Galentine’s Day

Skip the fancy dinner with some dude and celebrate your lady loves

By Jackie Fender on February 7, 2019

Galentine's Day is a fairly new phenomena and proves the power of pop culture. Media is a powerful tool in manipulating our everyday lives. Remember when everyone was getting "the Rachel" -- that well coifed, medium length shag hairdo that took the world by storm? What about popular phrases like: "Whatchoo talkin' about Willis?," "Did I do that?," and "That's hot," -- all popularized by television. And while fashion choices and speech patterns may be obvious choices for the power of pop culture persuasion, you can now add holidays to the mix. Hallmark holiday, Valentine's Day, has gotten you thinking you need to be all starry-eyed, in love with your romantic partner and showering them with roses, candies, fancy dinners and sparkly things. For ladies who might feel like going stag, or celebrating their favorite lady tribe members, Galentine's Day is the new preferred celebratory day. Leslie Knope, a fictional character from the series Parks and Recreation is portrayed by comedy powerhouse, Amy Poehler, so it's no wonder we've followed her lead here. Celebrated on the 13th of February, Galentine's is a day to shower your best gal pals with love. In Ms. Knope's case, brunch of waffles and lady admiration, in your case, it can look like anything you'd like, but I found a few local festivities that have coordinated a little something for you. If you're a creature of tradition, add these festivities to a day kicked off with your favorite waffle joint.

On Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m., Happy Belly Restaurant and Juice Bar is hosting a Snack and Chalk, Galentine's Chalk Workshop. This evening will help you prepare for the following day festivities as you craft a home décor gift your lady friend will love. Materials are provided and delectable salads, wraps, juices and sweets will be available for purchase to fuel your creativity. Pre-registration is required and your spot can be secured by contacting Happy Belly owner, Jennifer Johnson. 1122 Market St., Tacoma

More wine? Naturally. From 6-9 p.m., Vino Aquino hosts a shopping and wine event. For $10, festivities include a swag bag, sweet treats and samples of their soon-to-be-released dessert wines. Think toasted caramel, crème brulee and black forest. Additional glasses can be purchased for a cool $5 each, and being in the space is a perfect opportunity to snag a bottle or two for your bestie, if you ask me. 4427 6th Ave., Tacoma

Olympia Girls Pint Out hosts a Galentine's Day you won't soon forget. Sip on a pint of craft beer while making crafts with your lady loves. The $6 ticket includes a pint and a chance to pair bites with brews, as porters, stouts and IPAs all have chocolate matrimonies. This will all take place at the 2 Mile House Pub and Eatery, Feb. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Secure your space by sending funds via PayPal to jojo.pohl@girlspintout.org. 4221 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia

Not necessarily a Galentine's Day festivity, Wine & Chocolate hosted at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory on the evening of Feb. 15, is an excellent way to carry the fun into the weekend. Bask in the whimsy of the conservatory, lit to perfection, and sip wine or champagne while nibbling on hors d'oeuvres, and decadent treats crafted by local chocolatiers. Tickets range from $40-$60, depending on whether you'd like to opt in for the intimate VIP Happy Hour. Find your tickets at metroparkstacoma.org. 316 S. G St., Tacoma