Where to Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Indianapolis

Galentine’s Day festivities have gained popularity over the years and we’re not sad. Galentine’s Day is indeed a made-up holiday that came from one of my favorite shows, Parks & Rec.

If you’re a woman who just needs a few hours away from the house in the company of other adult women, Galentine’s Day is a very necessary holiday. It’s the day we remember that we once had a different connection with friends, a connection that perhaps didn’t center around conversations about potty training, PTO drama, and carpooling. Take the day before the slightly more well-known Valentine’s Day to get out with the girls kid-free and simply celebrate friendships.

Best Places for Galentine’s Day

Here are a whole bunch of places where we like to celebrate Galentine’s Day in Indy with our girlfriends.

The Theater

Indianapolis is full of fantastic live theater venues with amazing actors and shows. We love hitting up great shows at venues like the Indiana Repertory Theater, Beef and Boards, or the Palladium in Carmel.

If your friends are into seeing something in the movie theater that isn’t about princesses or other animated characters, we recommend Flix Brewhouse. You’ll have access to beer, wine, and tasty food while you relax and enjoy a movie of your choice and only take a bathroom break if it’s for you.

Making Stuff

The crafting and DIY home decor craze has swept into Indianapolis in a big way. With so many DIY studios to choose from, your little crafting heart will be satisfied. You’ll love making your own candles at Penn & Beech, painting pottery at any number of places, creating wooden masterpieces at Board and Brush or AR Workshop, or even arranging flowers at a florist shop like Oberer’s!

Want to decorate some sweet treats without all the baking and clean-up? Sweet Minis Cakes and Bakes in Brownsburg has DIY cupcake and cookie decorating open studio times, along with their regular bakery case offerings. We’ve even hear they have some specific Galentine’s Day events on their calendar this year.

A Rich Lunch or Dinner

If the Cake Bake Shop has been on your must-do list for a while, there’s no better time to grab your gal pals and treat yourselves to a famous slice of cake. We recommend snagging reservations early, as Cake Bake is a popular destination during Galentines/Valentine’s week. In addition to sweet treats, there are wonderful soups, salads, and sandwiches to round out your meal. If besties Oprah and Gail were in Indianapolis, we’re certain they’d spend their day here.

Baby’s is another local favorite and we can guarantee you’ll love it! Broasted chicken, burgers, and fries are all menu items we recommend but the coolest offerings are the boozy milkshakes. There’s even a dairy-free option if you need it.

Rosie’s has several Central Indiana locations and offers popular dishes that will have you and your girlfriends wishing every day was Galentine’s Day! Try the cinnamon roll and a tasty mimosa, then take home some Gooey Butter Cookies for your loves.

Drinks and Dreamy Home Design

If you weren’t one of the first to rush out to RH’s showroom at the Christel DeHaan estate in Indianapolis when it opened in November of 2023, Galentine’s would be an excellent excuse to go check it out. Whether you’re actually shopping, or just dreaming, the mansion and grounds are beautiful places to stroll with friends while seeking inspiration amidst the elegance. Afterward, settle in for lunch in the Dining Room restaurant or just sip drinks at the wine bar.

Stay at Home

The cool and undecidedly snowy weather has many of us wanting to stay at home. Host a boozy waffle brunch, Leslie Knope-style, without even leaving the house! A simple mimosa bar and waffles with all the toppings complement each other well. If you want to get really fancy, order cookies from Blooming Bakes, grab some bouquets for your guests, and pick up a selection of treats from the Macaron Bar. Or, just keep it casual with wine and some cheese.

Chocolate is Best

Winery but Don’t Whine

Relax

Get Some Fresh Air

Hiking in February is not for the faint of heart, but the most adventurous girls among us seem to be happy to explore the outdoors no matter the weather. If bundling up for a winter trek is your jam, there are several parks in the Indianapolis area that are just as exciting in the colder months as they are in the summer. Fort Harrison State Park and Eagle Creek Park are perennial favorites. Or venture further from home to Turkey Run, McCormicks Creek, or Clifty Falls State Parks. You can even make a weekend of it and stay in one of the State Park Inns. Many offer 2-for-1 night specials or similar deals during January and February!