Feeling bummed and bae-less as Valentine’s Day approaches? Celebrate female friendship with Galentine’s Day instead!
Created by “Parks and Recreation” character Leslie Knope, Galentine’s Day honors female friendship and love. It’s typically celebrated the day before Valentine’s Day on Feb. 13. A routine Galentine’s Day is full of meticulously planned brunches, crafting, gifts and, of course, friendship.
If you don’t want to go through the stress of trying to gather your girlfriends, locking down a hot brunch spot and planning out your own Galentine’s celebration, consider checking out a few of the many festivities around Austin.
Galentine’s Day! – Cuvee Coffee Bar
Looking for a cheap and laid back way to celebrate Galentine’s Day? Join Cuvee Coffee Bar tonight for a gal-filled evening featuring a self-love Valentine card making station and BYOV (bring your own vessel) succulent planting — they recommend plastic dinosaurs and mason jars. For $10, Cuvee will provide the cards, plants, dirt and cleanup. That’s of course assuming you provide the friendship.
Make-it Take-it Bouquets – Texas Union Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom
Although this event might be originally intended for Valentine’s rather than Galentine’s Day, what’s better than some girl time and free flowers? UT’s E+E will be hosting a Make-it Take-it bouquet-crafting workshop at the Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom that happens to fall on the 13th. Show up with your student ID and help yourself to bouquet and card-making materials for that special gal in your life.
Galentine’s Day Celebration – Juliet’s Italian Kitchen
Feel like getting a little fancier with your Galentine’s gals? Check out Juliet’s Galentine’s celebration featuring half-priced wine bottles and delectable food features such as prosciutto pizza, seared tuna and specialty cocktails. Don’t sweat it if you can’t make it on the 13th — Juliet’s celebration will last all the way through the 14th.
Icenhauer’s Galentine’s Day – Icenhauer’s Bar
If you’re 21 or over, check out Icenhauer’s Galentine’s celebration. On Wednesday night, the bar will feature “Parks and Rec”-themed drinks such as “The Ann” and “The Leslie,” named after the show’s famed friends. Icenhauer’s will also feature a raffle from local brands such as Zilker Belts and Eberly. In addition to the themed drinks and fun giveaways, jewelry designer Kendra Scott will be there to kick the night off at 7 p.m. and gift the first 30 people to arrive with a piece of jewelry.
After Valentine’s Galentine’s Day Party – Historic Scoot Inn
If you’re still looking for some girl time after the 13th, the Scoot Inn has you covered. Gather your girls for a Saturday afternoon filled with self care, relationship advice, get-to-know-you games, crafts and giveaways. The event will focus on female empowerment and includes giveaways from female-centered companies such as Project Rise Up, Alma Boutique and Star Child Studio.
2nd Annual Galentine’s Show – atxGALS
Join the atxGALS at the South Congress Hotel this Friday for a celebration of women for women. The pop-up art expo will feature the art of 15 different women, two live DJs and swag bags for the first 100 guests. Featured artists include Kristin Freeman, Ashley Gierke and Zuzu Kelly Perkal. A portion of the ticket sales will go to Girls Empowerment Network, an advocacy group that works to get more women civically engaged, and SAFE, an organization that supports children who have been sexually abused and assaulted.
