The Boston Girl’s Guide To Galentine’s Day

Classically celebrated February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day is a way for all ladies, whether single or in a committed relationship, to enjoy each other’s feminine company and don their best magenta. Like cities across the United States, Boston is all-in on the feminine festivities, and many establishments have cleared their calendar for girls’ night out.

Since Galentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, we still want to be able to show up to work, school, or a date with a special someone the following day feeling well-rested and ready to go. So, while festive and fun, these activities double as wholesome, even educational, events for you and your friends.

If you’re hoping to stay indoors after sundown this February or you simply don't live in Boston, don’t fret. Each idea is totally DIY-able, and inspiration is included. But if you’re looking to hit the town, know that between its schools and sports teams, Boston is a fairly type-A city, and reservations fly off the shelves days, sometimes weeks, in advance. My advice? Book now!

Learn a New skill at Sip & Script

Whether you have an upcoming wedding that needs place cards or you want to take your handwritten note game to the next level this year, grab your best girl friends for a night of beginner calligraphy. 

Since 2015, Boston-based Sip & Script has been bringing together hobbyists and professionals alike to experience the art of beautiful handwriting. What began as a two-woman enterprise has blossomed into 100 instructors across the United States.

Calligraphy is believed to be therapeutic and stress-reducing as it allows the artist to create something kinesthetically. In our fast-paced, keyboard-dominant culture, what better way to slow down, craft something beautiful, and gain a new skill all in one?

A Sip & Script class includes 1.5 hours of instruction, a beginner’s calligraphy kit, and paper products for practice. And if you’re wondering where the “sip” comes in, the workshops are held at coffee shops and breweries, depending on the time of day.

In the Boston area, four calligraphy nights are being held on Galentine’s Day, as well as four the preceding Sunday (and many more throughout the year). How fun would this be for a bachelorette or birthday party?

Far from New England this February? You can find a Sip & Script event near you at their Event Page, or you can host something similar at home. Try a “Bob Ross” night or scroll through Pinterest for manageable arts & crafts.

Let Your Creative Side Bloom with a Flower Arranging Workshop

Girls just wanna have fun – and flowers! 

Bubbly ‘N Blooms is hosting an after-work class for everyone from the seasoned florist to the first-time arranger at Downtown Boston’s High Street Place food hall this Galentine’s Day. An expert instructor will guide ladies through the bouquet-making process. With the location just a five-minute walk from South Station and all materials provided, your girl gang can swing by after a day at the office and leave with a beautiful arrangement to wake up to Wednesday morning.

If you're seeking a more frugal flower option, look no further than the produce section at your local Trader Joe’s. Select two or three types of flowers to take home, and flip on a YouTube tutorial. Peek into your cabinet for a vase or similar vessel, and let your inner florist flow.

Put Yourself Out There at a Networking Night

If you don’t wish to stray too far from the work zone Monday through Friday, a women’s networking night is a fantastic and productive option this Galentine’s Day. It’s LinkedIn – in real life!

The Boston Young Professionals Association is inviting business-minded ladies to the Moxy Hotel’s rooftop lounge for high-caliber connection and a panoramic view of the Boston skyline. While the event is cost-free for members of the association, they have made guest tickets available for women hoping to dip a toe into the world of networking. 

To make it even sweeter, the Boston YPA will send every attendee home with a gift bag and chocolates.

Glisten and Glow at a Group Pilates Class

As Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy!”

Boston is chockful of first-class workout classes, and this idea will work great for morning girls or anyone with an unusual work schedule (nurses, this one is for you). Galentine’s Day is an all-day affair. Plan to meet up with some of your fitness-loving friends bright and early, and get your body moving all at the same time.

With six pristine studios and even more instructors throughout the greater Boston area, the woman-owned Boston Body Pilates offers an accessible, low-impact workout for every fitness level.

If you’re looking for an option where you can catch up with a roommate, sister, or friend (and don’t mind braving the frigid Boston temperatures), a morning hot girl walk is another great option to wake up the mind and body this Galentine’s Day.

Shake It Up with a Cocktail-Making Class

Want to take the classic “dinner and drinks” to the next level? Try your hand at mixology at a Galentine’s Day cocktail-making class.

In Boston, Boqueria Seaport invites girlies 21 and up to experience the ins and outs of crafting two seasonal cocktails – just right for a Tuesday night. Women will have a chance to work with ingredients they may not have around the house while they learn about flavor profiles, specialty liquors, and bartending tools. Participants can enjoy a tapas spread while they shake and stir, gaining a new skill they can take into Valentine’s season to impress a date!

Staying in this Galentine’s Day? You can create your own “cocktail-making workshop” with roommates and friends. Peruse Pinterest for the perfect recipe to sip on, and gather the gals for a drink or two in the comfort of your apartment.

Show Your Competitive Side with Trivia

Need the perfect opportunity to let people know that you’re kind of a history buff? Or maybe the girls at the office know you’re a competent engineer, but not the Swiftie side of you! Whatever your motive, Trivia Night is a great way to bring coworkers or roommates together with a shared goal: taking home the first place prize.

And let’s be frank. With graduates from Harvard, MIT, BU, and BC scattered throughout the city, Boston residents love to show off. You can find trivia somewhere in the city any night of the week!

This Galentine’s Day, you can find trivia at any of the usual Tuesday spots. Coolidge Corner Clubhouse in Brookline boasts of homemade questions every week. Eugene O’Neill’s in Jamaica Plain ensures an engaging host. Brighton’s Irish Village promises the perfect number of questions, and in Southie, there are two options to choose from: Shamrock Pub at 7 p.m. and Stats at 8 p.m.!

If you and your besties are homebodies, try hosting a “Kahoot!” event or DIY Jeopardy night – lots of templates exist online. Energize those creative juices to try and stump the group. You could even add prizes to spice up the competition!

Closing Thoughts

Galentine’s Day is the perfect reason to rekindle a relationship with your former college roommate or call your sister who lives across town. Beat Boston’s dark winter days with Galentine’s Day plans guaranteed to brighten the day of every girl involved.

While you can never go wrong with planning a classic movie night or grabbing a cocktail to get Galentine’s Day out of the group chat, these Boston-based suggestions can add a fun and feminine twist to your February agenda or a future girls’ trip to Beantown.

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