14 alternative Valentine’s Day ideas

From a cupcake course to a murder mystery evening, here are the top alternative Valentine’s ideas for lovers:

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Valentine Fayre 

February 8, Southmead Community Centre

Once Upon a Time Markets return for the second year running and the 2020 Valentine’s Fayre features a range of local independent creatives selling handbags, jewellery, perfume and candles, as well as psychic tarot reading from Rosie June.

Love Sux Art Market

February 9, Exchange, @ghoulgangcollective

Ghoul Gang presents a feast of creepy delights from independent creatives and makers. Pick up a gift for your sweet something and meet the ghouls behind the gore – this is the perfect date for dark art fanatics.

Valentine’s Cupcake Course

February 9, Teach Me Sugarcraft, www.facebook.com/teachmesugarcraft

Decorate a cupcake for your loved one. Photo thanks to Sue Duggan

Learn how to decorate cupcakes and create beautiful Valentine’s themed decorations. Taught by cake making expert Sue Duggan, this workshop will teach you how to intricately design six cupcakes. Tickets cost £25 and includes all materials.

Weave a Valentines Willow Heart 

February 11 6pm-8pm, Alchemy 198, www.alchemy198.co.uk

Sarah Edwards will lead her popular Willow Weaving Workshop at Alchemy 198 – but with a Valentine’s Day twist. Using locally sourced willow, learn the basic techniques and weave your own heart to take home. Drinks will also be available from the bar and tickets cost £22.50

Unlikely Love Stories; The Women Who Fell in Love (or Lust)

13 February, Arnos Vale Cemetery, www.arnosvale.org.uk

From childhood sweethearts to an abducted heiress, learn something new at this Valentine’s talk with a twist. The evening will be led by Jane Duffus, author of the The Women Who Built Bristol series. Tickets are £8.

Drag Queen Bingo Anti-Valentines Pity Party

February 13, Pata Negra, www.facebook.com/dragqueenbingobristol

Enjoy drag queen bingo with Carmen Monoxide. Photo thanks to Carmen Monoxide

Drag Queen Bingo is back at their secret cocktail bar, Noche Negra, for the ultimate anti-Valentine’s night. Single or coupled up, guests can expect an outrageous evening of performance, singing, dancing and, of course, bingo. Tickets cost £10 and include two games of bingo and all-night entertainment.

Do you Believe in magic?

February 14, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

A Valentine’s magic event at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery’s beautiful Winterstoke Hall. Unwind to live acoustic music and get an exclusive after dark viewing of the museums headline exhibition: Do you believe in magic? Guests can also opt for a romantic sharing dinner with their partner before the viewing. Tickets are £37.50 for dinner and £15 without.

After Hours: Sex

February 14, We The Curious, www.wethecurious.org

An evening just for grown-ups at We The Curious, with intriguing activities around the science of sex. Featuring a pop-up dissection lab to explore sexual reproduction in plants, an ornamental dildo workshop, a body scent booth and two floors of exhibits to explore with a drink in hand.

Valentine’s Day Rum Experience

February 14, The Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery, www.bristolrumschool.com

An exclusive, couples-only event at The Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery. Photo by Ellie Pipe

Be entertained with rum’s rags to riches story while enjoying five classic cocktails created by the distillery’s skilled mixologists. At this couples-only event, distill, spice and even name a bottle of rum. Places must be booked in advance and cost £120 per couple.

My Artichoke Heart

February 14, Jamaica Street Stores, 0117 924 9294

A Valentine’s event of verse and food dedicated to love of all forms, expect cocktails and canapes while listening to glorious poetry from host Rebecca Tantony, writer Sali Katebe, Jonny Fluffypunk and more.

Valentine’s Murder Mystery Evening 

February 14, Ashton Gate Stadium, www.ashtongatestadium.co.uk

Be whisked away from Bristol and become immersed in South London in 1929. Guests will be tasked to solve a murder as professional actors tease clues. Tickets cost £39 per person and includes a drink on arrival as well as a three-course dinner.

BYOB pottery evening 

February 14, The Pavilion, Clifton College, www.facebook.com/goodlandsteapartywww.facebook.com/goodlandsteaparty

A pottery painting workshop run by Goodland’s Tea Party. A family run business. Rene and John will be on hand to share techniques. Tickets are £15 per person and includes all materials as well as the cost of glazing your creation.

Sip and Paint

February 15, Cass Art, www.cassart.co.uk

Events by Jewelz presents Sip and Paint, a chance to unwind, celebrate love and create a painting to take home while enjoying a glass of rum punch and paint the day away. No artistic skill is required and tickets cost £32.

The Self Love Club

February 15, 1532 Theatre, www.lavrak.org

Illustration by Lisa Rose / @thelisabelle

Hosted by comedian and poet Roisin Crowley Linton, The Self Love Club is a spectacular of burlesque, drag, circus and self-love.

Main photo thanks to Drag Queen Bingo

Read more: 14 family events happening in Bristol during February half term