Girls’ Day Out: A Galentine’s Guide

By: Carolyn Hall | January 26, 2024
Girl's hands apply icing from pastry bag to handmade gingerbread cookies. Heart shaped gingerbread for Valentine's Day. Pastry craft and art

Galentine’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the joys of female friendship, has gained popularity as an opportunity for women to connect, relax, and indulge in activities they love. Galentine’s Day is said to be February 13th, but many choose to celebrate their friendships with activities throughout the month. Metro Detroit offers a delightful array of options for those planning to honor this tradition. From wine tasting and calligraphy classes to animal rescue events and cocktail crafting, there’s something for every group of friends. Let’s explore some of the most exciting and unique Galentine’s activities in Metro Detroit so you can plan a girls’ day out! 

PEACE LOVE & PAWS RESCUE FUNDRAISER

600 South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak

February 4

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For animal lovers looking for a great cause to support, Peace Love & Paws is hosting the Tails Waggin’ & Draggin’ Drag Queen Bingo with Five15. From 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., join in on the bingo fun while supporting Peace Love & Paws. Board Member and Foster Elizabeth Hoyt tells us, “Peace Love and Paws Rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue focused on helping the homeless and neglected animals of metro Detroit. We’re a powerhouse of passionate women fighting for the voiceless. Our rescue is 100% volunteer-based, and everyone involved helps for one reason and one reason only: a passion for saving animals’ lives. Our events are not only a great time (and they are a GREAT time) – they support an even greater cause! 100% of all funding raised goes directly to the animals in our care.” Tickets are $30 in advance online, or $35 at the door.

peace love & paws galentine's day drag queen bingo fundraiser flyer
Photo courtesy of Peace Love & Paws

BLAKE’S ORCHARD

17985 Armada Center Road, Almada

February 6 

Blake’s Orchard is offering a Galentine’s themed cookie decorating class. Combine creativity with sweetness at this evening class on the 6th. Tickets are $65 and include a box of cookies you’ll be decorating, recipes, and all of the supplies needed for the class. Learn new decorating techniques, spend some time with friends, and have a great evening at Blake’s. You may even turn into a cookie-decorating pro after this!

MICHIGAN BY THE BOTTLE TASTING ROOM

45645 Hayes, Shelby Township

29932 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak

3384 Auburn Road, Auburn Hills

If you’re looking for a few Galentine’s activities that involve wine, Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room is the place to be. “We’re a casual, no-pressure place to try, buy, and enjoy wines from throughout Michigan,” shares owner Cortney Casey. “We schedule a steady stream of fun events paired with wine to keep things fresh, such as our Sip & Script Modern Calligraphy classes with Suki Liu from Signed by Suki, and our Chocolate + Wine Pairing with Birmingham Chocolate. We also have a Silent Book Club, weekly live music, pub trivia, wine education classes, and more! For anyone who loves drinking local, we’re the perfect place to host a girls’ night — or afternoon — out.” The Chocolate + Wine Pairing will be held in Royal Oak on February 8th, and the calligraphy classes are being held on the 1st in Auburn Hills, the 4th in Royal Oak, and the 21st in Shelby Township. 

chocolate bars, bon bons, and nonpareils from birmingham choclate for michigan by the bottle tasting room's chocolate + wine pairing
Photo courtesy of Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room

SIDETRACK BOOKSHOP

325 South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak

February 10

For book lovers, the Sidetrack Bookshop provides a cozy environment to explore new reads or engage in thoughtful discussions. It’s an excellent spot for friends to share their love for literature, find new books, or simply enjoy a peaceful time together surrounded by the charm of a local bookstore. On February 10th, Sidetrack Bookshop is hosting its second Galentine’s Day celebration. At this event, Essbe permanent jewelry will be at the store, which also designed a special book-themed charm available for purchase. Additionally, Casting with Cass will be available for mini tarot readings. 

BELLE’S LOUNGE

161 Vester Avenue, Ferndale

February 29

Indulge in the art of cocktail making at Belle’s Lounge, part of Valentine Distilling, which is one of the country’s oldest and largest craft distilleries. Founder Rifino Valentine describes their craft cocktail classes as “hands-on, fun, and interactive gatherings.” These classes offer insights into the world of spirits, allowing participants to taste their crafted cocktails. In the hour-long class, attendees will learn how to make two craft cocktails, discovering techniques and recipes that can easily be replicated. Grab your tickets before they’re gone! This experience is a perfect activity for those interested in mixology and the history of spirits. If you’re looking for even more activities to do this month, we’ve got you covered here

cocktail with an orange flower from valentine distilling
Photo courtesy of Valentine Distilling

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