Galentine’s Day in Jersey City

February 14th conjures mixed emotions. Some people (usually in relationships) love the holiday and see it as a reason to celebrate those who you love, usually by purchasing heart-shaped candies, dressing up in red or pink and going to a pre-fixe meal paired with wine. Others (usually single) see it as a cheesy, capitalistic holiday that makes them feel bad about their current situation.

But what about February 13th? Thanks to Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation, we ladies have an excuse to gather up our tribe and celebrate our friendships and love for each other. Leslie Knope and her gal pals celebrated the day with waffles, but I’ve compiled a few other options all weekend long in Jersey City to check out!

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DRIP THEN SIP

As you might know, I love me a group class. Why not check out one of these fitness classes, get your sweat on, then “rehydrate” with some wine? Cyclebar has a Happy Hour Friday class. After 45 minutes of sweating, you celebrate with beer and wine without even leaving the studio! Asana Soul has Galentine’s Self Care night (in their Hoboken studio) where you will be guided through meditation and restorative yoga then face masks and cookies. Your favorite female empowerment fitness studio Jane Do is always a great option to get your sweat on with your girlfriends.

Galentine's Day in Jesey City
Cyclebar Happy Hour Fridays. Photo courtesy of @cyclebarjerseycity

Then celebrate your post workout glow with some glass clinking! On Friday, Luna has a pre-fixe menu for $60 per person and buy one get one glasses of wine that would be just as fun with a girlfriend as it would a boyfriend. Harry’s Daughter is having specials on both Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day. Plus, @TheFoundryGirlJC is hosting a party there from 7-10pm on February 12th, where you can shop vintage clothes, get henna tattoos, and snap some insta-worthy pics! JSQ Lounge is having an extra long happy hour from 3-7 on Friday plus a free comedy show.

 

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GET YOUR RELAXATION ON

Back when Fifty Shades was still a thing, my girlfriends and I would reserve a pack of seats at the movie theater and snicker at cheesy movie series like these. I still love the idea of seeing a movie with friends. This year, a good romance-drama to check out is The Photograph, a love story that comes out on Feb 14th. Head over to AMC Newport to check it out! Sneak in some candy from Lee Sims Chocolate. I won’t tell as long as you share!

Galentine's Day in Jersey City
Assortment of chocolates and chocolate covered food. Photo courtesy of @leesimschocolates

If sitting in the dark in silence isn’t your idea of bonding with your girls, I totally get that. Why not check out the Galentine’s Day spa event at Suite Tee? For $75, you get a mani/pedi, facial wax, tarot card reading, and some bevvies and snacks. Seems like a good deal if you need to schedule some chill time in your life. Sign up here! Another option is Sattva Yoga, which is hosting a free Kundalini Yoga and Meditation class on the evening of the 14th if you want to center your body and mind.

 

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Since Galentine’s Day is essentially a fabricated holiday we made as a reason to hang out with our friends, why not use that time to learn a new skill? DT 234 Gallery does fun Paint and Sip classes, where each of you will walk out with your own painted masterpiece. They’re doing a special Galentine’s Day class on the 13th, where you’ll be painting a Cosmo. It’s BYOB, so bring your own cosmo’s to pair with the painting!

Galentine's Day in Jersey City
Galentine’s Day Paint and Sip Class, BYOB! Photo courtesy of @dt234gallery

If you’re extending your “Dry January” through February, maybe try the Latte Art class on Feb 14th at Hidden Grounds Coffee and become your own barista.

 

FEEL GOOD BY DOING GOOD

Nothing feels better than using your time to help others. Instead of partying with your gal pals, maybe you can all gather to have fun at a philanthropic event. On Saturday Feb 15, Harborside Atrium is having a “Save a Heart” Fashion Show. Not only will you have a reason to dress up in gala attire, but you’ll be supporting diversity and culture in the fashion industry and The American Heart Association. Sign up here!

If the weather is agreeable, maybe you’d like to donate your time with some volunteer gardening. Liberty State Park is having a meetup on Saturday to make the park even more beautiful than it already is. If you’re interested, email rosemarie.cuillerier@dep.nj.gov .

Another way to do good is to nourish your soul. Bring your girls to this female empowerment workshop at Nimbus Dance Works where you’ll learn how to date yourself and treat yourself with the love that you deserve.

Galentine's Day in Jersey City
Female empowerment workshop. Photo courtesy of eventbrite.com

 

PARTY ON

Sometimes girls just wanna have fun. And there’s nothing wrong with that. There are lots of fun events happening over Valentine’s Day Weekend that you can swap out your man for your girls. The Midnight Market will be open in the Harborside Atrium and they’re having a V-Day special: if you buy 2 tickets, you can upgrade to VIP for $9 each. If you want to get your brunch on, Porta is having their 4th Annual Galentine’s Day Brunch which is sure to be a blast. If you want to sing your heart out, maybe check out “Valentine’s Gay” at Pianist Envy. Perhaps you want to spill your heart out on stage. Snapdragon Coffee & Social is hosting a poetry slam and open mic.

If none of your gals are available, fret not! Meet some new girls at a meetup for game night at Zeppelin Beer Hall.

Galentine's Day in Jersey City
Zeppelin Hall Game Night Meetup. Photo courtesy of meetup.com

Where will I be? Alas, I won’t be able to make any of these fantastic events. I’ll be spending Galentine’s Day solo on an airplane headed to Australia. Who knows, maybe I’ll befriend the girl next to me in honor of the holiday. But we would love to hear your Galentine’s Day in Jersey City experiences. Please check these events out and let us know what you think!

Ashley Brown
Author: Ashley Brown