Unconventional February 14 ideas for lovers weary of chockies and flowers

IF roses and chocolates are just not doing it for you anymore, then check out these unconventional Valentine’s Day ideas.

Kogi Galleghan and Nathan Sentance get ready for The Australian Museum's Anti-Valentine's Day event. Picture: John Appleyard

IF roses and chocolates are just not doing it for you anymore check out these unconventional Valentine’s Day ideas:

Nathan Sentance and Kodi Galleghan get ready for the The Australian Museum's Anti-Valentine's Day event on February 14. Picture: John Appleyard

1. ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY EVENT

Culture Up Late series at the Australian Museum is offering an Anti-Valentine’s Day event that is for a partner that hates all the overly-commercial aspects of the day, is game for something different, or for singles wishing to show their disdain for all things roses and chocolates.

The event is an unconventional and darkly humorous take on affairs of the heart, with live performances of love songs gone right and wrong, “speed hating” sessions, Voodoo doll workshops, and couples’ game shows.

Kogi Galleghan and Nathan Sentance at The Australian Museum. Picture: John Appleyard

Program manager Mathieu Ravier said there was “something magical” about exploring the museum after-hours. “It’s a chance for grown-ups to reclaim the space, while discovering a unique range of thought-provoking and entertaining activities, designed to bring the collections to life,” he said.

Australian Museum chief executive officer Kim McKay said the adult program would show the museum in a new light by exploring culture, art, science, performance and storytelling after dark. Tickets are $17.44 to $21.53 via eventbrite.com.au.

Microwave Jenny will play at Art After Hours on February 14.

2. ART AFTER HOURS

If the beauty of a Rembrandt painting gets your lover’s heart racing more than a glass of NV Veuve Clicquot Rose, the Art Gallery NSW’s Art After Hours could be perfect for you.

There will be a talk about Rembrandt, alchemy and conservation, and James Valentine will be in the entrance court to chat about capturing love. You can sign up for a guided art tour, enjoy the Looking for Langston film screening and talk with filmmaker Isaac Julien, or just relax with live music from Microwave Jenny (above). Details artgallery.nsw.gov.au.

Blow Bar Co’s Leigh Dole giving Robert Steiner a head massage while his wife Therese gets a wave “do” with a little help from KC Clarke at Blow Bar Co, Balmain. Picture: Danny Aarons

3. BLOW BAR CO DATE NIGHT

There is no need to leave your partner at home while you get perfectly coiffured at the newly opened Blow Bar Co Balmain.

While you get into your best “do”, your partner can enjoy a massage, glass of wine, and even a cheese platter — all part of the Date Night package.

“No longer does your partner need to impatiently stand alone, waiting for their partner to get ready,” Blow Bar Co director Leigh Dole said.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Ms Dole said the most popular blow dry was the wave, a versatile style that is easy to maintain and looks great for days.

On February 14 she is encouraging us to experiment; “to do something that you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done. Make yourself feel amazing and rock your hair with confidence,” she said. Bookings blowbarco.com.au.

For partners with a sweet tooth, My Sweet Box’s Gourmet Bouquet is filled with 12 large mixed and six mini gourmet doughnuts.

4. DOUGHNUT BOUQUET

If roses don’t make your Valentine swoon, then one of the doughnut bouquets from My Sweet Box — an Alexandria-based online business that delivers across Sydney — might hit the spot.

The Gourmet Bouquet has 12 large mixed and six mini gourmet doughnuts wrapped to look like a gorgeous bunch of flowers. They are priced at $139. Details: mysweetbox.com.au.

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