Johannesburg celebrates Valentine’s Day in many ways. Candlelit dinners, sunset drinks, and long queues at flower shops. But in 2026, Gold Reef City is offering something a little more playful, a little more nostalgic, and unmistakably Jozi.
On Saturday, 14 February, the iconic theme park is hosting Valentine’s Movie Night Under The Stars, a one-night-only experience that blends thrill rides, comfort food, and a classic love story on the big screen.
It is aimed squarely at couples who want more than just a reservation and a rushed dessert.
The evening starts before the movie even rolls. From 18h00, ticket holders get exclusive access to selected Gold Reef City rides, turning the usual Valentine’s script on its head. Instead of easing into the night, couples kick things off with adrenaline and laughter, the kind that breaks the ice and sets the mood without trying too hard.
It is a clever nod to local dating culture. Jozi couples often bond over experiences rather than formality, and Gold Reef City has long been a shared memory space for first dates, school trips, and weekend escapes.
As the sun dips and the park quietens, guests settle in for an open-air cinema experience under the stars. Each couple receives a gourmet picnic basket designed for two, making this feel curated rather than crowded.
At 20h00, The Notebook lights up the screen. Love it or mock it, the film remains one of the most recognisable Valentine’s Day choices around the world, and Gold Reef City is leaning into that shared cultural shorthand. Expect laughter, a few knowing eye rolls, and more than a couple of misty moments once the story gets going.
This is not an all-month promotion or a generic dinner special. It is a once-off event, strictly for adults aged 18 and over, with limited tickets priced at R1,200 per couple. That sense of scarcity has already sparked interest online, with locals sharing the event as an alternative to overbooked restaurants and predictable menus.
There is also something refreshing about a Valentine’s event that does not take itself too seriously. It is romantic, yes, but also playful and a little theatrical, which feels very on brand for Johannesburg.
Valentine’s Movie Night Under The Stars takes place on Saturday, 14 February 2026 at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg. Gates open at 18h00, with the movie starting at 20h00. Tickets are limited and available on a first-come basis. Once they sell out, there will be no second night added.
For couples looking to turn Valentine’s Day into an experience rather than just an evening, this might be one of the city’s most memorable options.
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