It's almost Galentine's Day and there are three reasons this holiday has become more popular year after year.
One, it’s an excuse to get together with your closest friends. Two, the holiday's existence is all thanks to an antics-filled sitcom. And three, there are no rules to how it should be celebrated.
Simply put, Galentine’s Day — which falls on Feb. 13 — is a fun no-strings-attached holiday all about friendship.
How did Galentine's Day get started?
It was first introduced in 2010 by Leslie Knope, a fictional character portrayed by Amy Poehler in the NBC TV sitcom “Parks and Recreation.”
“What's Galentine's Day? 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,” explained Knope in season two, episode 16 of the series.
Ever since, the once made-up holiday has grown more recognized each year, and in 2022, Merriam-Webster added Galentine’s Day to its dictionary.
Is Galentine’s Day only for women?
While it is widely celebrated among women, Galentine’s Day, unlike its name implies, is not exclusive to female friendships.
Instead, as more and more people celebrate the holiday, it is edging its way toward becoming more inclusive of all platonic relationships, regardless of gender, including male and non-binary friends and family members.
How is Galentine’s Day celebrated?
Galentine’s Day is a chance to express your love and appreciation to the people in your life who matter most, and there are endless ways to go about it.
You can shower them with bought or homemade gifts, chocolates, flowers or a handwritten poem or card.
Or get together doing something you all enjoy, such as planning a cozy pajama brunch or getting all dressed up for a night out of dinner and dancing.
Need more inspiration? Here are a few more ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day in Bucks County and eastern Montgomery County.
Galentine’s Day events around Bucks County
Screening of Miss Congeniality at The County Theater
Brush off your tiaras, put on your favorite gown and call your favorite friends for this special Galentine's Day screening of the 2000 film, Miss Congeniality, starring Sandra Bullock. Come dressed in your best pageant wear for a free small popcorn. Tickets are available online.
When: Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.
Where: 20 E. State St., Doylestown
More info: countytheater.org
Candle-Making at Wax N Scent Studio
Wax N Scent Studio and Spotted Frog are hosting a Galentine’s Day paint and create candle-making event with chocolate, wine and desserts. Reservations required.
When: Feb. 9 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: 15 N. Main St., New Hope
More info: waxnscentstudio.com
Brunch at Steam Pub
Head over to Steam Pub for a special Galentine’s Day brunch, featuring music by DJ Tonka, $6 mimosas, Valentine-themed co*cktails, brunch specials and a special visit from Cupid himself. Reservations are required.
When: Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 606 Second Street Pike, Southampton
More info: Steam Pub on Facebook
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Galentine’s Day at Bloom Flower Co.
Grab your best friends and join Bloom for an afternoon of make-and-take projects, photos and giveaways. Tickets include heart charcuterie board making with Too Board Sisters, craft co*cktail making with The Buzz Gypsy, vintage mini heart cake decorating with Let Them Eat Cake and a bestie balloon backdrop for photos with Stear Photography Co. In addition, Taylored Esthetics will have a permanent jewelry pop-up shop with pieces available for purchase, and Sage Bliss Aesthetics will have giveaways and a chance to win a free dermaplane facial. Tickets are available online.
When: Feb. 10 from 2-4 p.m.
Where: 5 N. 7th St., Perkasie
More info: bloompartyco.com
Grease Sing-along at The Ambler Theater
Whip out your leather jacket or Pink Ladies outfit and head over to The Ambler Theater for a special Galentine’s Day sing-along of the hit musical, Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Tickets are available online.
When: Feb. 11 at 1 p.m.
Where: 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler
More info: amblertheater.org
Mean Girls Trivia at Dockside Bensalem
Celebrate Galentine’s Day at Dockside with Mean Girls trivia, alongside mimosas and brunch served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
When: Feb. 11. Trivia starts at 11:30 a.m.
Where: 1067 Totem Road, Bensalem
More info: Dockside Bensalem on Facebook
Galentine’s Day Workshop at Board & Brush
Come out with your friends for a do-it-yourself wood project at Board & Brush’s BYOB studio. All materials and step-by-step instructions are provided, and as a bonus, this event includes a free bonus project. Pre-registration is required.
When: Feb. 11 from 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 22 E. Oakland Ave., Doylestown
More info: boardandbrush.com
Galentine's Day at Gleason's Bar
Head over to Gleason's for drink specials, permanent jewerly, sweet treats for purchase from The Cake Girl and $20 tarot card readings.
When: Feb. 12 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: 6700 Mill Creak Road, Levittown
More info: Gleason's Bar on Facebook
Galentine’s Day with Barbie (and Ken) at The Newtown Theater
The Newtown Theater is hosting a special 21-and-older screening of 2023’s smash hit, “Barbie.” In the hour leading up to the movie, enjoy party games, Barbie trivia and the chance to mingle and take pictures with a real-life Ken. Each ticket also includes free popcorn and one complimentary beer, wine, canned co*cktail or a signature Barbie co*cktail. Prizes will be awarded for “Pinkest Outfit” and “Most Creative Use of Pink.” Tickets are available online.
When: Feb. 13. Doors at 6:30 p.m.; movie starts at 7:30 p.m.
Where: 120 North State St., Newtown
More info: thenewtowntheatre.com
Galentine’s Night at Hops & Hardware Distillery
Grab your best friends and head over to Hops & Hardware for an evening featuring music by DJ Jimmy G., free snacks, Philly Mead Co. samples and a Valentine’s drink specials. Order Love Potion, a sparkling strawberry rose co*cktail, and local artist Melanie Hower will put your name on the glass for you to take home.
When: Feb. 13 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: 101 Cedar St., Bristol
More info: hopsandhardwaredistillery.com
Galentine’s Day at Wheat & Vine Provisions and Sarah Cornwell Jewelry
The two shops are teaming up to host a fun evening in celebration of friendship. Enjoy a pie and coffee bar, custom hand scrubs provided by Richene Johnson from RJ Essentials, a free jewelry cleaning, a gemstone charm, one complimentary co*cktail and 10% off all purchases. Tickets are available online.
When: Feb. 13 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: 266 S. Main St., Doylestown
More info: sarahcornwelljewelry.com
Cookie Decorating Night at Sweet Occasions
Celebrate Galentine’s Day while decorating sweet treats using an array of cookies, icings and toppings. This event is BYOB, so it is limited to guests 18 and older. Tickets are available online.
When: Feb. 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: 74 Peddlers Village, Lahaska
More info: theluckycupcakecompany.com
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Wine, Dine & Galentine’s at The Falls Banquet by EventRoostr
Make a toast to friendship with an evening of music, wine tasting and Galentine-themed appetizers. Tickets are available online.
When: Feb. 14 from 7-10 p.m.
Where: 80 W. M Y Lane, Morrisville
More info: Falls Banquet by EventRoostr on Facebook
Galentine’s Day Party at Irish Rover Station House
Grab your friends for a night out, featuring live music, shareable menu, co*cktail and sangria specials and a free gift.
When: Feb. 17 at 8 p.m.
Where: 1033 S. Bellevue Ave., Langhorne
More info: Irish Rover on Facebook
Galentine’s Taylor’s Version at Vault Brewing
Jam out to all your favorite Taylor Swift songs covered by Rachel & Ty Acoustics, grab a T-Swift-inspired co*cktail or mocktail, get some matching permanent bracelets from Off The Chain Studios and add a little sparkle to your look with fairy hair from Philly Fairy Hair. This is an all-ages event and no tickets are required. Be sure to arrive early to sign-up for your permanent jewelry and fairy hair.
When: Feb. 25 from 3-6 p.m.
Where: 10 S. Main St., Yardley
More info: Vault Brewing on Facebook
Galentine’s Day Event at Salon LC
Salon LC is hosting an afternoon of fun featuring free tinsel installs, permanent jewelry by Eternal Permanent Jewelry, a clothing pop-up shop by Ella G Boutique, snacks, mimosas, raffle baskets and more.
When: Feb. 25 from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: 3 Hulme Ave., Hulmeville
More info: Salon LC on Instagram
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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Galentine's Day 2024: Where to celebrate around Bucks County
Galentine's Day: A Celebration of Friendship
Galentine's Day is a holiday that has gained popularity over the years for several reasons. First and foremost, it provides an opportunity for people to gather with their closest friends and celebrate their friendship. Second, the holiday originated from the NBC TV sitcom "Parks and Recreation," where the character Leslie Knope introduced the concept in 2010. And finally, Galentine's Day is celebrated in a way that has no set rules, allowing individuals to personalize their celebrations and make them unique.
The Origins of Galentine's Day
Galentine's Day was first introduced by Leslie Knope, a fictional character portrayed by Amy Poehler in the TV show "Parks and Recreation." In season two, episode 16 of the series, Leslie describes Galentine's Day as a day when she and her female friends leave their husbands and boyfriends at home and come together to celebrate with a breakfast-style gathering. The day is all about "ladies celebrating ladies" and is often compared to the Lilith Fair music festival, but without the angst. Since its introduction on the show, Galentine's Day has gained recognition and popularity, leading to its inclusion in the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 2022.
Inclusivity of Galentine's Day
While Galentine's Day is widely celebrated among women, it is not exclusive to female friendships. As the holiday has gained more recognition, it has become more inclusive of all platonic relationships, regardless of gender. This means that Galentine's Day can be celebrated with male friends, non-binary friends, and even family members. The focus of the holiday is on expressing love and appreciation for the important people in your life, regardless of their gender.
Celebrating Galentine's Day
Galentine's Day offers endless possibilities for celebration. You can choose to shower your friends with bought or homemade gifts, such as chocolates, flowers, or handwritten cards. Alternatively, you can plan activities that you all enjoy, such as a cozy pajama brunch or a night out for dinner and dancing. The key is to make the day special and meaningful for your friends.
To provide you with more inspiration, here are some Galentine's Day events happening in Bucks County:
- Screening of Miss Congeniality at The County Theater: Enjoy a special Galentine's Day screening of the film "Miss Congeniality" at The County Theater in Doylestown. Dress up in your favorite gown and tiara for a chance to win a free small popcorn [[1]].
- Candle-Making at Wax N Scent Studio: Join Wax N Scent Studio and Spotted Frog for a Galentine's Day paint and create candle-making event in New Hope. Indulge in chocolate, wine, and desserts while creating your own candles [[2]].
- Brunch at Steam Pub: Head to Steam Pub in Southampton for a special Galentine's Day brunch featuring music, $6 mimosas, Valentine-themed co*cktails, and more [[3]].
- Galentine's Day at Bloom Flower Co.: Celebrate Galentine's Day at Bloom Flower Co. in Perkasie with make-and-take projects, photos, giveaways, and more. Enjoy activities like charcuterie board making, craft co*cktail making, and cake decorating [[4]].
- Grease Sing-along at The Ambler Theater: Sing along to the hit musical "Grease" at The Ambler Theater in Ambler. Dress up in your best leather jacket or Pink Ladies outfit for a fun Galentine's Day experience [[5]].
These are just a few examples of the many ways you can celebrate Galentine's Day in Bucks County. Whether you choose to attend an event or plan your own celebration, the most important thing is to show your friends how much they mean to you.
I hope this information helps you plan a memorable Galentine's Day celebration with your friends!