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2024 January: 7 Unique Date Ideas for Valentines Day in Madison

7 Unique Date Ideas for Valentines Day in Madison

Mary Cait McManamon

Two hands come together to make a heart shape against a blurry red and pink background. Opaque Overture Center logos are on each side of the banner

Published January 30, 2024 | Updated January 27, 2026

Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there can be a lot of pressure to plan to a memorable date or pick out the perfect gift. Skip the stress and instead focus on having fun with a unique experience that you and your partner can enjoy together.

Here are seven unique date ideas you can do with your loved one in Madison this Valentine’s Day.

Dinner and a movie with a twist!

Switch up the classic “dinner and a movie” date night with Overture’s Duck Soup Cinema. This silent movie series takes you back in time to enjoy a 1924 film in the historic Capitol Theater. Join us at "Peter Pan" on Saturday, February 21 at 2pm or 7pm. A spirited boy whisks the Darling children to a magical island for high-flying adventures and daring battles with pirates in this beautifully restored silent-film fantasy.

Enjoy dinner at your favorite downtown Madison restaurant before or after the show. Top off the evening with a romantic stroll around the Capitol.

Duck Soup Cinema may just become a special part of your relationship like it did for Marissa and Greg! Check out this blog to learn more about their Duck Soup Cinema themed wedding.

Valentine’s Day Stay-cation

Plan a romantic stay in downtown Madison at The Concourse! Enjoy their Romantic Getaway package, which includes overnight accommodations and strawberries with chocolate dipping sauce and a bottle of Prosecco—delivered directly to your room. Plus, enjoy live music in their bar on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14.

Do something active

From ice skating to cross-country skiing, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to try out this winter in Madison. Wisconsin Union is even hosting an enchanting Ice Skating Night on Valentine's Day eve. Put on your winter gear and hike or snowshoe through a local conservancy or park. If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, try a dance class. Get your Salsa on or try the passionate Tango at Café Coda.

Make a sweet treat or meal together

There are plenty of local spots hosting everything from cooking classes to chocolate making to cocktail and mocktail classes this season. If you’re on a budget, DIY at home by trying a new recipe. The Cap Times also has a series called “Cooking with the Cap Times,” where you can cook along with Madison-area chefs from your favorite restaurants like The Great Dane and Marigold Kitchen. Check it out here!

Support local entertainment

We are lucky to have incredible theater, music and dance companies right here in Madison. Attending a performance is not only a unique date idea, but it also supports our local arts community. Here are some events coming up that are perfect for a date night or friends night out.

Pointes of View – Madison Ballet – Friday, February 13 – Sunday, February 15
From tutus to combat boots, each work in "Pointes of View" offers a bold reinterpretation of classical technique, pushing boundaries while honoring ballet’s rich traditions.

Everlasting Faint – Madison Opera - Friday, February 13 – Sunday, February 15
Based on the true story of the 1897 “Greenbrier Ghost,” “Everlasting Faint” is a ghost story, a maternal love story, a true crime drama and an all-American opera. Don’t miss this world premiere by Madison composer Scott Gendel and librettist Sandra Flores-Strand.

A Love Letter – Theater LILA and Barrio Dance – Thursday, February 5 – Sunday, February 15
Theatre LILA is collaborating with Barrio Dance for an upcoming production called “A Love Letter,” an experimental dance-theater work that blends visceral movement, poetic storytelling and live music. Performances take place at ArtHouse 360 in Verona.

Volunteer

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day by donating your time to a local charity. This could be a cause you and your loved one are both passionate about or something neither of you have tried before. Hang out with some furry friends at the Dane County Humane Society or join a Restoration Work Party at the UW Arboretum. It’s the perfect way to make an impact while making memories, too!

Go museum hopping

You’re likely familiar with bar hopping, but what about museum hopping? Spend time taking in local art at one of Madison’s many art museums before hopping to the next one. This is a great way to see lots of different exhibits and museums around town in a short amount of time. Walk between locations or hop on public transit to check out galleries a bit further away. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Arts + Literature Laboratory and Chazen Museum of Art are all great places to start. Overture Center has four art galleries and is home to James Watrous Gallery as well. Many of these galleries are free, which makes this the perfect low-cost date idea. Between stops, grab a warm beverage at your favorite Madison café.

Madison offers lots of experiences for couples seeking romance and adventure. Consider these suggestions to make your Valentine’s Day an unforgettable one. Don’t forget to tag us if you try one of these ideas. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Check out these other great Valentine's Day recommendations from Destination Madison:

Where to Share a Romantic Meal in Madison

Your Guide to a Romantic Getaway in Madison