CHICAGO — Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about the romance. We can credit sitcom character Leslie Knope with creating Galentine’s Day in a season two “Parks and Rec” episode to celebrate all-important female friendships.
Galentine’s Day is officially recognized on Tuesday, the day before Valentine’s Day. But as you’ll see on our list, you can start celebrating platonic love and friends with these Galentine’s Day alternatives as early as this weekend.
Grab your gals and pals for a rooftop brunch, a DIY flower bouquet workshop, drag bingo night, karaoke and more.
Here’s a roundup of 16 things to do for Galentine’s Day:
Galentine’s Day ‘Parks And Rec’ Pop-Up
7 p.m. daily in February
Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave.
For the month of love, this Galentine’s and Valentine’s pop-up will transform vintage arcade bar Replay into Pawnee, Indiana — “Parks and Rec”‘s fiction home. Enjoy crafted co*cktails and a night with the gals. Make a reservation here.
Galentine’s Party
6:30-10 p.m. Friday
Punch Bowl Social Chicago, 310 N. Green St.
Enjoy a live DJ, board games like Clueless and Candyland, craft co*cktails and more at this girls’ night out. There will also be a DIY friendship bracelet bar, heart-shaped sunglasses and pop-up vendors. Tickets are $15 online.
Galentine’s Brunch
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
IO Godfrey, 127 W. Huron St.
Celebrate your friends with an indulgent brunch, featuring a build-your-own mimosa bar, co*cktails, dessert flights and more. Make a reservation here.
Galentine’s Day Flower Bar
3-6 p.m. Saturday
The Bouqs Co. Flower Studio, 611 N. State St.
Grab your gals and create your own custom flower bouquets ahead of Valentine’s Day. There will also be treats and refreshments. Tickets are $38 online.
Galentine’s Paint & Karaoke
5-7 p.m. Saturday
Pose Cultural Art Gallery, 2136 W. Chicago Ave.
Celebrate Galentine’s with vision boarding, karaoke, painting and more. Tickets are $30 online.
Galentine’s Day Market
5-8 p.m. Saturday
Karma Club, 1590 N. Clybourn Ave.
Shop handmade goods from local woman- and LGBTQ-owned creators at this 21+ market. Admission is free.
Lovers & Friends Karaoke
6-10 p.m. Saturday
Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St.
Sing your heart out alongside a live band at this karaoke night for gals, pals and lovers. Tickets are $30 online.
Galentine’s Day Social
Noon-4 p.m. Sunday
Dwell Studio Co., 7449 W. Irving Park Road
There will be beauty vendors, a Waffle Haus Chicago waffle bar, mimosas, NA drinks, professional headshots, bingo and more at this Galentine’s Day social open to all ages. Tickets are $30 online.
Galentine’s Self-Care Day
6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday
Glamrūm, 3535 N. Lincoln Ave.
Grab a gal or be your own pal for an evening of pilates, candle-making and pampering. General admission tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are $50. Purchase them here.
Galentine’s Earring Making Workshop
6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday
Adornment and Theory, 2644 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Make your own The Vintage Royalty-inspired earrings using brass, acrylic and vintage bits and bobs. Sweet treats will also be provided. Tickets are $50 online.
A Galentine’s Day Event: Celebrating Female Winemakers
7 p.m. Tuesday
Dimo’s Café, 4647 N. Lincoln Ave.
This wine and dine event features drinks from woman-owned and operated wineries, plus small bite hors d’oeuvres. Guests can also paint their own wine glass to take home. It’s co-hosted with a local woman-owned bottle shop, BottlesUp! Tickets are $65 online.
Girl’s Night Out With Canvas & co*cktails
7-10 p.m. Tuesday
Chicago Distilling Co., 2359 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Celebrate self-love and sisterhood with this girl’s night out workshop. Attendees can enjoy painting, handcrafted co*cktails and snacks. Tickets are $45 online.
Galentine’s Day Lunch
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesday
Space 519 | The Lunchroom, 200 E. Chestnut St.
Enjoy a prix fixe meal with your besties. The menu features pimento cheese starters with heart-shaped toasts, vegan seasonal soups, entrees and house-made vanilla cupcakes. Tickets are $30 online.
Gal’s Night Out
6-9 p.m. Wednesday
Time Out Market Chicago, 2nd floor, 916 W. Fulton Market
There will be Hendrick’s Gin co*cktails, live DJ beats, a glitter artist, health and fitness swag bags and more at this event for galentines and valentines. Admission is free.
Galentine’s Day Drag Bingo
7-9 p.m. Wednesday
Kit Kat Lounge, 3700 N. Halsted St.
Try your hand at bingo during this Galentine’s Day celebration with queen Angelicia Maria. Tickets are $13.48 online.
Galentine’s Day Yoga
6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday
Park No. 571, 2828 S. Eleanor St.
Celebrate the friend-focused holiday by indulging in some yoga in this serene park district studio in the Boathouse.
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