Somewhere out there, Leslie Knope is surely smiling big and raising a mimosa. That’s because Galentine’s Day, the holiday that the fictional Parks and Recreation bureaucrat delightfully brought to life, has inspired countless pals to gather with their beloved besties for a celebration of non-romantic friendships since 2010.
“Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style,” Amy Poehler’s Knope explains in a second-season episode of the hit NBC series. “Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair minus the angst — plus frittatas.”
Like Friendsgiving, Galentine’s Day has gained traction in recent years as a fun, no-pressure alternative to its mainstream counterpart. February 13 falls on a Monday this year, but the weekend prior will certainly be brimming with brunches, lunches, and other gal-centric gatherings. “Galentine’s Day is our most popular party right now, and we haven’t even done a big push on it,” notes Virginia Frischkorn, founder and CEO of Partytrick, an online party planning platform.
More restaurants, hotels, and event venues also are getting in on the fun with Galentine’s Day-themed offerings. Frischkorn says several factors have helped boost the subversive holiday’s popularity. “The pandemic really highlighted how desperately we need in-person connection,” she explains, “and connection with platonic friendships.”
Unlike Valentine’s Day, with its in-your-face focus on romantic love as well as the expectations and pressure that often accompany it, Galentine’s Day honors the staying power of female friendships, a sentiment many women welcome whether they have a romantic partner or not. “There’s not any negativity [or] bitterness,” Frischkorn says. “People are looking for things that spark joy and spark delight, and Galentine’s Day does that, whereas Valentine’s Day is polarizing.”
Galentine’s Day is totally open to interpretation.
Looking to join in on the celebration this year? Here is inspiration to organize your own Galentine’s Day soiree, whether you’re ready to rock a fancy dress and hit the town with your friends or prefer a cozy night in with your inner circle.
Staying In
Whether all-out or low key, it’s difficult to go wrong with an at-home Galentine’s Day celebration. From a dress-up-and-stay-in affair with fancy co*cktails and hors d’oeuvres to a pizza-and-pajamas movie night with a beloved rom-com, consider your intention: Do you want to let your hair down with your closest gal pals? Or facilitate closer connections among a group of friends who may not know one another that well?
Figuring out what you want out of the experience will also help set the vibe and the guest list. For example, you may not want to invite work colleagues to a wine-soaked dance party with your BFFs, Frischkorn advises. You can add activities such as tarot card readings, wine tastings, or beauty product swaps. Frischkorn says a pack of icebreaker cards is a guaranteed way to get the conversation going. Once you have the theme set, send an invite to add a nice sense of occasion. (Evite even has several Galentine’s Day options.)
There’s no need to break the bank on fancy decorations for your fete. Simply make sure your home is tidy, grab some fresh flowers, and light a few candles to set a lovely, welcoming vibe. For extra flair, opt for themed decor, such as this Happy Galentine’s Day banner with hearts garland or these cute toppers that you can pop into cupcakes or whatever else is on the menu.
Take menu inspiration from your theme, and keep things as simple or sophisticated as you prefer. Charcuterie boards are a cinch to prep and customize, while breakfast-as-dinner is a fun concept for an evening party, Frischkorn advises. “It makes you feel young again [and] is a little bit unexpected,” she says. “Throwing in a little bit of the unexpected surprises people in a good way.”
For drinks, wine is a solid choice. For a dose of fabulousness, create a signature Galentine’s Day co*cktail that you can batch to avoid playing bartender all night. Prefer to outsource? Many restaurants are offering love-themed takeout specials and delivery deals in February that work just as well for Galentine’s as they do Valentine’s Day. A few to consider: heart-shaped pizzas from Papa John’s and California Pizza Kitchen or cheese and chocolate fondue from The Melting Pot.
When planning a Galentine’s Day event, think subversively.
Giving to Others
Another choice for celebrating is gatherings that also give back in some way, whether that’s attending a charity networking event or adding a donation option to an at-home party. Volunteering together is another excellent idea to connect with girlfriends while giving back to your local community.
“Some animal shelters offer doggy dates where you can pick up a shelter dog and take them on an adventure to the beach, for walks, or to lunch at a sidewalk café,” says Kelly Velasquez-Hague, marketing vice president at OneCause, which provides fundraising software for nonprofit groups. “It’s a win-win. You get to spend the day with a furry friend, and they have a possibility of finding their forever home.”
Volunteering is another solid option for a Galentine’s Day activity.
You can also easily add a charity donation to any at-home celebration with a fundraising page. “If you’re having friends over for a celebration or movie night, you could send out an invitation and request that they RSVP by making a $5 donation to the nonprofit you’re supporting,” Velasquez-Hague suggests. “But make it clear they’re not obligated to do so. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to raise some money for a cause you care about.”
Going Out
If you prefer to leave the prep to someone else, there’s a growing array of options. Many restaurants and bars are expanding their Valentine’s Day offerings to focus on non-romantic relationships. They’re also taking the extra step of hosting specific Galentine’s Day dinners, teas, and tasting menus.
Karaoke is a fun way to bond with besties.
This year’s Galentine’s Day celebrations across the U.S. include a new champagne tasting at Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar in Sacramento, a Galentine’s Tea at San Diego’s Westgate Hotel, and the Galentine’s Day Dragtacular Brunch in Boston. Other event possibilities to co-opt for a Galentine’s Day gathering include paint-and-sip parties, mani-pedi appointments, and karaoke sessions.
Getting Away
If you’re looking for a timely reason to get out of town with BFFs, consider a Galentine’s Day staycation or a girlfriend getaway. In Miami, for instance, upscale accommodations like The Gabriel, The Elser, and Shelborne South Beach are offering packages with tickets to Magic Mike Live. The show is scheduled to wrap up its Miami run at the end of April, making Galentine’s Day the ideal excuse to soak up the steamy fun with your besties.
Blane Bachelor is an Amsterdam-based writer who has contributed to The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Outside, and Cosmopolitan.
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