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Whether you think of the holiday as a capitalistic gimmick hounding your pocket or the best day to declare your love (or maybe even pop the question), Valentine's Day’s kind of the best excuse to have fun. There’s gonna be mood lighting at every restaurant, a big bonanza of red and pink, and chocolates on discount. This year, it falls on a weekend – and though a Saturday night dinner date sounds like the safest bet, Delhi’s got a whole bunch of other events that could easily imbibe a romantic energy if you’re game. Fear not – they’re not all bougie over-the-top excuses to splurge. And if you’re looking to hang with your buddies, this list’s got you covered, too. Solo flyers needn’t sulk either.
Swipe Right dating comedy show
Comedy for matchmaking makes sense when you consider the wasteland that’s online dating. After more than 20 shows across six cities in India, Swipe Right arrives in Delhi right on cue for Valentine’s Day. It’s a one-of-a-kind matchmaking show where random audience members are pulled from the crowd to be set up with someone else. If you’re single, above 16, and looking to cast a wide net, don’t miss this.
When: February 14
Where: Hide Out Comedy Club, Delhi
How to get there: It's a 10-minute walk from the Malviya Nagar Metro Station (yellow line).
Attend two back-to-back Candlelight Open Air concerts
It’s back to the roots for this edition of Candlelight Concerts. The concept, still newish in India, will organise a live music set playing Bollywood tracks and popular hits by playback singer Arijit Singh in an open-air, candlelit setting at Sunder Nursery.
Where: Sunder Nursery
When: February 13. The Arijit Singh tribute starts at 7pm; the Bollywood ‘Valentine’s Day special’ is at 9pm.
Tickets: Between ₹2,000-5,000
How to get there: It’s walking distance from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium metro station (violet line).
Check out the new V-Day menu at Magnolia Bakery
Magnolia Bakery's launched a brand new desserts menu for Valentine's Day, including a bunch of cupcakes, cake slices, whole cakes, and the winner item, a Strawberry Tres Leches – all decorated in pinks and reds. Heads up, though, the world-famous bakery's known for long queues – proof that their cakes really are the best.
Where: Sector 42, Gurugram, Haryana
Do a workshop together at Max Mueller Bhavan
Dating for aeons? Single? In a situationship that’s ruining your life? This is a party everyone can join. Opn Art House 2026 workshop, organised by Gaysi Familyand hosted at Max Mueller Bhavan, features an exciting lineup of events on the Valentine’s Day weekend, including crocheting workshops, colouring parties, drag makeup workshops, and exhibit walks. Ideal for a Galentine’s day out, if you ask me. The schedule is packed with events on both days, check out the full list here and don’t forget to grab your spot. Tickets are free!
When: February 14-15
Where: Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Mandi House, New Delhi
Tickets: Free
Watch a T20 World Cup match
A slightly atypical Valentine's plan…unless you’re both heavily into cricket. The tournament’s actually month-long, with 20 teams battling it out for a win, but Delhi’s hosting a Canada vs UAE game on Friday, February 13 that’s sure to get the energy flowing for the big V-Day affair. The match ends right at dinner time, too.
When: February 13, 3pm onwards
Where: The Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium
Catch a play at Mandi House
If luck’s on your side, you might end up catching a romantic drama perfect for Valentine’s Day. The theatre festival is a month-long reminder that live theatre is very much alive and kicking, and on February 14, you can catch Patloon by Arjun Sahani at Lok Kala Manch or Jhumkewaali at Oddbird, Dhan Mill.
Shop at the Surajkund Mela
The mela’s one of the best handicraft fairs, held on the outskirts of Delhi every year, and maybe a great excuse to make your partner pay for all the mirror-work, hand-stitched stuff you’re convinced you need. You’ll find loads of stalls selling knick-knacks, rugs, furniture, ornaments, clothes, and more – alongside workshops, folk music, and dance performances. Tickets priced under very affordably, at about ₹200.
When: Until February 15
Where: Faridabad, Haryana
Visit the Satish Gujral exhibition at NGMA
A perfect pick for the art lovers. The exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is an ode to one of India’s most celebrated, most daring artists. The show, said to have been five years in the making, is curated by Kishore Singh in partnership with the Gujral Foundation, and spans 167 works tracing the artist’s life. It’s also kind of a very moving ode to his wife, Kiran, who played a pivotal role in shaping his work.
When: Until March 30
Where: NGMA, Delhi
Immerse yourselves in the Songlines exhibit
Not only is this exhibition inside one of the most romantic gardens in Delhi, but it was also an incredibly popular couples outing last time it was exhibited at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. The exhibition tells the story of how ancient knowledge, story and song were interwoven into the Australian landscape through Aboriginal Law – but what makes it truly unique is the immersive nature of the displays, which include beautiful visuals played out on ceilings (inviting you to lay down and watch together) and in dark rooms. Great photo op, too.
When: Until March 15, 2016
Where: Humayun’s Tomb Museum, located between the tomb and Sunder Nursery. The area’s newly abuzz with a bunch of recently-opened coffee shops and restaurants – the proximity makes for a great afternoon or evening out.
Watch a film screening at Delhi International Film Festival
Movies were the OG way to cop a kiss before Netflix and chill became the rage. The festival, organised by the government, will feature films from over 50 countries across verticals including Indian showcase, world cinema, Arab cinema, NRI cinema, and a cross-border section.
When: February 13-15
Where: Bharat Mandapam, though some screenings may take place at other venues
Attend the Comedy Non-Stop in Noida
This one stops short of V-Day, but consider it a nice stepping stone into your lovefest on the preceding Friday evening. The event features some of the biggest emerging stars on the comedy scene in India: Gurleen Pannu, Shreya Priyam, Aashish Solanki, Ravi Gupta, and one surprise comedian guest. Tickets start at ₹300.
When: 13 February
Where: Comedy Club, Sector 18, Noida