14 Fun Things to do this Valentine in Cape Town

Spoiling your Valentine on a tight Febru-scary budget can cause some anxiety on how to show your love when your wallet is still giving you the cold shoulder. All the glittering store window displays and beautifully themed adverts send the message that to express your love, you need to shell out big bucks. And as one crafty jewellery ad says: 'Chocolates melt'. No pressure...

Well, it's time to stop worrying. The ultimate Valentine's Day gift is enjoying time together.

"When my sons turned into first teenagers and later students, I was amazed at the wonderful and romantic ideas they came up with on virtually no budget. It taught me what being in love and some creativity can do', says Erna Sciocatti, owner of RED Properties and resident of Protea Heights, Brackenfell. 'From moonlight picnics, eating ice cream on the beach to treasure hunts with clever clues and some handmade cards and gifts, or setting up a waffle-bar with favourite fruits, syrups and ice-cream made Valentine exciting and fun. When you put your heart into something, it shows."

Couples showing some love and respect to their cashflow can still let their love flow with some out-of-the-chocolate-box activities on February 14. We've put together some of the best fun things to do in or around Cape Town, all within a moderate budget and with loads of heart!

1. 18-HOLE GLOW-IN-THE-DARK MINI GOLF | R250 per couple
   Take the light of your life to Glowing Rooms on an out of this world 3D, 18-hole, glow-in-the-dark mini golf adventure. The booking includes 3D glasses and special treat for your loved one.
    
2. THE ANTI-SERIOUS WINE PAIRING | from R55 per person
   The self-dubbed anti-serious Polkadraai & Popcorn Wine Paring is back by popular demand until 30 April 2020. Stellenbosch Hills wine farm teams up with Guzzle and Wolf Gourmet Popcorn for a popping wine tasting experience. Bookings are highly recommended as sessions fill up quickly. To make your reservation, contact info@stellenbosch-hills.co.za. Times: Monday - Friday from 09:00-17:00, and Saturdays from 10:00-15:00
    
3. ORIENTAL WINE PAIRING | R125 per person
   The fresh, relaunched Kanu Wines between the Stellenbosch mountains and Polkadraai Hills offers a surprise oriental pairing over Valentine's weekend and you and your partner can enjoy a complimentary glass of red or white wine. Offer valid from 7th - 17th February 🥂 please email ajay@kanu.co.za for bookings!
   
    
4. ANTI-VALENTINES DAY LAUGHS | R140 per person
   Local comedians will be making some light-hearted fun of 14 February celebrations at the Anti-Valentine's Day Comedy Show at the Cape Town Comedy Club, at the V & A Waterfront. Come for dinner and drinks, as well as love and laughter with Mel Jones as the MC. Time: 14 February, dinner from 18:00, happy hour 18:00-19:00, show starts 20:30. Book online.
    
5. PUNK DRUNK LOVE | Free entry, but reservations are required; a la carte menu
   Dance all night at Radisson RED's rooftop bar this Valentine's Day, under the theme Punk Drunk Love. With incredible views of the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain, you can grab the award for the best-dressed couple by embracing the theme of contemporary street punk. Time: February 14, 17:00-21:00
    
6. EXPLORE THE LOVE OF BEAUTY AND ART | R60-R300
   Walk hand in hand and admire your beau along with the eighth edition of The Cape Town Art Fair at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The highlights fall on contemporary art, with cutting-edge, word-class works, as well as exibits of emerging and on-the-rise artists. Be sure to look out for an exciting public programme that includes screenings, walkabouts with the artists, engaging talks and more. Time: 14-16 February, 11:00-19:00
    
7. WIN YOUR OWN LOVE SONG | R120 per person
   Enjoy a romantic evening with Amy Tjasink, our very own Cape Town's 2019 finalist on The Voice SA, who will be performing her long awaited Valentine's Day show "Love Lounge with Amy Tjasink" with some acoustic, county-style love songs at The Jagger Lounge . The audience will be treated by an array of her original music, and will also be able to request songs and can even dedicate a special song to their sweetheart by putting in a request on her Facebook event page. One couple stands the chance to win a recording of their own love song written especially for them by Amy. You can enter this unique competition on the same Facebook event page. Time: 14 February, 18:30
    
8. SHOW YOUR ANGEL A SLICE OF JAPAN | From R85 for a sharing box of mochi
   Be transported to a fantasy food experience at Tjing Tjing. The 3 floors provide 4 totally different venues and experiences, where you can indulge in the beauty of old and modern Tokyo. Share a box of handmade mochi (Japanese dessert) or try Otsumami (bar snacks) at the eclectic Rooftop bar. Prior reservation for your mochi sharing box at Mimiji Lounge is essential via info@tjingtjing.co.za. Time: 14 February from 5pm
    
9. A MASQUESRADE AFFAIR | from R150pp including glass of bubbly
   Join Frogitt & Vonkel Wine Bar in Bree Street for an evening of bubbles and speed dating. Singles may take part in organised speed dating in the tasting room and will receive a masquerade mask and glass of champagne on arrival to mix some fun with a touch of mystery! Time: 14 February 19:00-21:00. Another option is to book a table and enjoy a romantic evening with live jazz by Minnelie & Ant. Time: 14 February, from 21:00
    
10. ELECTRIC BICYCLE WINE FARM TOURS @ 21% LESS THIS FEBRUARY | R550
    Create a memorable couple's adventure with Vine Bikes this February. The tour starts at the brand-new trail centre at Lanzerac Wine Estate with their famous electric bicycles, which makes you cycle easy and comfortable while enjoying the breath-taking pathways of the Stellenbosch region and including a top-class wine tasting at Rustenberg Wines. The price includes your wine tasting (usually R700 with tasting for your own account) Times: Valid for tours during February: 9am / 12pm / 3pm. Book online.
     
11. GALILEO OPEN AIR CINEMA | R250 per couple
    Cuddle up under the stars with the love of your life at Nooitgedacht Wine Estate in Stellenbosch and enjoy a romantic Galileo Open Air Cinema experience. Enjoy your welcome drink, heart shaped lollipop and slab of Frey Chocolate while being entertained by Idols runner-up Ezra Lingeveldt. Blankets, backrests and themed décor included! Everyone can partake in some interactive games or snap a few photos in the roaming photobooth. Special Event Movie: 'About Time'. Time: 14 February, gates open at 5pm and movie starts at 8pm
     
12. THERE'S LOTS OF FISH IN THE SEA, BUT ONLY ONE FOR ME | From R650 / Couple
    Share an after dark picnic at the Two Oceans Aquarium with over 40 intimate selected spots. You will receive welcome drinks and a picnic basket with yummy eats as well as a chocolate selection for two. You can bring your own wine and pay R30 corkage or select from the wine list available at the Aquarium. Time: 14 February, from 7pm; book online
     
13. TRUELOVE PICNIC | Free entry, own picnic basket, lots of yum
    Make a spread in your own back yard or on the patio with candles, a soft blanket and your own picnic basket thoughtfully packed with your Valentine's favourite snacks. Enjoy a slow picnic, al-fresco style with the birds singing your love songs. Or opt for a picnic in one of the numerous local parks, for e.g. Sonstraal Dam in Durbanville, De Oude Spruit Park in Protea Heights, Wessel Lourens Park in Vredekloof or even Tygerberg Nature Reserve where you can enjoy a fabulous view over Table Mountain at one of the picnic tables. What can be better: enjoying time together in nature and feeding one another your favourite treats! Priceless. Time: as often as possible
     
14. STREET ART MURALS TO SUPPORT A LOCAL CAPE TOWN COMMUNITY | FREE
    Be part of the fourth edition of the International Public Art Festival (IPAF) where local and international mural artists will get crafty with large murals to beautify Salt River. it will bring the number of murals in the area to over 100 for everyone to enjoy. To ensure existing artworks remain beautiful, this year artists will return to refresh some old murals and a few pieces will be replaced. The festival is a launchpad for programmes including community gardens, children's art classes, and other forms of community upliftment. Times: 12-16 February. 12 & 13 Feb from 14:00: free street art tours; 14 & 15 Feb from 10:00: street art market and free street art tours.

Be sure to book directly with your choice of event to ensure your love space this Valentine.