Planning to celebrate Galentine's Day? Here's what we know and how to celebrate in Austin

Ryan Maxin, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·3 min read

February is all about love, but it doesn't necessarily have to be romantic.

Galentine's Day, the cousin — or some may say sister — to Valentine's Day, is meant to celebrate friends rather than romantic partners. In a month dedicated to celebrating romantic love, Galentine's Day gives girls and women a way to appreciate their gal-pals.

There are several events in Austin this year for people to celebrate Galentine's Day. And if you're still confused about the unofficial holiday, we've got you covered.

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How did Galentine's Day begin?

The holiday's origins are tied to one of the most successful and loved sitcoms of all time, the popular workplace comedy "Parks & Recreation."

In season 2, episode 16 of the series, the show's lead Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) celebrates "Galentine's Day" with a group of her girlfriends at a local diner.

"What's Galentine's day? Oh it's only the best day of the year," Knope tells the camera.

She then explains the pillars of the holiday, which are:

  • Leaving your boyfriends and husbands at home

  • Kicking it breakfast style (i.e. grabbing some waffles or pancakes at a local spot)

  • Ladies celebrating ladies

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When is Galentine's Day?

Galentine's Day falls on the day before Valentine's Day each year, and because Valentine's Day always falls on Feb. 14, Galentine's Day is always on Feb. 13.

This year, more specifically, it falls on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

Trying to find some ways to celebrate? Take a look at some Galentine's Day events happening in Austin this year.

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Punch Bowl Social Austin Galentine's Party, Feb. 9

Punch Bowl Social Austin is planning to celebrate Galentine's Day with a party Feb. 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event will feature a live DJ, nostalgic board games, a do-it-yourself friendship bracelet bar and a toast to "the girls" with craft cocktails or Valentine's punch.

There will also be exclusive pop-ups featuring manicures and nail art by Clawed by Pao and permanent jewelry by Simply Fused Jewelry.

The party is happening at two Punch Bowl Social locations, one at 522 Congress Ave. and one at 11310 Domain Drive. Tickets start at $15 and can be reserved here for the downtown Congress location and here for The Domain location.

“F*CK YEAH, SIS!" Galentine's Event, Feb. 10

The “F*CK YEAH, SIS!" Galentine's Event is a tour through some of Austin's most popular nightlife venues. The event gives guests an opportunity to "revel in an extraordinary 'night out' in a safe environment alongside 150 new gal pals and dance floor besties," according to a news release.

The event will feature sets by some of Austin's top female DJs and an act by comedian Liz Splatt. It's running Feb. 10 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets for the event are $75 each.

Additional details and ticket information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fck-yeah-sis-galentines-event-tickets-810019599427.

Poeta Galentine's Day dinner, Feb. 13

Italian restaurant Poeta, 1123 E. 11th St., is hosting a Galentine's Day event Feb. 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The evening will feature "winter treats in the form of warm house-made s’mores (with gluten-free and vegan-friendly options), specialty winter beverages and savory bites," according to a news release.

Tickets cost $35 each and can be purchased on OpenTable.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is the meaning of Galentine's Day and how to celebrate in Austin?