The fictional holiday created by Lesli Knope of Parks and Recreation in 2010 has solidified itself into an annual event celebrated nationwide. The ladies-only holiday is February 13 and is the perfect excuse to gather the gal pals and celebrate friendship and fun.
One of the best things about celebrating with the ladies is that there are no rules to follow. The idea of chocolates, flowers, and dinner is thrown out the window and replaced with unique experiences. Although Leslie and her Parks and Recreation friends celebrated with breakfast, a sushi-making class, an afternoon of posh pampering, or a girls-only getaway, are just some ways to spend time with your favorite people.
To honor the godmother of Galentine's Day, we've curated a list of excellent ideas for partying with the besties in Houston.
Catch a cabaret experience at Live at the Founders Club
Be one of the first to enjoy Live at the Founders Club, a nightclub cabaret experience in downtown Houston. The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts recently announced the concept and its first performer Holland Vara. The Founders Club at the Hobby Center has been transformed into an intimate cabaret club with tables for four, light bites, and cocktails. A unique night out for friends, Holland Vera will put her own spin on classic love songs, making them into something entirely unexpected. Tickets are available here.
Be one of the first to enjoy the newly opened Founders Club for a night of cabaret. Photo courtesy of The Founders Club
Roll this way at a sushi-making class at Aya Sushi
Grab your gal pals and prepare for an unforgettable experience at Aya Sushi's sushi-making class with renowned Chef Yoshi Katsuyama. Enjoy complimentary cocktails and learn how to prepare classic maki, house maki, crudo, and nigiri. Guests will receive a take-home kit with all the essentials to make sushi in the comfort of their own homes. Reservations can be made by emailing reservations@ayasushi.com.
Enjoy cocktails and learn to make sushi at Aya Sushi in Bellaire. Photo by Jenn Duncan
Create the perfect pout at MYX Blend Bar
The glam squad will love a customized beauty experience at Rice Village's MYX Blend Bar, where they can create a personalized shade of lipstick or lip gloss. Choose from eight distinct styles of products, from liquid matte to lip balm. MYXologists will help create a custom pallet to complement every skin tone. Elevate the experience by adding shimmer, SPF, custom fragrances, anti-aging treatments, and more.
Create a custom lipstick or lip gloss in Rice Village. Photo by MYX Blend Bar
Unleash your inner 13-year-old at Sloomoo Institute
Designed not just for kids -- but for the kids in each of us -- Sloomoo Institute features over-the-top installations that engage the senses. Make your own slime at the world's largest DIY Slime Bar; the opportunity to get slimed at Sloomoo Falls, satisfying ASMR experiences with immersive video, sound, and scent, and all-new experiences like Slimey Fossils where guests explore slime imprints. To celebrate the holiday, Sloomoo will have V-Day decorations throughout the experience, as well as Valentine's Day-themed photo booth, activity sheets, and other fun accessories.
Total 13 going on 30 vibes at Sloomoo Institute. Photo courtesy of Sloomoo Institute
Enjoy posh pampering at the largest luxury spa in Texas
Prioritize luxury and self-care this Galentine's with a day full of pampering at Trellis Spa. There is so much to do; enjoying Trellis Spa is an all-day event. Guests are encouraged to experience the water circuit in the outdoor Soaking Pools & Garden, where they can rent a cabana to soak in Vitamin D while enjoying drinks and bites outdoors. After a massage, facial, or mani/pedi, gather the glam squad to savor a delicious lunch, a glass of bubbly, and beautiful wooded views from Trellis Spa's restaurant.
Add posh pampering at Trellis Spa to your Galentine's Day wish list. Photo by Steve Lee Photography
Galentine gaming at Activate
There is nothing better than having fun and getting in a workout at the same time. Newly opened Activate provides high-tech games that test your bestie's physical and mental agility across various real-life challenges. Participants can immerse themselves in realistic arcade games and compete alongside a team of at least two to five others. Activate features 11 activity rooms with over 500 games and difficulty levels, each lasting one to three minutes. Wristbands track participants' scores and progress, making them perfect for a casual night out or intense competition between friends.
Enjoy a bit of friendly competition at Activate this Galentine's Day. Photo by Activate
Gather your plant pals for Galentine's Day at The Plant Project
For the gal groups obsessed with plants and everything green, The Plant Project is hosting a Galentine's Day workshop at its Montrose Collective shop. Join founder Bree Iman Clarke for a blooming good time and learn how to make stunning floral arrangements and enjoy the beauty of flowers. Consider this the perfect way to spend quality time with your favorite ladies and spread love and joy on this special day. Light bites and sips come courtesy of Fiora's Bottle Shop.
Gather the plant squad for an afternoon of green fun at The Plant Project. Photo by The Plan Project
Go subterranean to view Haha Real at the Cistern
Go underground and view a multi-media installation in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Rachel Rossin's Haha Real is inspired by the classic children's story, The Velveteen Rabbit. The newest installation at the Cistern blends AI animation techniques and video-game engine graphics with traditional art. Besties will enjoy a landscape of holographic figures and an immersive soundscape by Houston-born musician Frewuhn. Tickets are available here.
Enjoy the newest installation at Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Photo by Zainob+Mathew Create
Explore new heights at iFLY
Everyone looks good in a flight suit and goggles, so this Galentine's Day, spend some time with the besties at iFLY. For the holiday, first-time flyers can get four flights and two videos shared by two people, making it twice the fun. The exclusive package will be available for purchase online and at iFLY tunnels from February 1 through February 19.
Take advantage of a great flying package at iFLY. Photo by iFLY
Luxuriate in Texas' only Forbes Five-Star rated spa
Take spa time to a whole new level at Texas' only Double Five-Star rated hotel and spa and the only Five-Star rated spa in the Lone Star State. What do five stars mean for Galentine's Day? Total luxury. In addition to a menu of top-of-the-line facials, massages, and self-care rituals, The Spa at The Post Oak Hotel offers several amenities, including an aroma steam room, tranquility pool, multi-sensory shower experience, and sauna.
Spend the day at Texas' only Forbes Five-Star rated spa. Photo courtesy of The Post Oak Hotel
