The unofficial February 13th holiday Galentine’s Day has become a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your squad.
When I first saw the Parks and Recreation episode where Leslie Knope invites her girl squad out for a Galentine’s Day breakfast, I was intrigued by the idea. In the nearly decade old (!!) episode, Amy Poehler’s iconic character says, “Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. 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. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”
Here are 15 fun ways to throw an epic Galentine’s Day with your ladies.
1. Go axe throwing.
All the rage lately, axe throwing is a great way to unleash your inner badass. There are multiple locations around the country. While our moms threw darts in bars, we get to throw small axes into a dartboard. This one is especially fun to take newly single friends to.
2. Take a Pound class.
If you’re still wondering what class Chrissy Metz’s character Kate takes in This is Us, it’s called Pound. Using drumsticks, class members can rock out to music and sculpt their arms into Michelle Obama-worthy oblivion.
3. Attend a concert.
There’s nothing more fun and spontaneous than going to a live show. Websites like Jambase.com and Songkick.com are great ways to look up concerts in your area.
4. Throw an epic Grease-style slumber party.
Invite your friends over to sleep over like you did in junior high. Encourage them to bring fun Grease-style oversized Oxford shirts a la Rizzo or fun lingerie like Frenchie.
5. Channel Parks and Rec’s Tom and Donna and have a “treat yo self” day.
Ever since Parks and Recreation’s ultimate duo went on their “treat yo self” day, it’s been fun to celebrate with a day of excess. Grab your ladies and head to the mall for a day of shopping. Self-love is so important, so don’t be afraid to spend a bit of cash on yourself—you deserve it!
6. Host a potluck with foods you haven’t tried before.
Use Galentine’s Day to ask friends to bring over their favorite dish. Grab some wine and enjoy a night of catching up over new dishes.
7. Meet up at your favorite bar and play the Galentine’s Day Drinking Game.
It’s true—Buzzfeed created a drinking game involving the honorary holiday! Head to your favorite bar and bring a printout of the game to play while you’re sipping your favorite cocktails.
8. Go on an impromptu road trip.
I used to love taking a road trip to Virginia to a Taco Bell my friends and I loved in college. Even if it’s just a simple trip to get takeout, spend Galentine’s Day with your ladies on a spur-of-the-moment road trip.
9. Get fellow pet “moms” together for a photo shoot.
Organize an afternoon with your friends who are pet owners and use a camera to have a photo shoot with everyone’s furry friends.
10. Go old school with a crafting day.
Remember the days when you used to make friendship bracelets at recess? How about the handmade Valentines you used to create? Channel your inner elementary school kid and have a crafting day with your besties in honor of the day celebrating all things love.
11. Give back like Leslie Knope and volunteer.
Get your friends together for a day of volunteering. Pick up trash at your local park, work with kids or spend the day serving a meal at a homeless shelter. Whatever you do, make like Leslie Knope and be kind to others—spread love, it is Valentine’s Day after all!
12. Do a Secret Santa style gift exchange, Galentine’s style.
This time of year, stores like Target and Jo Ann Fabrics are teeming with adorable Valentine’s Day trinkets. Do a Secret Santa/Snowflake style gift exchange with your ladies and make it a small $10-$20 limit. Get ready to ooo and aww at cute mugs, necklaces, wall hangings and more.
13. Visit a nearby winery.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day this year at a local winery. If there aren’t any near you, plan a quick weekend getaway to one with your bffs.
14. Binge watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Invite your girls to come over in their most comfortable sweats for a day of binge watching a show that celebrates women in a big way.
15. Head to a drag brunch.
Going to a drag brunch is something I’ve always wanted to do but never have had the chance to yet. Grab your group and head to your city’s nearest drag brunch for a seriously fun Galentine’s Day.
Throw an epic Galentine’s Day with these 15 fun ideas.