The official day of love is fast approaching, so it’s time to make plans to show that special someone how much you really care (if that’s your thing). But if you’re having trouble thinking up a date that’s worthy of your significant other or just more creative than a standard dinner and a movie, there’s plenty to do in Austin on and leading up to the holiday—from live music to a brewery drag show.
Here are six date ideas that don’t involve a table for two and prix fixe menu.
Brew Paul’s Drag Show: Valentine’s Edition at Meanwhile Brewing
Local drag queen Eileen Dover is hosting a Valentine’s celebration with Austin queens Cheri Bomb, Xtra, and Maxine LaQueene, along with special guest Rein LaRue from Houston. Bring a blanket if you’d like to lounge on Meanwhile’s astroturf while sipping their beers, and make sure to bring some cash to tip the performers. RSVP here.
When: Saturday, Feb. 11th
Time: 9 p.m.
No cover
Valentine’s Couples Planting Party at Succulent Native
Say “aloe you very much” with a planting party at local plant boutique Succulent Native’s South Lamar location. Your tickets include two Valentine’s-themed succulent arrangements for planting, chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne for a romantic toast to you and your new plant friends. Book here.
When: Saturday, Feb. 11th
Time: 3–5 p.m.
Cost: $75 per couple
Mount Bonnell Mystery Picnic Date
Explore Mount Bonnell and get a fun and fancy, curated picnic without the effort. This service creates clues and riddles that take you to different locations to collect your picnic meal bit by bit from local spots, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Add on the Valentine’s Day expansion to your picnic to get sweets, themed clues, and festive games and conversation starters. Plus, you can pick the most convenient day for you both to celebrate, something greatly appreciated if you or your partner work during Valentine’s Day. Book here.
Cost: $110+
Beer My Valentine at Independence Brewing Company
The craft beer brewery has a very Texan evening planned for the big day with an all-night happy hour, live music by AV and the Viscounts, two-step lessons from Native Texan Two Step, Garrison Brothers Bourbon tasting, and a special release of Garrison Brothers Bourbon Barrel-Aged Convict Hill. Get tickets.
When: Tuesday, February 14th
Time: 6–10 p.m.
Cost: $25 each
Cidercade Austin Stoplight Party
Single and wanting to mingle, or taken but love arcade games? Cidercade is hosting its fourth annual stoplight party. The rules are simple: Everyone gets a wristband that denotes whether they’re single (green), taken (red), or in a “complicated” situation (yellow). Cidercade will be closed to the public, and tickets get you admission to the “barcade” with more than 150 games. Get tickets.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14th
Time: 7 p.m.–midnight
Cost: $10
Valentine’s Showcase at The Volstead
Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, after all, so why not celebrate your love with some local bands? The Volstead is hosting a special Valentine’s Day showcase with Austin-based musicians Hey Cowboy!, Sun June & Friends, and Star Parks. Details here.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14th
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $12
