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Galentine’s Day—created by beloved Parks and Recreation leading lady Leslie Knope and observed on February 13—has gone from a fictional holiday to a recurring calendar event for BFFs everywhere. After all, who doesn’t want an excuse to celebrate the people who fill your platonic cup with rant-filled happy hours, DM’d memes, and knowing shoulder squeezes all year long? Here, five local ways to show your besties the appreciation they deserve (in advance of listening to them complain about how their SO blew Valentine’s Day, again).
The Wild & Sacred Feminine Deck
“Written by soul sisters, for soul sisters,” the Wild & Sacred Feminine Deck is a beautifully illustrated set of 52 oracle cards meant to help its readers set intentions, look within, and find clarity. Co-authors and Coloradans Elizabeth Marglin and Niki Dewart, who collaborated on the project with Taos-based illustrator Jenny Kostecki-Shaw, suggest choosing an open-ended question (“What do I need to know right now?” “How can I tend to the true calling of my heart?”) before pulling a card. The deck, which was released this past fall and comes with a guidebook to help with interpretation, could be used as part of a daily mindfulness practice, in preparation for a big meeting or life event, or even in a group setting to encourage thoughtful conversations at a Galentine’s Day happy hour or on a hut trip. Available online and in select local shops, including Boulder Bookstore; $35
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Sofar Sounds’ Pal-entine’s Day Concert
Sofar Sounds puts on intimate “secret” shows—the lineup is two or three acts, usually music but sometimes spoken word, comedy, or dance, and the venue is revealed 36 hours before the performance—in 400 cities around the world, including Denver. All it will say about the February 13 Pal-entine’s Day concert in RiNo is that it will be “dedicated to the love of friendship” and provide “good songs, good times, and a cozy setting.” But with past entertainers that include Billie Eilish, Leon Bridges, and Hozier, we say it’s worth taking a flyer on. $22
A Femme Trek Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park
Based in Estes Park, Femme Trek takes groups of women on snowshoe and summer hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The outfitter’s most popular warm-weather offering is the moderate, 5.5-mile journey to 40-foot Ouzel Falls—which makes now the perfect time to reserve a Saturday outing in July (wildflower season!) for up to 10 of your favorite hiking buddies. The four-to-five-hour Galentine’s Day promise of more fun to come includes hot drinks, camaraderie, and the wilderness expertise of your guide. $165 per person (email info@femmetrekltd.com or call 844-336-TREK for group discounts)
Aligned Adventure’s Design Your Dream Life Digital Bundle
Aligned Adventure founder and transformational coach Julia Taylor designs motivational mugs (“She believed she could so she did”), candles, and artwork with an aesthetic inspired by her Rocky Mountain environs, all of which would make adorable Galentine’s Day presents—if you ordered them in time. If not, you can still score thoughtful friend points by gifting her Design Your Dream Life digital bundle. The instant download contains printable affirmation cards, a 12-week guided journal with prompts meant to help you define and achieve your goals, a vision board guide with 35 sticker templates, eight art print files (in various sizes and color schemes), and a guided visualization recording. $33
Dress Like Your Ex Galentine’s Brunch at Punch Bowl Social
Next Saturday, February 18, you can join gaggles of gal pals at Punch Bowl Social on Broadway to toast—and roast—your former lovers over mimosa bowls (serving size: four) and classic girl-power anthems spun by a live DJ from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reserve your table in advance and start thinking about your outfit: Best-dressed prizes are on the line. But it shouldn’t be too hard to re-create your ex’s tech-bro uniform or to just put on that hoodie you never returned…and maybe still sleep in sometimes. Free admission