Need to do Valentine’s on a budget? Treat yourself or your sweetie for $30 and under
Whether you love it or hate it, there is a fair amount of pressure surrounding Valentine’s Day, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
The Ledger-Enquirer has found a few options if you want to celebrate love without emptying the wallet and have a fun day of romance without all the hokey cliches.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, you can’t beat good cheap fun on Valentine’s Day (or any other day, for that matter). With all the things available to us around town, there is something for everyone beyond a candlelight dinner.
Activities for singles
February 13
Galentine’s: Living Loved While You Wait $30 — This special gathering is all about embracing who you are, connecting with friends and treating yourself to some well-deserved pampering.
Galentine’s Wine Club Nonic Restaurant & Bar $25 — Wine tasting and light bites celebrating friendship and good times with Julia Thompson from Georgia Crown.
Columbus Stirrup Trouble Speed Dating $5 — A night of fun and fast-paced dating to meet new people, have engaging conversations and maybe even find a special connection.
Bo Bartlett Center — Eye of the Blackbird (free) — This exhibition is dedicated to artists for whom looking is inseparable from thinking.
February 14
Three Dog Bakery Valentine’s Day dog treats $5 and up — Share the flavors you love with the furry friendly you love most.
Stoplight Mixer at Scofflaw Brewery (free)— Let your wristband do the talking while you mingle over craft beers, and break the ice with Meetup Bingo, and see where the night takes you.
The Seed Coffee & Bouquet Sets (prices vary) — Stop by and enjoy your fave Valentine drink with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Valentines One Night Stand at the Hideaway $13 — Get ready for a wild night of passion and romance at an event where love is in the air.
Activities for couples
February 14
Rideon Bikes Tandem bike rentals $15 — Grab your favorite person and take a joy ride for the day!
Nu City Soul Valentine’s Day at Center Stage Bar and Lounge single ticket $25 — Celebrate a red-carpet Valentine’s Day event with some amazing artists, live band, poetry, decadent food, endless drinks and great vibes!
Valentine’s Day Lovers Rock at Columbus Collaboration Station — Enjoy an evening of connection with “Touch Me With Love: Intimate Alignment for Couples Through Touch & Yoga.”
Cooking Class: Chocolate Making by Tamale Time $30 — Come melt, mix, and craft your own chocolate together.
Couples Yoga at the John P. Thayer YMCA — (free) Join with your partner on Valentine’s Day for couples yoga
February 15
Forever Yours Galentines Market at River Oaks Boutique — Enjoy local food, drinks, and market vendors to shop.
Bytes and Brew Love & Marriage Game Show (free to participate in game show) — An interactive game show where 3 couples are picked from the crowd to participate in a simple game of questions and answers with some fun twists along the way.
Activities for the whole family
February 14
Columbus Scavenger Hunt 12.99 +6.99 for a date package — You‘ll unearth hidden gems among Uptown’s storied landmarks that only a true explorer could find. So put on your walking shoes, gather your team, and dive into the adventures that await
YMCA Be Our Valentine Parent’s Night Out $40 for members — Parents, enjoy a well-deserved date night while we entertain the kids! Drop them off at the YMCA for a night of fun, games, movies, and activities while you enjoy a romantic evening out!
February 15
February Family Festival at the Columbus Museum (free) — A day packed with art-making, discovery, and family fun at COMU.
Special Valentine’s Day Dinners
Carrabba’s Italian Grill $32.50 per person for a 4-course menu
Marco’s Pizza $9.99 for a heart-shaped pizza
Chick-fil-A $21.45 for a heart-shaped mini tray
Burger King Valentine’s Day BOGO Whopper deal
Outback Steakhouse $30 per person for a special four-course menu
Red Robin Special Lovebird Combo for two $34.99 includes two select Gourmet Burgers, two bottomless sides and a Lemon Cream Layer Cake.
What did I leave out? Do y’all have any fun plans? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on Instagram.
This story was originally published February 12, 2025 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Need to do Valentine’s on a budget? Treat yourself or your sweetie for $30 and under."
