When February comes around, one thing is clear: love is very much in the air. What better way to capture that feeling than by organising a themed event?
There are so many great Valentine’s Day event ideas to be inspired by – from playing Cupid for singles to offering unexpected dates to existing couples. Whether you’re brainstorming Valentine’s Day corporate event ideas or ways to bring your community closer together, there are plenty of things you can do to get your attendees in the mood for love.
1. Romantic film screening
A romantic film is perfect for date night. When choosing a venue, think about size, location, and accessibility. Figure out what size of screen you need and if you have to source it separately. Comfortable seating makes all the difference and Valentine’s themed decorations like hearts and roses will help set the tone. Don’t forget to throw in some additional Valentine’s Day activities before and after the main event: photo booths with dress-up boxes can provide great mementoes for loved-up guests!
When you’re trying to make your event extra special, it’s easy to overlook the fundamentals, but choosing the right film is a must. Think about your potential audience and be sensitive to what your guests want. For instance, a younger audience might prefer a modern love story, while an older audience might like one of the classics.
Last year, for example, St Luke’s Bombed Out Church put on a screening of Pride to celebrate Valentine’s and LGBTQ+ History Month “in the heart of Liverpool within a charming setting, tucked under a blanket”.
2. Valentine’s craft workshop
Thinking of throwing a Valentine’s Day couples event? Consider hosting a craft session where people can get their creative juices flowing. After all, gift-giving is a timeless expression of love, and guests will relish the chance to make presents with and for their partners.
The classics like life drawing or pottery are fun, but how about hosting a chocolate or jewellery-making workshop? Remember, it’s not only couples who can enjoy craft events – singles can mingle with new people while breaking the ice over their creations. Pick a theme that works for your attendees: straightforward crafts will give more time for individuals to connect, while more intricate challenges could strengthen the bond between existing partners.
Certain events will need to be done on-site because of safety or equipment needs. Others use simple supplies that also allow virtual audiences to participate from home – a card-making workshop, for example.
Hogarth’s House hosts a Valentine’s Day-themed workshop where attendees can learn about the art of printmaking and design a unique card for someone special. And in 2023, the City of Westminster Libraries & Archives are partnering with artist Luisa Cotardo for a professionally guided Making a Rose workshop at Paddington Library.
3. Tasting experience
Valentine’s Day food and drink events are another tried-and-tested way to whet guests’ appetites. Companies like SpeedDater run wine-tasting events to celebrate the occasion, while food stylist and chef Lola Brandelli provides an impressive 10-course dining experience.
As always, the key is to know your audience and cater to your attendees’ needs – whether you’re hosting a curry night or a chance to dress up and sample canapés. To be a success, use high-quality products and trusted suppliers. If your audience has specific preferences, such as vegan foods or non-alcoholic drinks, get that covered so everyone feels included. Bear in mind that your virtual guests will need time to prepare so send out any samples, products, and recipes before your event.
4. Live performance
Live performances are a quintessential activity for a Valentine’s Day celebration. As ever, though, you need to know who you’re looking to bring in. First-daters? Cosy couples? Long-term partners? Focus on one or two compatible demographics to avoid spreading your appeal too thinly.
A comedy night helps your guests see the funny side of love. With the theme of romance promising a feast of funny material, The Comedy Factory UK hosts the Dating and Relationship Therapy Comedy Show – a performance about the world of dating both on and offline. If you’re opting for comedy, remember to check out the comedians beforehand and make sure you’re setting the tone appropriately.
As the name suggests, live performances are also suited to live streaming. A well-planned audiovisual setup can help you attract a new audience of homebound lovebirds and sell beyond your venue’s physical capacity.
5. Masquerade ball
Give couples – or singles – the opportunity to experience an extra touch of intrigue with a masquerade ball. Keep your budget and your audience front of mind when deciding to make the event elaborate or casual. Choosing a theme early will help focus your plans from invitations all the way through to decorations, entertainment, and even food and drink.
For some fun, additional Valentine’s day activities, why not offer prizes for the best mask or the best costume? Beyond that, treasure hunts, party games, and photo booths all help draw in attendees.
For some more inspiration, check out Across The Room’s The Biggest Singles Valentines Black Tie Ball or New Year’s Eve London’s Masquerade Ball.
6. Pop-up restaurant
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest nights of the year for dining out, so grab the opportunity to set up a pop-up restaurant. To make your Valentine’s themed events stand out, serve up a unique offering. Hanwell Wine Estate organises regular pop-up dining experiences featuring tasty local dishes served with complimentary wines from their own vineyard. Don’t worry if you’re not already set up fully as a restaurateur: as long as your guests bring their own drinks, you won’t need an alcohol licence.
The intimate and temporary nature of a pop-up restaurant can make your event feel more exclusive, but you can also involve virtual guests via deliveries to extend your reach.
7. Valentine’s music event
From headbangers to hip-hoppers, and disco divas to opera enthusiasts, music brings people together. Pick a genre and event format that stands out to your desired audience and you can make their Valentine’s Day celebrations memorable.
Music events give you plenty of scope to get creative. For a fun Valentine’s day idea that will appeal both to clubbers and metaverse enthusiasts, check out the Clubmixed event GO CLUBBING, a virtual reality nightclub that runs 24/7. For a more physical club experience, Party People’Z Production hosts Valentines Luv Affair, a reggae and soul night aimed at mature ravers.
8. Anti-Valentine’s events
Not everyone is looking for love, but that shouldn’t stop the party. Why not turn Valentine’s Day on its head and host an anti-Valentine’s event? Happily single, making a fresh start, or just overwhelmed by the hype – lots of people welcome an alternative spin on the most romantic day of the year.
When planning your anti-Valentine’s theme, keep it positive and upbeat. For example, Smudged Lipstick Events hosts an open mic night entitled Color Me Badd Dates, where guests share their worst dating fails.
9. Singles event
The big day isn’t just for couples, so don’t forget Valentine’s Day event ideas for singles who want to find love or even just new friends.
Your guests might identify with a particular group based on factors like gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, or religious beliefs, so you could create an event that specifically resonates with them. For example, SingleBlackDating hosts online speed dating events aimed specifically at single Black professionals.
Some of the most successful singles events explore specific interests and foster some community along with romance. Smudged Lipstick Events offers Cards Against Humanity, Dirty Scrabble, and even Jenga Dating, where “blocks will contain great ice-breaking questions and hilarious dares to make the evening a little more interesting”.
10. Valentine’s dancing
Thinking about the most romantic ideas for Valentine’s Day? Dancing is a great excuse for guests to get up close and personal with a partner. You could base your event around a style of dancing like Latin, ballroom, Northern Soul, or ballet, and embrace the whole theme. Include your virtual guests by posting dance routines, menus, or costume ideas ahead of time.
Pro tip
Partnering with a local dance school or running dance classes and workshops are great ideas. Keep in mind that more experienced dancers like to dance with people of a similar standard. Eventbrite has a range of marketing tools that can help gauge the skill levels of your attendees and better promote your event.
Atmosphere is everything when hosting an in-person or hybrid event. Find a venue with a good dance floor, sound system, and lighting. Encourage your virtual guests to clear a space in the living room, hit the mood lighting, and strut their stuff. ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ or ‘Two Steps to the Bedroom’? Your event will get people dancing the night away.
Let Eventbrite help get sparks flying at your Valentine’s Day event
There are plenty of Valentine’s Day event ideas to woo your crowd, and playing Cupid means you get to have as much fun as your guests. Remember to focus on a particular group of attendees (singles, younger couples, or those in mature relationships), make sure your theme and venue are right for your event, and then plan your activities well in advance of the big day. If you need some pointers on how to plan quickly and efficiently, check out our essential guide to event organisation.
Once you’re ready to get started, sign up to Eventbrite to learn how we can help you host the perfect Valentine’s Day event.
