What’s Galentine’s Day? It’s only the best day of the year! Galentine’s Day is our favorite holiday (shh… don’t tell the others.) For those of you who don’t know, Galentine’s Day is a platonic Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 13. Popularized by the iconic Park and Recreation episode, this unofficial holiday is all about celebrating friendship, eating waffles, and drinking rosé. Whether you want a Valentine’s dinner with friends or guzzle down bottles of champagne, we’ve got you covered.
1. Grab bottomless brunch spot at your favorite spot in the city
Leslie Knope’s favorite food is waffles. Do her proud by drowning yours in syrup and digging in. Do you want a restaurant recommendation? Check out our list of brunch spots in Chicago! Try out Chicago Waffles, Ann Sather, or Hub51, which are all known for an incredible brunch selection.
2. Grab a glass of wine at All Together Now
There are a few amazing spaces around the city where you can grab a glass of wine with friends—and All Together Now is a quaint spot brimming with wine bottles waiting to be uncorked. What’s better than celebrating Galentine’s Day in Chicago with a glass of wine? Maybe seeing Taylor Swift?
3. Book a Galentine’s Day spa session
Aire Ancient Baths is the quinessential place to relax, rewind, and gossip with friends. From customizable massages to a velvet garden with floral installations from a local florist, the serene restored factory will have specials from February 14th to Februrary 19th. So get on the reservations now and head to AIRE Ancient Baths to pampering day with friends!
4. Sing along to beloved female icons at Teatro ZinZanni
Featuring familiar favorites from Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Taylor Swift and more, this epic Galentine’s Just Wanna Have Fun tribute concert will take place under the big top at Teatro ZinZanni! Along with hits from your favorite female powerhouses, the experience includes a full bar and light bites, both available for purchase on-site.
5. Make a candle with your favorite people
You certainly don’t have to go all out like Leslie Knope with hand-crocheted flower pens, mosaic portraits, or a 5,000-word essay about why your friends are so great, but making an aromic candle can be the perfect Galentine’s Day celebration. At Black Luxe Candle Co., an instructoe will help you as you pick a favorite fragrance and vessel and then mix, measure, and pour your very own candle. And gifiting it to someone can express how much your friends mean to you.
6. Celebrate with friends at Homeslice
Join Lincoln Park’s Homeslice for their Galentine’s Day party happening on Tuesday, February 13th from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. With $25 tickets including an Alice & Wonder Chicago wine glass, first glass of Kim Crawford wine, and one Bon Vivant cookie, Homeslice will also be offering heart-shaped pizzas, themed cocktails, a spritz bar, glam station, cookie decorating, and shopping pop-ups.
7. Throw a baking party with friends!
What’s Galentine’s Day without tasty treats? Get your pals together for a baking party where each of you brings a recipe to make delicious pastries, cookies, and cakes. Make it even better by binge-watching the Great British Bake Off while you work. Or, if you’re feeling more like ordering in, grab a box of Levain cookies to go!
8. Volunteer somewhere to spread the love even further this year
Doing something good with friends can bring you even closer. From volunteering at an animal shelter to donating to a food bank, give back to the community by volunteering together with an organization you really care about. Need a few suggestions? Check out our list of non-profits that are making positive, social change in Chicago.
9. Have a Galentine’s Day laugh at Second City
Second City has been bringing comedy and laughs to Chicago for over 60 years, and Galentine’s Day really wouldn’t be complete with a bellow of laughter with friends. Their Chicago alumni list is expansive, with some of the funniest names on the planet—including the inventor of this particular day—Amy Poehler! On February 13th, you can see the the Don’t Quit Your Daydream show.
10. Get super dressed up and head out for a night on the town
As Donna and Tom would say, “Treat yo self!” Order a bottle of champagne for the table at The Bassment, the Octoshots at Three Dots and a Dash, or head to any of the great speakeasies ! Have the time of your life! You and your pals deserve it.
11. Host a game night at Bonus Round Game Cafe.
Who doesn’t like a game night? Located in Lakeview, Bonus Round is a full kitchen, cafe, and bar with a library of over 450 board and card games as well as knowledgeable staff to teach you how to play. They also have a delicious menu of sandwiches, desserts, and drinks to munch on with vegan and gluten-reduced options so everyone can come to game night! Or, make a reservation at Kibitznest for a game night filled with laughter and drink options. The cozy bookshop bar also hosts comedy nights and literary salons.