Not feeling the same old box of chocolates + bouquet of roses this year? Whether you’re an adventurous couple, a best-friend duo on a budget, panicking because Valentine’s Day is your second date, or hate the holiday altogether, we’ve got something fun + unique for you and your person to do in Madison.
For the early risers:
Mickie’s Dairy Bar |📍 1511 Monroe St.
Nothing says “I love you” quite like breakfast. Enjoy each other’s company at a Madison institution over a cup of joe — Leslie Knope would approve of this waffle-filled meal.
Late Winter Market |📍 Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green
Beat the crowds for a jaunt through the farmers’ market at Garver Mill. Bonus points: you can grab your coffee from Ledger before purchasing pastries for breakfast.
For new couples:
Date Night Sweet Italy Painting Class |📍 Wine & Design, 167 S. Fair Oaks
First Valentine’s Day together? Skip the pressure and keep it light with a fun night of wine + art on Saturday (Feb. 12). If your painting isn’t a Monet, you can blame it on the vino.
Graze |📍 1 S. Pinckney St.
If you’re facing the pressure of Valentine’s Day *and* a new date, go for something tried-and-true. A plate of cheese curds never fails – so all you have to worry about is the conversation.
For the couple that’s been together forever:
The Harvey House |📍 644 W. Washington Ave.
Celebrate your love and connection with the feast of St. Valentine. Raw oysters, smoked trout meuniere, strip steak + chocolate pots du creme…. Need we go on?
Love Scenes from Shakespeare |📍 Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave.
Spend Valentine’s Day with your longtime love + Cupid, Romeo, Juliet, in staged stories of love won, lost, and found again on Sat., Feb. 12., Sun., Feb. 14, or Tues., Feb. 15.
For adventurous couples:
Skiing at Tyrol Basin |📍 3487 Bohn Rd., Mount Horeb
Hit over 20 slopes with your ski buddy for an afternoon of adventure then warm-up on the Chalet for an apres-ski snack.
Valentine’s Disco Skate |📍 The Edgewater
Lace up those skates for a night of disco under the red lights. Take a break with a heart-shaped pizza and sip on themed cocktails all Monday night long.
Cupid’s Undie Run |📍 Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave.
If doing a run in your underwear doesn’t sound like your ideal Valentine’s Day, don’t worry, you can run in costume instead. After the *brief* race on Feb. 19, live it up at the big party to support finding a cure for neurofibromatosis.
For couples on a budget:
Arboretum Date |📍 UW-Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy.
Walk around the 17 miles of prairies, savannas, and woodlands with your favorite person. If it’s cold, step off the trails near Monroe St. for some coffee or chocolate at Madison Chocolate Co. (or seize the excuse to hold hands). For more of a challenge: strap on cross-country skis or snowshoes for the designated trails.
An afternoon at the Chazen |📍 Chazen Museum of Art, 750 University Ave.
Take in art from permanent and visiting exhibitions as you stroll through the free entrance museum, hand-in-hand.
Madison Makers Valentine’s Market & Pub-Crawl |📍 Old Sugar Distillery, 931 E. Main St.
Window shop an eclectic mix of local + regional makers — from breweries and distilleries to music venues and retailers — on Sat., Feb. 12.
For the foodies:
Charcuterie Workshop |📍 Nineteen09, 1909 Main St., Cross Plains
Try out of one of our love languages — cheese — at a pop-up valentine charcuterie workshop on Mon. Feb. 14 with Tricky Foods or order in a board + pair with some local wines from Cork ‘N Bottle for a cozy night in.
Valentine’s Meal Kit and Cooking Class | 📍 Your home
Learn how to make dumplings + eggs rolls with your dumpling through Pasture and Plenty’s virtual cooking class.
Capitol Square Downtown Food Tour | 📍 Downtown Madison
Wisconsin + cheese curds = a match made in heaven. Take your date and check out the “real Wisconsin flavors” of brat burgers, beer, pizza + more offered every Sunday by Madison Eats Tours.
Valentine’s Baking Session | 📍 Four Winds Farm, 5735 Adams Rd., Verona
Nothing says I love you like sugar, right? Perfect your dessert-making skills while making a chocolate-covered strawberry cake.
For couples with kids:
Family Fun: Valentine’s Day Sweets |📍 Sur la table, Hilldale Shopping Center
Gather your favorite little sous chefs to mix batter, bake chocolate cupcakes, and whip up yummy buttercream frosting on Sun., Feb. 13
Valentines Little Leapers |📍 Sky Zone, 2134 W. Beltline Hwy.
Let the kiddos get their energy on Sun., Feb. 13 through bouncing, climbing, and exploring. Ages walking to 7-years-old can jump, create a craft, get a temporary tattoo + more at the love-themed event.
For the Anti-Valentine couple:
I/O Super Valentine’s Bowl Party |📍 I/O Arcade Bar, 924 Williamson St.
Is your love language sports? Lucky for you + your loved one, Super Bowl Sunday falls right before Valentine’s Day. Enjoy $4 tequila shots, watch the big game + play arcade games to celebrate (or not celebrate) your love.
