We all know Valentine’s Day has morphed into a consumer “Hallmark Holiday”, but I’m not here to be negative. Why not use the excuse to pamper yourself, send a cute text to your crush, buy your boo something special, organise a Galentine's Day event, see some live music (hint: that’s where we’re headed), watch a deliciously awful romcom at home, or join the herds at a restaurant for dinner.

I’ve somewhat accidentally signed up for the latter. 

❤️ How I accidentally booked a Valentine’s dinner

If you’re a reader of our newsletter you’ll know I’ve organised a weekend away in Bellingen with my partner, and have reserved dinners at both Charlie’s on Church and Bruno’s inspired by my own feature story (and sneaky plan). 

All very exciting. But I have to admit, my partner and I cringed when we clicked that Friday night was the 14th…the 14th of February…Valentine’s Day.

🍴 A hospitality veteran’s perspective

My reaction was likely fuelled by the years of working in hospitality and knowing couples out to dinner on that day can be…a challenge. (Or perhaps it was the years of working in hospo on this day while single?)

Anyway, I’m looking forward to a delicious meal under mood lighting and will be sure to smile at the waitstaff, say “no worries” a lot, send compliments to the chef, remember to tip and most importantly, not kiss across the table.

💃 No plans? Do this instead

If you haven’t booked dinner (intentionally or unintentionally) the likelihood of getting a reservation at a restaurant this late in the game isn’t great.

Instead, we suggest you dance, sing or listen to some live music. It’s a Friday night after all! I’ve rustled up some live music sets to see with friends, family, a significant other/s, or solo.

Here’s a list of gigs I found that are either free or have tickets still available.

🎤The Stef Beachstone venue in Sapphire Beach has a performance from Snez between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.
FREE

🎤Holy Holy live at the Hoey Moey in Coffs Harbour, doors open at 9pm.
 🎟️ Tickets here.

🎤The Trapps trio have an acoustic performance at Tanks Club Forster from 8pm.
FREE

🎤 Pete Ball is playing at Fredo Pub, Frederickton, from 6pm. No ticket required.
FREE

🎤 Slim Pickens is playing at the Twilight Markets, Coffs Harbour, free entry from 5pm.
FREE

If you know of any other live music happening on Friday 14th night, please reach out and I’ll update my story. Email: [email protected] or message us on Instagram.