Galentine’s Day (Feb. 13) has been the unofficial (but still pretty official) time to gather your girl group and celebrate the lovely ladies in your life for the last 10+ years.
Valentine’s + Galentine’s Day are very Americanized holidays — however other countries have days dedicated to love too. Finland celebrates Ystavanpaiva, a day for both friends + lovers, and China recognizes Singles’ Day in November to celebrate self-love. In Wales, they celebrate San Dwynwen on Jan. 25. During this holiday, lovers exchange handcrafted wooden spoons. In the Philippines, so many couples wish to get married on Valentine’s Day that it has become popular to participate in a mass wedding. That’s a whole lotta love.
Whether you meet in person or gather the gals virtually, there is plenty happening around the Isthmus. Here are some local suggestions to start the celebration for Galentine’s Day.
Let’s kick the weekend off — Fri., Feb. 11
Pop-Up Shop with EVIE Jewelry | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Graduate Madison, 601 Langdon St. | Free entry | Grab your Galentines to shop a selection of EVIE gold-plated pieces while love is in the air. Pro tip: Show your receipt from Poindexter Coffee and get 20% off your EVIE purchase.
Sip N Style | 4-7 p.m. | Be Inspired Salon, 8302 Globe Dr. | $37 | Sip on champagne, enjoy a valentine’s sweets spread + pick a new hairstyle during a fun evening out with girlfriends.
Romeo + Juliet (1996) | 9-11 p.m. | Union South, The Marquee Cinema | Free | The Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee presents Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of the classic Shakespearean romantic tragedy.
Keep the ladies going — Sat., Feb. 12
Wine + Chocolate Tasting | 3-9 p.m. | Grape Water Wine Bar, 7466 Hubbard Ave., Middleton | $30 | Join Grape Water Wine Bar as they partner with Infusion Chocolates to cook up a night of wine + chocolate truffle pairings — plus, pre-order a charcuterie box from Tricky Foods to enjoy throughout the night.
Galentine’s PYP Workshop | 1-4 p.m. | Board & Brush, 7605 Elmwood Ave., Middleton | Free | Celebrate the day with a free mini project — creating your own beautiful, unique wood sign — plus a free drink.
Doggie Date Day | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | My Dog And Me Park, 7451 Fankhauser Rd. | Free | Cherish your most important Galentine — your pup — with a day at the park + enjoy coffee and food trucks on-site.
Oh, it’s only the best day of the year — Sun., Feb. 13
Galentine’s Brunch | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Everyday Kitchen, 2801 Marshall Ct. | Prices vary | Nothing says I love you quite like a good meal. Gather the gals for the most important meal of the day — brunch.
Scent Making | 10-11 a.m. | The Soap Opera, 319 State St. | Free | Create your very own dram of fragrance/essential oil + sip and snack on sweets and beverages provided while you work.
Cookie Decorating | 2-4 p.m. | Garth’s Brew Bar, 1726 Monroe St. | $15 | Enjoy an afternoon of beers and baked goods. Decorate three cookies with all the fix-ins provided + pick a 16 oz. beer on tap to sip on while you create.
