What is Galentine's Day? Complete Guide to February 13th
If you've been seeing "Galentine's Day" all over social media and wondering what it's all about, you're not alone. This February 13th celebration has exploded in popularity, and 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet. Here's everything you need to know.
What is Galentine's Day?
Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13th—the day before Valentine's Day—as a time to honor and celebrate female friendships. It's a day for women to show appreciation for their best friends, sisters, and the ladies who make life better.
Unlike Valentine's Day's focus on romantic love, Galentine's Day is all about platonic love, friendship, and the bonds between women that deserve just as much celebration.
The Origin Story
Galentine's Day was popularized by the TV show Parks and Recreation in 2010. In the show, character Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) explains:
"Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies."
While it started as a fictional holiday, Galentine's Day quickly became a real cultural phenomenon. By 2020, it had become a major retail and social media event, with millennials and Gen Z embracing it wholeheartedly.
Why Has Galentine's Day Become So Popular?
1. Celebrating All Types of Love
People are moving away from Valentine's Day being exclusively about romantic relationships. Galentine's Day acknowledges that platonic love is just as important and worthy of celebration.
2. Inclusivity
Galentine's Day is for everyone—single, taken, married, or complicated. It's a judgment-free celebration of friendship.
3. Less Pressure
Unlike Valentine's Day, which can come with expectations and relationship pressure, Galentine's Day is low-key and fun. There's no "right way" to celebrate.
4. Social Media Moment
The aesthetic brunches, matching pajama parties, and photogenic celebrations make perfect content for Instagram and TikTok.
5. Female Empowerment
At its core, Galentine's Day celebrates female friendships and the support systems women build with each other.
When is Galentine's Day 2026?
Galentine's Day 2026 falls on Friday, February 13th—and yes, it's a Friday the 13th! This is actually perfect timing because you can celebrate without worrying about early alarms the next day.
Many people celebrate on the closest weekend if February 13th falls on a weekday, but 2026 gives us that rare Friday landing.
How Do You Celebrate Galentine's Day?
The Classic: Bottomless Brunch
The original Leslie Knope celebration involved breakfast, and brunch has become the traditional Galentine's activity. Book a table at your favorite spot with mimosas and good company.
Other Popular Ways to Celebrate:
At-Home Celebrations:
- Movie marathon with rom-coms or your favorite shows
- DIY spa night with face masks and wine
- Cooking or baking together
- Game night with board games or cards
- Paint and sip at home
Going Out:
- Concert or show tickets
- Paint and sip class
- Escape room adventure
- Shopping day followed by dinner
- Karaoke night
Virtual Options:
- Zoom brunch or dinner
- Netflix Party to watch movies together
- Virtual game night
- Send digital gifts and have a video call
Gift Exchange?
Galentine's Day gift-giving is optional and usually low-key. Common gifts include:
- Cards with heartfelt messages
- Small tokens like candles or jewelry
- Baked goods or treats
- DIY gifts like personalized digital love letters
- "Just because" flowers
The focus is on quality time together, not expensive presents.
Galentine's Day vs. Valentine's Day: What's the Difference?
| Galentine's Day | Valentine's Day |
|---|---|
| February 13th | February 14th |
| Celebrates friendships | Celebrates romantic love |
| Typically women celebrating female friends | Romantic partners |
| Low-pressure, fun-focused | Can come with expectations |
| Group celebrations | Usually couples or dates |
| DIY and budget-friendly | Often involves expensive dinners/gifts |
Can Men Celebrate Galentine's Day?
While Galentine's Day traditionally focuses on female friendships, the spirit of celebrating friendship is universal. Some men have created "Palentine's Day" as a male equivalent, but honestly, anyone can celebrate any friendship on February 13th.
The core message—appreciating the people who matter to you—isn't gender-specific.
Galentine's Day 2026 Trends
This year's celebration is expected to emphasize:
Authenticity Over Perfection Less about Instagram-perfect brunches, more about genuine connection and messy, real friendships.
Inclusive Celebrations Expanding beyond just female friendships to include all platonic love—friends, siblings, found family.
Sustainable Gifting Experience-based gifts and meaningful digital presents over material items.
Long-Distance Celebrations With friends scattered across the country, virtual Galentine's celebrations are here to stay.
Time Capsules Creating friendship time capsules to open on future Galentine's Days is becoming a popular trend.
Quick Galentine's Day Ideas (30 Minutes or Less)
Short on time? Here are easy ways to celebrate:
- Send a heartfelt text or voice message
- Create a digital friendship timeline
- Drop off their favorite coffee or treat
- Post a genuine appreciation on social media
- Schedule a quick video call to catch up
The Bottom Line
Galentine's Day is February 13th's answer to Valentine's Day—a celebration of the friendships that make life meaningful. Whether you go all out with brunch reservations or keep it simple with a heartfelt message, it's about showing the important women in your life that you see them, appreciate them, and are grateful they exist.
In a world that often prioritizes romantic relationships, Galentine's Day carves out space to celebrate platonic love—and that's worth toasting to.
Happy Galentine's Day 2026!
Looking for a quick, free Galentine's gift? Create a personalized digital message for your bestie at iluvyou.app—it takes minutes and they'll love it.