The season of love and friendship is rapidly approaching, and the ads and decorations for Valentine’s Day are already popping up.
Retailers are also advertising Galentine’s Day — a once fictional but now real holiday for many — started by writers of the TV show “Parks and Recreation.”
Galentine’s is celebrated a day before Valentine’s Day on Feb. 13. The day usually features all-female events of mutual empowerment.
Galentine’s-specific events
Events all around the Wichita area are catered towards Galentine’s, from pottery nights to pop-up art markets. Here are some enticing ones:
Yahya Aura and The Good Witch Bakery are partnering for a pop-up party. They will offer complementary alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, sweet treats and shopping areas.
It is a day full of celebrating women, and, as the organizers write, “ovaries before brovaries, uteruses before duderuses, and empanadas before literally everything.” The event will be on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 2 to 9 p.m.
Wichita’s Paint the Towne will hold a Galentine’s Pottery Night with a selection of Valentine’s-themed pottery. People will get to pick their pottery — priced from $10 to $60 — to paint. The event is for ages 15 and up. It will be on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Selfie Spot and Tenfold Tattoos will give people access to selfie booths and allow for walk-in tattoos, piercings and tooth gems. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Bocote Showroom is hosting a Girls’ Night Galentine’s Party with bouquet making, appetizers and cocktails. The event will be Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.
GROW Plant Bar is hosting its Not Dead Yet Social Galentine’s Edition. The event is free to attend, with the opportunity to purchase tickets for DIY goodies and drinks. A local DJ will also perform. The event is Saturday, Feb. 8, from 5 to 11 p.m.
Valentine’s Day events
There are also several Valentine’s Day events, with many catered toward couples. Restaurants around Wichita will offer “dinner for two” packages with three to four-course meals. Siena Tuscan Steakhouse, Wyldewood Winery and Candle Club will also offer couples deals.
Still, there are plenty of general events for single people to attend.
Wichita State will have an event right on its campus. The Share the Love event at the Rhatigan Student Center will offer Valentine’s Day-themed goodies. The event is on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m.
Wichita Brewing Company will host a Valentine’s Disco Ball, filled with a night of dancing to classic disco hits and modern songs. The event will also have custom cocktails and photo opportunities. It’s on Friday, Feb. 14, from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
People can attend a cookie decorating class with River City Sweet Shop and Cameo Cakes. The $40 event will let attendees leave with six decorated cookies and enjoy snacks while decorating.
Sandwiches, face painting, mermaid photos and more will be offered at Valentine’s Teatime at the Enchanted Mermaid. Tickets range from $25 to $45.
The event is on Sunday, Feb. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.