The following list includes a few traditional Valentine-themed activities, and a lot of others that are more outside the box.
And don’t forget about Galentine’s Day, a non-official holiday on February 13 that’s all about “ladies celebrating ladies.”
The list includes things to do from Friday, February 10th through Tuesday, February 14th, 2023.
It’s organized like this:
A few highlighted events, followed by a chronological calendar list of free and cheap events that you could easily adapt into a Valentine’s Day outing on the cheap.
And remember — some free events require registration, an RSVP, or a complimentary ticket. Click through the links for all the details.
You may also be interested in:
- Half-off deals on Valentine flowers and treats through Groupon
- Heart-shaped food, sweet treats, and Valentine’s Day restaurant deals
- FREE admission to the High Museum on Valentine’s Weekend (must RSVP)
- Enjoy a romantic Valentine dinner at Waffle House
Take a FREE carriage ride in downtown Norcross
It’s happening on Saturday, Feb. 12th from 6 to 8:30 p.m. — get the details here.
Get the live theater experience
These are some of the affordable and discounted shows that are playing this Valentine’s Day weekend. In many cases, you can immerse yourself in the life theater experience, for the price you’d normally pay for a movie ticket.
♥ Romeo & Juliet
This classic love story is presented by Rolecall Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Ponce series. Tickets are $20 if you buy online.
There is also a half-price Goldstar ticket deal — just $10 plus $3.75 in fees).
♥ Maytag Virgin
This “classic Southern love story” is presented by the Alpharetta Arts Center.
Tickets are just $20.
♥ Every Brilliant Thing
Described as “Charming and captivating,” this show is presented by Horizon Theatre, located in Inman Park.
Tickets start at $32.
♥ On Golden Pond
Love never grows old! Enjoy this classic play at the Hapeville Performing Arts Center.
Thanks to a Goldstar deal, you can buy tickets at half-price, just $15 (plus fees).
♥ Bright Half Life
Described as a play about “love, heartbreak, skydiving and the infinite moments that make a relationship,” this show is presented by Theatrical Outfit, in downtown Atlanta. It explores the ups and downs of a non-traditional couple, two women navigating love and marriage.
Thanks to a Goldstar deal, you can get tickets for half off — just $22.50 (plus fees).
♥ The Importance of Being Earnest
Another classic play, presented by Stage Door Theatre in Dunwoody.
A Goldstar deal cuts the ticket price in half, to just $19.25.
♥ Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Thanks to a Goldstar deal, you can get $20 OFF for Friday and Saturday night performances (Feb. 11 & 12) at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in midtown. With this deal, tickets are just $39, plus roughly $6 in fees, thru Goldstar. (You can also shop for higher-priced tickets on the Fox website.)
♥ Toni Stone
This is the story of Toni Stone, the first woman to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues.
It is presented by the Alliance Theatre. Thanks to a Goldstar deal, you can get $15 OFF tickets — bringing the price to just $45 plus fees. (You can also buy thru the Alliance website, potentially with a better choice of seats.)
Get 30% off a date night package (with chocolates) at Skyview Atlanta
Take your love — or your friendship — to new heights!
Thanks to a Groupon deal, you can get a Date Night Package that includes tickets for two to Skyview Atlanta PLUS chocolates, for just $27.
Groupon is also offering a Family & Friends package of 4 tickets for just $40.
FREE Second Sundays admission to the High Museum on Valentine’s Weekend
Sunday, February 13, 2022 is a High Museum FREE admission day. It’s the ultimate cheap date!
This year, you can also see the Obama Portraits Exhibit for FREE on Second Sundays — but please be sure you reserve the special ticket that includes this special exhibit. There is also a free general admission ticket that does not give you access to the Obama Portrait gallery.
You must reserve in advance and choose a timed entry.
Details here
Reserve your FREE admission at the High, for the Second Sunday program.
Find romance in a special exhibit
There are a two limited time, special exhibits that we’re recommending for a fun Valentine’s outing.
♥ Knights in Armor at Fernbank
Find your knight in shining armor, at this exhibit of medieval armor. The exhibit features over 100 objects that bring the history and culture of knights to life, while displaying the evolution, artistry and beauty of their arms and armor.
The exhibit opening was delayed — it is now scheduled to open on Feb. 12th.
♥ Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, at Perimeter Pointe
Experience all the romance of an English manor house! The exhibit is based on the beloved television show. It transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and the iconic house come to life. You’ll be immersed in the fashion, culture, and social history of the era.
Regular tickets start at $42; VIP experience tickets are $59.
And thanks to a Goldstar deal, you can get a discounted VIP ticket for just $35.40 (plus $5.75 in fees.) Be sure to read the fine print!
Play in the snow at Lanier Islands & walk thru the light show
Yes, the winter attractions are still open, and will be through Feb. 27th this year.
You can still play in the snow and walk through Lakeside Lights Spectacular light display.
BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF SNOW ISLAND TICKETS!
Tickets include one-day unlimited snow tubing, snow play area, ice skating, and amusement rides.
The offer is good for the unlimited Daily Ticket (reg. $44.49) and All Access Day Pass (reg. $54.99).
Both Snow Island and Lakeside Lights are open on Saturday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022.
Hours for Snow Island — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hours for Lakeside Lights Spectacular — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Get the details and prices here
Orchid Daze at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Opening on Feb. 12, 2022 — just in time for a Valentine’s weekend excursion with a friend or a significant someone.
This is is an annual winter exhibit in the conservatory at ABG.
More info and online ticket purchase here
Romantic Valentine’s dinner at Waffle House (yes, it’s a thing!)
Monday, February 14th
Table for two? This year, select Waffle House restaurants are pulling out all the stops and setting the stage for a romantic Valentine’s evening — complete with white tablecloths, candles, and soft dinner music.
Believe it or not, Waffle House’s annual Valentine’s dinner is a popular event. Rumor even has it that some people have it on their bucket lists. So if you’re interested in doing romance on the cheap, you should make your reservation now.
See our list of participating Waffle House locations to find one near you.
They’re getting out the white tablecloths and dimming the lights at select Waffle House locations this Valentine’s Day.
Take a winter walk or scenic drive
Couples strolling arm-in-arm — it’s a mainstay scene in classic romantic movies (think When Harry Met Sally and those fall scenes in Central Park). This year, with so much emphasis on outdoor activities, why not find a park, a paved trail, a historic neighborhood, or some other favorite spot where you can just wander.
These are two of our favorite winter walks. We’ve even thrown in a scenic drive in case the weather is cold.
- A winter walk on the Peachtree Creek Greenway
- Walk around the lake at Murphey Candler Park
- Explore the South Fulton Scenic Byway
