Galentine’s Day, inspired by the fictional character Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation,” has become a beloved tradition, especially for Gen Z women. It’s traditionally celebrated on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. It celebrates friendship and inclusivity, offering a thoughtful alternative to the romantic focus of Valentine’s Day.
Roughly three in ten women ages 18 to 29 and 50 to 64 are single. Galentine’s Day creates a space of appreciation and a feeling of being loved and seen by other women.
This year marks 15 years since Galentine’s Day entered public consciousness. The celebration has often been associated with single friends bonding, but that is not entirely accurate. As represented by Knope, the holiday’s original intent was to celebrate female friendship regardless of relationship status.
Downtown Bellingham is the perfect place for an all-day Galentine’s celebration.
Morning
Grab your girls and head to Woods Coffee. Kamaile Correa, a barista at Woods Coffee at Barkley Village, is preparing for her first Valentine's Day at the shop. She looks forward to serving a group of girls celebrating something special, as she believes the holiday honors all forms of love. As someone who is single, she appreciates how Galentine’s Day strengthens friendship.
“Not just in the sense of having something material, but also having coffee and feeling that love of having something special adds a whole new meaning to the traditional way of celebrating Valentine's Day,” Correa said. “I’ll be sure to make drinks with extra love and chat with them about what they have planned. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Galentine-related.”
At 11 a.m., the excitement at Ruckus Room Arcade and Fun Center begins, making it the perfect time to stop by for a late-morning adventure and friendly competition. Whether you are looking to socialize or challenge yourself in a thrilling arcade atmosphere, this entertainment hub offers a fun-filled experience to start your day.
Midday
Before heading to another activity, check out Accomplice, a delicious stop for lunch known for having some of the best burgers and fries in town, according to customer reviews. While they serve alcoholic beverages, Accomplice welcomes guests under 21, making it a perfect midday stop before an evening of Galentine’s Day celebration.
Another must-stop spot is Angel Nails & Spa, where you can get your nails done at an affordable price. Located on 209 W Holly St., it is also surrounded by plenty of boutiques and shops to turn it into the ultimate girls' day out before heading off to prepare for a special dinner with friends.
Evening
Kick the evening off with some delicious bites at Black Sheep. The restaurant won a Mayor’s City Center Award in 2019. This 21+ taco restaurant and bar downtown is just a short stroll from Angel Nails & Spa.
Levi Fairchild is a social media and marketing manager at Black Sheep.
“Black sheep is a vibrant environment that brings out the best vibes to cut loose with your best girlfriends! Come in early to enjoy our happy hour specials including various appetizers and a house classic, our Dude-A-Rita,” Fairchild said via Instagram direct messaging. “For Valentine’s Day we are offering [a] Tres Leches special that can be shared among your closest girlfriends. Make us one of your Galentine’s Day stops for great vibes, food, and cocktails!”
For those under 21 looking for a great dining experience in Bellingham, Flatstick Pub has you covered. Known for its mini-golf and fun atmosphere, they encourage all ages until 9 p.m., making it a perfect spot to enjoy pizza while golfing with friends.
Hannah Estifanos is a Western Washington University senior and previous Galentine’s Day host. The occasion provides a meaningful opportunity for women to come together, appreciate one another, and deepen their connections through shared experiences, Estifanos said.
“We went to Target together to get the decorations, cooked together, by the way, one of the meals we all agreed on was spam musubi, and decorated the apartment in pink and red since it was Galentine’s,” Estifanos said. “We also did karaoke, played card games, and [created] paintings. It was such a fun night because even my friends that were in relationships attended.”
With these ideas in hand, you won’t have to spend the day alone. Go out, explore the city, and make every moment count.
Mabaindu Mbawa (She/ Her) is a city reporter for The Front this quarter. She's a third-year News/Ed Major and an anticipated Political Science minor. Outside of reporting, Mabaindu enjoys styling, taking pictures, and writing poetry. You can reach her at mbawam.thefront@gmail.com.
