Fun and festive ways to celebrate female friendship
By Kyle Marie McMahon
Gather your best friends and celebrate Galentine’s Day in style! Whether you’re looking to sip wine, enjoy a creative workshop or indulge in a decadent brunch, the Triangle area offers plenty of fun-filled events to make time out with girlfriends extra special. Typically recognized on February 13 but celebrated throughout the month, this day is dedicated to friendship and female empowerment and is the perfect excuse to connect with your crew and make lasting memories.
So ditch the romantic clichés and treat yourself and your favorite gals to an unforgettable celebration! Here are just a few events being held. Make sure you check the event website to confirm price and availability.
Love Stories & Broken Hearts Walking Tour
Various times, February 8, 13–16
200 N. Blount Street, Raleigh
Start at the Governor’s Mansion and take a walking tour of Raleigh while hearing tales of passionate love affairs and love lost. The tour is pay-what-you-want, but registration is required.
Galentine’s Day Market & Karaoke at Raleigh Brewing
February 15
3709 Neil Street, Raleigh
Head to the Raleigh Brewing Company for beer and chocolate flight pairings, available all day. Shop the market from 3–6 p.m., including friendship bracelet making from 5–6 p.m. Cap off the night with karaoke from 7–10 p.m.
Paint & Sip at StarStruck Decor & More
February 15, 4–7 p.m.
1604 Angier Avenue, Durham
Paint a canvas of yourself to embrace self-love while listening to tunes from DJ Lil Bee, sipping your favorite drink and enjoying Chicken and Strawberry Waffles.
Goodnights Comedy Club Presents: Ladies Laugh Lounge Galentine’s Day Edition
February 13, 7:30 p.m.
401 Woodburn Road, Raleigh
Headlined by Kiki Wynns, enjoy a night of laughs featuring female comedians. Dress in pink or red and bring your best friends.
Ella’s Popcorn Galentine’s Day Extravaganza
February 12, 4–7 p.m.
2323 Laurelbrook Street, Raleigh
Shop local with friends for jewelry, body care and premade flower arrangements while sampling Ella’s seasonal popcorn flavors. Plus get exclusive access to new popcorn pairing baskets.
Cupid & Candles: Galentine’s Candle Making Class at Missy Lane’s Assembly Room
February 10, 7–10 p.m.
310 E. Main Street, Durham
Choose your own fragrance and learn how to design and make your own custom candle with the Wax Bar Candle Company. Snacks and drinks available.
Petals & Pals: A Galentine’s Day Flower Frame Workshop
February 1, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
2620 Timber Drive, Garner
Celebrate friendship while taking a pressed flower art workshop.
Girls’ Night Out at The Maxwell
February 7, 6–9 p.m.
330 Gideon Creek Way, Raleigh
Grab your ticket to the 2nd annual event featuring a live DJ, a cosmetic bag with goodies, a raffle giveaway, pop-up boutique and more. Grab a drink and some chocolates from Rocky Mountain Chocolates, or if attending alone, enjoy access to the “Girlfriend Flying Solo” charcuterie table.
The Moms Presents Galentine’s Day at Raleigh Union Train Station
February 8, 6–10 p.m.
510 W. Martin Street, Raleigh
Wear pink, red, purple and white and join this ladies-only celebration with food, cocktails, paint+sip and karaoke.
Galentine’s Day with PBR Cowboy Bar Cary
February 1, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
301 Fenton Gateway, Cary
Celebrate early with a festive brunch and mimosas while listening to rising country music star Matt Stell.
Pals & Gals Wine and Vintage Card Making at the City of Raleigh Museum
February 13, 7–9 p.m.
220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
Grab your friends and enjoy a fun evening making cards. Two glasses of wine and chocolate are included with admission, and all supplies are included.
Galentine’s Day Wine and Design Painting in Downtown Cary Park
February 13, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
327 S. Academy Street, Cary
Instructors from Wine & Design in Cary will lead a workshop to create your own personal masterpiece. Market 317 will be open late, offering a selection of beer, beverages and snacks to purchase.
Galentines at Curate
February 7, 6–9 p.m.
15 W. Hargett Street, Raleigh
Attend this Triangle Pop-Up with a charm bar, collaging craft station, local art and more.
Galentine’s Soiree at TG Floristry
February 8, 6–9 p.m.
130 E. Morgan Street, Raleigh
Craft with friends, crafting DIY projects to take home or gift. Make a floral arrangement with TG Floristry, a custom candle with Ky’s Candles and decorate cupcakes with Sugar Euphoria.
Galentine Celebration at Nailed It DIY Studio
February 8, 1–4 p.m.
5410 North Carolina 55 #M, Durham
Shop local and learn about self-care and wellness businesses in the area while enjoying treats from Royal Cheesecake and complimentary drinks. Create a DIY keepsake.
Galentine’s at Watts & Ward: Champagne & Chocolate
February 13, 7–9 p.m.
200 S. Blount Street, Raleigh
Seats are limited to keep this gathering cozy. Indulge in champagne and chocolate while enjoying live music from Ricky Bugel.
Galentine’s Day at A’Verde
February 14
2300 Walnut Street, Cary
Cheers to friendship with some So Basic Margaritas and enjoy an exclusive menu available Valentine’s Day only.
Whiskey Kitchen
14201 W. Martin Street, Raleigh
The ultimate destination for a “Girl Dinner” done right. Gather your best friends and indulge in their signature Chef’s Board, an artful spread of cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal accompaniments perfect for sharing. Exciting specialty drinks set to debut in February.
Bru’s Public House
5433 Wade Park Boulevard #100, Raleigh
Treat yourself by diving into a selection of decadent cheesecakes perfect for sharing with your favorite gals. Warm up with their boozy hot chocolate or try their bold new cocktail, “Inevitable Regrets,” debuting in February.
STIR
4242 Six Forks Road, Raleigh
Set the stage for a celebration with your closest friends, and share STIR’s artfully crafted Chef’s Board or savor fresh oysters with a delicate champagne mignonette. Pair these bites with one of their chic pink cocktail specials or choose from their curated fine wine selection and toast to your girls!
Valentine’s Burlesque Dinner at Whitaker & Atlantic
February 14, 6–10 p.m.
1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh
While not just for Galentine’s, enjoy a three-course dinner and a burlesque show, featuring 8 different performances plus some drag. Alcohol is not included, but tickets for the show can be purchased separately.
