Historically, Valentine’s Day got major eyerolls from anyone without a partner. But as Galentine’s Day has caught on as a tradition of its own throughout the years (thanks, Parks & Recreation), more people have come around to the season as a time to celebrate love and friendship in every way. Locally, there are tons of fun activities planned throughout February to help you spend time with your nearest and dearest—whether you want to catch up over drinks, shop, dance, or get creative with a craft or workshop.
Here is just a fraction of what’s happening around the city to help you feel the love with your girl gang this month.
2/7-8: Galentine’s Day Brunch at Prima Dopo
While brunch is always a Galentine’s go-to, Prima Dopo is hosting more than just a mid-morning menu. Treat yourselves to permanent jewelry by Ava Waves & Co, a Champagne tower, a photo booth, and a DJ, all with an Espresso Martini in hand. Prima Dopo Cucina & Cocktail House, 1724 Thames St. 12-3 p.m.
2/9: Galentine’s Day Flamingle
Friends who flock together, stay together. On the Zoo’s historic Mansion House Porch, help yourself to an open bar while enjoying a one-of-a-kind drag brunch, zoo admission, crafts, a chance to have your fortune read, and so much more–including the famous flamingos. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, One Safari Pl. 12-4 p.m.
2/9: Blooms & Bubbles: A Floral Design Workshop at Cafe Luli
What’s better than getting flowers on Valentine’s Day? Designing your own arrangement—preferably with a glass of bubbly in hand. Join Brookfield Blooms at Stevenson’s Cafe Luli to nibble on appetizers and sweets as you learn the ins and outs of garden-inspired bouquets. Tickets include all supplies and entry with the chance to win a curated Galentine’s gift bag. 10423 Stevenson Rd. 6-8 p.m. $105.
2/10: Galentine’s Day Pizza Making Class at Verde
If you prefer carbs over chocolate, learn about the history of Neapolitan pizza while enjoying delicious house-made mozzarella, bread, two glasses of wine or beer, and a hands-on dough tutorial at Verde in Canton. Verde. 641 South Montford Ave. 6-9 p.m. $95.
2/12: Galentine’s Day Paint & Sip at Kneads
Grab your group and make your way to Harbor East to paint two of your own stemless wine glasses with an instructor while sampling appetizers, desserts, and two complimentary drinks. And be sure to stop by the flower bar for a free bouquet before you head home. Kneads Bakeshop & Cafe, 506 S Central Ave, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $44.
2/12: Sagamore Spirit Chocolate and Whiskey Pairings
Take regular boxed chocolate to the next level at Sagamore Spirit. After a guided a tour of the Baltimore Peninsula distillery, settle in for four different chocolates each paired with a unique whiskey. Sagamore Spirit Distillery, 321 E Cromwell St.
2/12: Brushes, Bubbles & Besties at Nick’s Fish House
In keeping with the name of the event, pals will enjoy the three b’s along the waterfront at Nick’s Fish House, sipping bubbly, snacking on charcuterie, and painting their own oyster shells. No artistic experience required. Nick’s Fish House, 2600 Insulator Dr, 7-9 p.m., $50.
2/13: Ammoora’s Galentine’s Celebration
Looking to play up the elegance? Then slip into your finest pink and red attire and find your way to Ammoora in the Inner Harbor. There, you and your crew will sip Champagne, snack on passed mezzes, groove to live tunes, and end the night with a round of Espresso Martinis, if you choose. Ammoora, 751 Key Hwy, 9-11:30 p.m. $50.
2/13: My Bloody Valentine’s Horror Market
Stop by Blue Pit BBQ for Bmore Horror Club’s second-annual Valentine’s market. Shop jewelry, art, tarot, and more from local businesses. You’ll have a scary good time picking out handcrafted horror Valentine’s cards, bath bombs, and other self-care products. Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar. 1601 Union Ave. 6-9 p.m.
2/13: Galentine’s Day at Golden West
The team at Golden West is hosting this special fundraiser for the Maryland SPCA. If you bring a new, unused food or toy donation ($35 value), you’ll get signed up for a free tattoo. The benefit bash will also highlight permanent jewelry, a photo booth, eats and drinks, and DJ AAVE’s FRIENDZY (7-9 p.m.)—which mimics speed dating, but for new best friends. Golden West Cafe, 1105 W. 36th St. 4-10 p.m.
2/13: Gal Pal Galentine’s Day Dance Party at Old Line
This feel-good fête will offer eats from Fishnet, music from DJ Saucee, and the knowledge that your ticket supports Helping Up Mission. For every cocktail sold, Old Line Spirits in Highlandtown will donate $2 back to the cause— so drink up. Old Line Spirits, 200 S Janney St., 7-10 p.m., $25.
2/13: Just Like Frens Galentine’s Social at Vessel
Dress to the nines (pink and red encouraged) and head to Vessel at Baltimore Peninsula for eats, drinks, and live music spun by Ty Alexander and Coco Spinelle. Vessel Baltimore, 2460 Terrapin Wy, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
2/13: The Birds & The Bees R&B Party at Bar V
Classic and contemporary R&B will set the mood for this romantic rager at Bar V—which will highlight DJ P Drama and a live performance by Makenna. Bar V 2.0, 2424 Distillery St.
2/14: Cheers to The Girls: Galentine’s Day Bar Stroll
Branded swag and $2 Espresso Martinis, Crushes, mimosas, Surfsides, and craft beer? Sign us up. Throw on your most festive getup and stroll through Fells with stops at The Choptank and Waterfront Hotel. You’ll also get to enjoy exclusive brunch specials and live music from female artists. The Choptank, 1641 Aliceanna St., 12 p.m. $30.
2/14: Find Your Valentine Lock & Key Singles Party
Take the intimidation out of finding a Valentine by heading to Canton with your pals for this happy hour mixer. Singles ages 24-49 are invited to ditch the apps for the night and break the ice with games meant to eliminate the awkwardness of meeting new people. Even if you don’t meet the love of your life, you’ll get a great story out of it. The Greene Turtle, 3803 Boston St., 7 p.m. $16-32.
2/14: Cupid’s Takeover ft. Enslow
Say goodbye to gushy romance and hello to girl power at Angels Rock Bar, where Baltimore’s own pop princess Enslow will serenade the crowd. Shred a photo of your ex at the door for a free shot; take advantage of a one-hour open bar from 7-8 p.m.; and down discounted beer, bombs, and Surfsides the rest of the night. Angels Rock Bar, 10 Market Pl, 7 p.m., $15.
2/15: Girls Who Walk Baltimore: Galentine’s Walk
Bring your friends or just bring yourself for this themed stroll with Girls Who Walk Baltimore. Before you get some fresh air along the Jones Falls Trail, warm up with Moving History’s stepping workshop in honor of Black History Month. Jones Falls Trail North, 5051 Greenspring Ave., 8:30 a.m. Free.
2/21: Golden Girls Galentine’s Day Drag Brunch at The Brass Tap
The Golden Gays, the lauded group of Golden Girls drag devotees, is bringing this sidesplitting show to The Brass Tap in Bolton Hill. Enjoy brunch fare and celebrate love and friendship with perhaps the most notable girl group there ever was: Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose. The Brass Tap, 1205 West Mount Royal Avenue. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $20.
2/22: Pretty, Paid, & Pouring: Pretty Girls Brunch at Avenue Kitchen
Gather the girlies in the heart of Hampden to party with DJ Hi Def. Dress code is red and pink attire, and signature cocktails, including “Main Character Energy” and “The Direct Deposit,” will be flowing throughout the meal. Avenue Kitchen & Bar, 911 W. 36th St. 12-5 p.m.
Ongoing: Dollars for Dung Fundraiser at the Maryland Zoo
Recently got dumped? Return the favor by naming a literal dump after your ex for a $5 donation to the Maryland Zoo. Not only will it hopefully bring a sense of closure, but you can also feel good about supporting animal care and global conservation efforts for endangered Panamanian golden frogs and African penguins. You’ll receive a PDF certificate to commemorate your charitable revenge. $5-20.