. Sip on a glass of Valdo IKI as you make your way through a dreamy three-course dinner designed for romance. Start with delicate Parma ham and melon or a luxurious burrata tartlet, then fall head over heels for mains like truffle-infused gnocchi, melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank risotto, or perfectly seared beef fillet. And because no love story is complete without a sweet ending, share a rich dark chocolate tart or a heavenly Turkish delight crème brûlée. Tickets are R750 p.p. and bookings are essential. You can book here.
Valentine's dinner at Rand Club
Fri, Feb 14, 2025
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. Adding to the romance, Sonny Mbaki (piano) and Lwanda Gogwana (saxophone) will provide a live jazz performance to set the mood. Dress smart casual. Tickets are R450 p.p. for members; R550 for non-members. Book online here.
Valentine's Day at SANBI
Fri, Feb 14, 2025
Celebrate love in full bloom this Valentine’s Day with SANBI’s botanical gardens, where romance meets nature most magically. Pack a picnic for Picnic Under the Stars at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on Fri, Feb 14, indulge in a candlelit Valentine’s Dinner at Pretoria National Botanical Garden's Milkplum Café, Fri, Feb 14, or take a wild walk on the love side with half-price entrance at Pretoria Zoo, Fri, Feb 14. From swaying to live music to toasting with bubbly, let Joburg and Pretoria’s green spaces set the scene for a dreamy date night. You can book your spot here.
Valentine's weekend at Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
Fri, Feb 14 – Sun, Feb 16, 2025
For a romantic night out, The Bull Run is offering a special Valentine’s weekend dining experience, complete with a complimentary glass of Pongrácz, two indulgent set menus, and live entertainment. If you’re feeling playful, stop by the kissing booth or take things up a notch at the proposal pod. Looking to turn date night into a dreamy staycation? Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton has a romantic package running all year, including sparkling wine, chocolates, and a special turndown service. For more information and to book your spot, click here.
Tuft Love workshop at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub
Sat, Feb 15, 2025
Give your Valentine’s Day a creative spin at the Tuft Love Workshop at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. This four-hour tufting session is perfect for couples, friends, or solo creatives looking to try something new. You'll get hands-on experience designing and tufting your own rug, with all materials and equipment provided. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink as you bring your vision to life, and take home a one-of-a-kind piece made by you. Tickets are R900 for singles and R1,600 for couples. Space is limited, so direct message @fybrestudios on Instagram or email fybrestudios@gmail.com to book.
World of Love: Valentine's shopping at Fourways Mall
Until Sun, Feb 16, 2025
Cupid’s been hard at work at Fourways Mall, to bring you irresistible Valentine’s specials from Mon, Feb 3 – Sun, Feb 16, 2025. Whether you're spoiling your sweetheart or treating yourself (because self-love is the best), there’s no shortage of reasons to visit. Head to the main court’s curated pop-up shopping experience, where hand-picked gifts from your favourite stores await. From fresh blooms at Flowers at Fourways to bold beauty buys at MAC and Edgars, nostalgic toys, adventure-ready gear, sparkling jewellery, and indulgent Sorbet spa treats, Fourways Mall has everything to make hearts flutter.
Screen My French Film Festival at home
Until Mon, Feb 17, 2025
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 20 films to watch first, we've chosen some highlights.
Valentine’s Day, your way
Other events to help you celebrate love in ways that are anything but ordinary – think food, fun, and a little bit of flair.Fri, Feb 14 – Ditch the roses and treat your taste buds to a six-course feast at EMBARC. From tuna tataki to ostrich fillet, it’s a Valentine’s dinner you won’t forget.
Fri, Feb 14 – Skip the love stuff and head to Katy’s Palace Bar for their Love Sucks Valentine's Day Party. Enjoy dancing, food, and music.
Fri, Feb 14 – Indulge in a night of jazz, romance, and exquisite dining at The Marabi Club, where timeless flavours meet old-school charm. Think prime rib roast, truffle hollandaise asparagus, and chocolate bonbons, all set to the smooth sounds of Joburg’s finest.
Fri, Feb 14 – Celebrate love at Prison Break Market with a thrilling Leverage Corporation Valentine’s Night Run under the stars for a night to remember.
Fri, Feb 14 – A night of raw, heart-pounding love, beats, and juicy risk-taking at EDEN: Love Is Pain Valentine’s party at Villa Simonne Boutique Hotel.
Fri, Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day, done right with a three-course feast and bubbly at Olive & Plates.
Fri, Feb 14 – Fall head over heels for a book at Bridge Book's Speed Date: Book Edition in Linden – five minutes per book, a glass of wine in hand, and maybe even a new literary love to take home.
Fri, Feb 14 – A night of drag, drinks, and dazzling performances at Valentine Slay at Democracy Bar. Come for the cocktails, stay for the slay
Fri, Feb 14 – Mjolo (dating) is tricky, but flirting is easy at Kitchener’s Singles Night. Good music, banter, and zero pressure – just fun and maybe a Valentine’s spark.
Fri, Feb 14 – Delicious food, sweet treats, and thrift finds all under the stars at Thrift Up Moonlight Market in support of the Johannesburg Children's Home.
Sat, Feb 15 – Get creative this Valentine’s at Wine & Create at Artwave Studio at 44 Stanley – book solo or bring a friend and enjoy ceramics.
Sat, Feb 15 – Gaze at the stars and sip on fine wine at Maropeng’s Stargazing & Wine Pairing.
Sat, Feb 15 – Love is sweet, but cake is sweeter. Treat yourself to a fun Valentine’s bento cake decorating class at Muse Bakery, Modderfontein.
Sat, Feb 15 – Who needs a date when you’ve got the dancefloor with Circles & Squares’ Afterwards Valentine’s Day Edition Party at Club AM.
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