Celebrating Galentine’s Day

What’s that you say – you haven’t heard of Galentine’s Day? Take a knee, girl. We’re in a group huddle now. Let me talk you through the ultimate day out with your favourite women. Because how awesome are ladies? VERY.

What is Galentine's Day?

Oh, it's only the best day of the year. Galentine's Day (Galentine's Day falls on February 13th) is a day to get all your favourite ladies together for brunch, drinks or just catching up. Gather your best friends and celebrate the awesomeness of your friendship.

How is Galentine's Day celebrated?

Celebrate Galentine's Day by throwing a fun party with your lady friends. You can have brunch and enjoy each other’s company, exchange thoughtful gifts like handmade cards or poems, or even plan an overnight getaway. It's important to show the ladies in your life how much you appreciate them! Get creative- decorate with decorations that celebrate female friendship; make some cocktails and snacks for everyone to enjoy; and don’t forget the music! Make Galentine's an event to remember by setting aside a few hours to really appreciate each other. Celebrate Galentine's Day in a way that will make everyone smile and feel special.

Instead of moping around and eye-rolling your way through your social media feeds in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, you should blast some Beyoncé and partake in a Galentine’s Day celebration.

Coined by fictional Parks and Recreation character Leslie Knope, the concept of ‘Galentine’s Day’ is as the pun in its name suggests – it’s a day for women to gather their pals and spend a day lifting each other up and feeling good. Can guys do this? Sure! The world just seems to be a lot meaner to women on Valentine’s Day, so wonderful ladies all over the world like to take action and have a great day with other great women.

Instead of just getting drunk off $5 Aldi wine and eating cheap Coles brie (is this just me? Okay cool), why not plan the most grand day of all? The ladies of VenueNow have put our heads together to gift you all with some tips for the Best. Day. Ever. Happy Galentine's Day!

Cocktails at Madame Brussels

CBD

Put on your Sunday best and attend a garden party with your nearest and dearest. Madame Brussels is known for her delicious and naughty cocktails. Want to liberate yourself? Try the Lady Liberty – described as “the Hillary Clinton of the drink world”. Let's just hope the drink doesn't end as the election did.

Brunch

Kick it breakfast style. Dress up, bless up, and eat up. Order the hotcakes and treat yo self. Sip on breakfast cocktails and exchange stories at one of the best brunch places in Melbourne. Top Paddock, Barry, Cobb Lane, Short Round, and Seddon Deadly Sins are just a few hot spots to namedrop.

Karaoke

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After a few drinks, there are certain people who realise they’re actually the best singer in the world and just have to bless all these plebs with their vocal gifts. Maybe we’re all that person, deep down – and it's karaoke that tends to bring this realisation out of us. We all think we can sing those high notes at the end of Mariah Carey’s ‘We Belong Together’ when we’re four cocktails deep when really we can’t. But that’s the beauty of karaoke – it’s not about the quality of singing, it’s all about the heart and energy you put into it. Looking for a fun place to belt out a ballad? Hit up Party World Karaoke in Melbourne Central.

Have a Mexican Feast

Order some frozen margaritas and chow down on some tacos. Fonda, Mamacita, Hotel Jesus, Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria, Radio Mexico, Trippy Taco and Touché Hombre are the top picks for the tastiest night out.

Moonlight Cinema Sesh

Pack a picnic and head to your nearest Moonlight Cinema to soak in the sweet summer evenings, enthralling films and homemade snacks to munch on.

Take your pick: Melbourne Moonlight Cinema (Royal Botanic Gardens), Melbourne Shimmerlands (University of Melbourne, Parkville), Coburg Drive-In, Melbourne South Wharf Pop-Up Cinema, Melbourne Lido on the Roof (Hawthorn), Melbourne Cameo Outdoor Cinema (Belgrave), Ben & Jerry's Open Air Cinema (St Kilda).

1000 Steps

Dandenong

Work up a sweat! Head out to the 1000 steps, gain that strength, and then tear into some brunch in the Dandenongs. Our brunch pick? The Piggery Cafe is Shannon Bennett’s (of Vue de Monde) addition to the growing foodie scene in outer Melbourne.

Cooking Classes

Want to ensure you slay the next pot-luck event you go to? Hit up a cooking class! Learn the secrets of the Middle East at Oasis Bakery. Indulge in the finest desserts at Gânache Chocolate School. Prepare several courses of deliciousness at Spice Bazaar.

High Tea at The Windsor

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Girl, you deserve this. Grab your besties, eat little cucumber sandwiches, drink from an incredible selection from teas at The Hotel Windsor, and pretend that you do this, like, all the time.

Reb, Content Manager: “The Northcote Social Club for a gig is pretty ace way to spend the evening with your gals. Hell, you don’t even have to end up in the band room; a good convo and some well-deserved fries in the beer garden as the sun goes down is just as delightful.”

Ellie, Venue Booking Manager: “Cocktails at Rooftop Bar in the city, then fish and chips at St Kilda beach to catch the sunset!”

Hayley, Content Producer: “Skipping the small talk and getting straight into a D&M over wines at Kent St, then heading to Belles Hot Chicken for some fried munchies… or consuming all of the above at Le Bon Ton.”

Kayetlyn, Accounts Assistant: "Food and drinks at Andrew's Hamburgers in the city, nice a stroll down Swanston St, and billiards at ICUE."

Grace, Market Growth Manager: “We always look for a good balance. Typically some sort of outdoor activity such as a beach day or hike followed by gin & tonics and a delicious home-cooked meal. However, we've also been known to balance an espresso martini, menu in lap, bottle of rosé and four-course meal followed by a solid workout at Yah Yahs. Balance!”

Lauren, Corporate Business Development Manager: “Wine and cheese at The Ugly Duckling, then cocktails, dancing, and kissing cute peeps at The Richmond Club Hotel."

Tess, Event Coordinator Intern

"Madame Brussels rooftop bar is one of my faves. It has this chic garden party theme with a vintage garden setting and the waitstaff dress as if they are coming straight from a tennis club in the 80s. Cocktails come in jugs and on a beautiful day it is just the perfect spot for a date with the girls!”

Pip, Content Producer: “An amazing day out would be a picnic at Collingwood Children's Farm. A great night out would start with a couple of wines at City Wine Shop, followed by dinner, and then a movie at Kino – my favourite cinema in Melbourne.”

Leah, Venue Booking Manager: “My ideal night out with my girlfriends would include some cocktails, nibbles and lots of laughs! Probably at Father's Office, then play some darts at I Dartz… or I’d head out to Ms Collins and get buck wild”.

Jude, Analytics Intern: “For me, it’s definitely dancing. Either an RnB club or a live act somewhere like The Night Cat!”

Kira, Venue Booking Manager: “Walk on the beach, have a feast at Matcha Mylkbar, go to the house of whichever friend has a cat, Instagram the cat and watch something fun on Netflix”.

Other Galentine's Day Party Ideas

Here are some ways to honour and cherish your female friendships and create memories with your female friends:

Ladies night out

Gather your pals for a night of fun and laughter. You could go to the movies, see a show or a concert, hit up the bowling alley or rent some karaoke rooms.

Spa day

There's nothing better than relaxing with your besties. Treat yourself and indulge in treatments like massages, facials, and manicure dates - Pick a cozy spot and grab some lunch or brunch with your girlies. It's an excellent way to catch up on life, talk about the upcoming events in your lives and bond.

Gaiety Night

Nothing says fun and laughter like a night of gaiety. Organize a fun-filled evening centred around playing board games, having conversations or watching movies. Chill at home with your girls or arrange to visit each other’s homes for an extra special night in.

Game night

Invite everyone over for a fun-filled game night. Play some classic board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble and Clue. You could also opt for something more modern like Taboo or Pictionary.

Brunch it up

Gather your girls and head to a beautiful restaurant or cafe for brunching. Sip on some mimosas, order classic breakfast dishes, and enjoy each other’s company.

Book club

If you are part of a book club, then how about inviting all the women to discuss a book that was liked by all last month? This is a great way to bond over something that you all love and enjoy.

Dinner parties

Invite your gals for dinner at home or someone else's house, and celebrate each other’s company with delectable dishes, drinks, and conversations. You could also host a potluck-style dinner party where everyone brings something of their own to the table.

Tea party

Host a high-tea party. Invite your gals for some tea, delicious cakes, savoury snacks and sweet treats. Decorate the space with accent pillows, blankets and candles to create a cozy atmosphere.

Dress-up party

Dressing up is always fun and it can help you feel more beautiful and confident. Put on some music, wear your best outfits, apply makeup and take lots of pictures! It's a great activity to do with your gals.

Dance Class

Dancing is an excellent activity to do together. Find a dance class that accommodates you and your friends, sign up for it - learn something new and have fun doing it!

Ultimately, Galentine's Day is just about having fun and making special memories with your greatest gal pals. There's no right or wrong way to do Galentine's Day - it's all about spending quality time with your besties and creating memories that will last! Celebrate love with your besties! So gather your gals, get ready for a night on the town or a day of pampering, and have some galentastic fun!