February 13 is a day to celebrate love. You read that right. It’s known as Galentine’s Day and it’s when women celebrate the women in their lives.
The concept took off after a 2010 episode of American sitcom Parks and Recreation when Amy Poehler’s character announced, “Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.”
Now it has become a global practice and we’ve compiled some of the quirkiest Galentine’s Day events around Northern Ireland so that you and your girls can get together and celebrate beautiful friendships.
Sip, paint and dance
Taking place in Happy’s on the Lisburn Road in Belfast on February 16 from 7pm-10pm this event combines music, art and the odd glass of the fizzy stuff.
The ticket includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, step by step guidance from skilled art instructors and art supplies to create your masterpiece and, afterwards, guests will be treated to a Two Hearts, One Beat dance session with AK Fusion Dance.
There will also be treats, games and the chance to win prizes.
Tickets cost £22.50.
Paint your Pal Galentine’s night
Run by CIC Kitsch Sisters from their office on Fountain Lane in Belfast, Paint your Pal is an opportunity to meet new people and make some new memories with your best friends as you paint fun portraits of each other.
Taking place on February 15 at 4.30pm, tickets cost £17.50 and all materials will be provided alongside a few treats and a cocktail.
Additionally, Kitsch are running a matchbox painting night on February 15 at 1pm for £11.55.
Galentine’s Night at The Quays
Enjoy some bubbly and pick up some make up tips from Belfast’s premier make-up artist Paddy McGurgan and Belfast TikTok star Shannon Mitchell at The Quays shopping centre in Newry on February 13.
Tickets cost £20 and include a meet and greet with Paddy and Shannon, a make up demo by Paddy and a follow up Q&A, a goodie bag, prosecco and nibbles as well as the opportunity to win a private make-up lesson with Paddy for you and your bestie.
Belfast Book Club Galentine’s edition
Come along to Belfast Book Club’s Galentines celebrations on February 9 on The Belfast Barge.
Promising to be a night filled with books, chat and music it is the ideal event if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to spend your Galentines.
Tickets are £6 and will include a drink on arrival as well as a book themed goodie bag.
The girls also recommended reading Flawless by Elsie Silvers ahead of the event so you can dive right into the romance – however, this is not a requirement or necessity.
Self-care night
Why not treat yourself and your friends this Galentine’s and organise a self-care night?
Pop on a face mask or some eye gel patches and create a serene, relaxing atmosphere where you can all take a step back and just enjoy some you time.
Many people have their preferences when it comes to self-care and skin routines but NI-based skincare company Miss Bee Haven offers a range of tubs of clay facial masks for £9.99.
Afternoon Tea at Montalto Estate
For the foodies in the friend group a Galantine’s themed Montalto Estate afternoon tea is the perfect way to celebrate the occasion.
Savour an array of delicate finger sandwiches, savoury homemade pastries and freshly baked scones followed by luscious chocolate-dipped strawberries and an assortment of sumptuous, sweet treats.
And afterwards stroll through the estate’s beautiful gardens and stunning natural surroundings.
Pitch Perfect movie night at Fratelli
Get ready for a sing-along, laugh-out-loud night as the iconic 2012 musical comedy Pitch Perfect comes to the big screen at Fratelli Belfast on February 13.
For £35 guests will enjoy a main course, drink and popcorn before sitting back and letting the a cappella fuelled nostalgia wash over them.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or it’s your first time watching the movie, it promises to be a night full of good food and even better craic – perfect for Galentine’s Day.
Board Game night
Why don’t you and your pals lean into your competitive sides this Galentine’s Day with a board game night?
Dust off some of the old classics like Cluedo, Monopoly or even Twister and enjoy the childlike thrill that comes from getting full invested in a board game.
Alternatively, Born and Bred sell some NI-themed card games, including, Irish Pubs playing cards for £10 and Protestant and Catholic trading cards available for £16.90.