A Valentine’s Date Night That’s En Pointe: Dinner, Drinks, and Ballet in Madison, WI

Looking for a romantic Valentine’s date night in Madison, WI that goes beyond the usual dinner reservation?

This year, plan an evening that’s beautifully choreographed from start to finish, featuring dinner downtown, a live ballet performance, and cocktails to close out the night.

At the heart of this Valentine’s experience is Madison Ballet’s Pointes of View at the Overture Center for the Arts, making this the perfect dinner-and-a-show Valentine’s date night in Madison.

Make the Ballet the Highlight of Your Valentine’s Date Night in Madison

Looking for a romantic experience that will leave you inspired by movement, music and the magic of live performance?

That’s exactly what Madison Ballet’s Pointes of View offers.

Presented at the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison, Pointes of View explores the expressive power of ballet through a wide range of artistic lenses. From tutus to combat boots, each work offers a bold reinterpretation of classical technique, pushing boundaries while honoring ballet’s rich traditions.

Unlike a traditional story ballet, this program invites interpretation and conversation, making it an ideal Valentine’s date night activity in Madison, WI. It’s a shared experience that is sure to spark conversation and connection.

Whether you’re longtime arts supporters or attending your first ballet together, Pointes of View is accessible, engaging, and perfectly suited for a romantic night out.

Pro Tip: Join us for the opening night performance on February 13th and stay for a post-performance discussion with the choreographers and creatives who bring these diverse visions to life.

Start Your Valentine’s Evening with Dinner in Downtown Madison

No Valentine’s date night is complete without a great meal, and downtown Madison offers the perfect setting to begin the evening.

Reserve dinner at Cento, located just steps from the Overture Center. Known for its Italian-inspired cuisine, handmade pastas, and warm ambiance, Cento allows couples to relax, connect, and enjoy a leisurely meal before the performance.

Choosing a restaurant within walking distance of the theater keeps the night flowing smoothly, especially on a winter evening. No rushing, no parking stress, just an easy transition from dinner to curtain call.

Pro Tip: Start with the Ciabatta Bread and save room for the Tiramisu. If you’re a pasta lover, the Tagliatelle and Seared Gnocchi are our personal favs! The seared scallops are also incredible (save some bread to soak up every last bit of the butternut squash purée 🤤)

End the Night with Cocktails or Mocktails Downtown

After the performance, extend your Valentine’s celebration with a stop at Merchant, a downtown Madison favorite just around the corner from the Overture Center.

Merchant’s cozy atmosphere and thoughtfully crafted cocktails and mocktails make it the perfect place to reflect on the performance, share favorite moments, and unwind together. It’s an ideal final chapter to a beautiful Valentine’s evening.

Pro Tip: Try the French 75 or Merchant Old Fashioned if you love a cocktail, or the No Regrets, featuring “gin-ish,” rosemary and lime if you’re looking for something N/A!

Make Madison Ballet Part of Your Valentine’s Day

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening that’s elegant, engaging, and unmistakably Madison.

Madison Ballet’s Pointes of View is the perfect way to turn Valentine’s night into something memorable, a date that’s thoughtful, artistic, and beautifully en pointe.

🎟️ Tickets are available now. Make Madison Ballet the heart of your Valentine’s date night in Madison.