Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating friendship, fun, and the amazing women in your life. Orange County is full of creative, adventurous, relaxing, and memorable ways to celebrate, and we’re here to share some of our favorite ideas with you.
What is Galentine’s Day?
Originally conceptualized on an episode of Parks & Recreation that aired on February 11, 2010, Galentine’s Day has grown into an officially unofficial holiday generally celebrated every year on February 13th (or around Valentine’s Day).
Things to Do for Galentine’s Day in Orange County
Here are some local ways to make your Galentine’s get-together unforgettable:
For The Girls Who Like Action & Adventure
Sometimes you really just want to hang with your besties and laugh. And maybe throw some things. Orange County has unique spots for that:
Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales – Costa Mesa
Slashers combines fun, friendly competition, and a lively atmosphere with a horror theme. They often host special events over Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day week including Axe Your Ex night.🪓
Whoop Axe Throwing – Lake Forest / Mission Viejo
Challenge your friends to a round of axe throwing in a relaxed and fun space that’s great for groups and Galentine’s Day celebrations.
King’s Eye Escape & Axe – Westminster
Here you find axe throwing, escape rooms, and a rage room experience all in one place. Great choice for a full night fun!
Cross Roads Escape Games – Anaheim
Team up to solve puzzles, beat the clock, and test your communication skills. Want to be terrified? Try the Weeping Witch! Not a fan of getting scared? Go for The Fun House. We’ve done both and had fantastic experiences.
There are many additional escape rooms across Orange County with immersive themes that are perfect for a group challenge.
For the Creative Girls
Paint Nights & Creative Classes
Sign up for a Galentine’s Day paint night! Sip wine, listen to music, and follow step-by-step instructions to create a keepsake you can take home with you.
Pinot’s Palette (Brea/Huntington Beach/Tustin)
Pinot’s Palette offers painting and wine nights with no experience required, and may even have some fun Galentine’s Day themed projects to create. Make art and memories with the ladies. In addition to the studio setting, there are often local pop-up paint and sip events at OC breweries, maker markets, and other venues.
DIY Workshops & Ceramics
Explore local art centers and studios offering paint-your-own pottery, ceramics, or other craft experiences for a hands-on activity that’s both creative and social. Try one of these local spots:
- Color Me Mine – Brea, Costa Mesa, Tustin
- Hidden Talents – Huntington Beach
- Let’s Go Paint – Seal Beach
- Year-round Art Classes at Sawdust Festival – Laguna Beach
- Costa Mesa Ceramics – Costa Mesa
- ARTime BARRO – Costa Mesa & Laguna Beach
- Mud Hen Clay and Art Studio – Tustin
- AR Workshop – Various/Mobile Locations
For the Girls Who Love Music and Performing Arts
Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Costa Mesa
For a more elegant evening, catch a concert, Broadway show, ballet, or performance at this renowned local performing arts center.
Local Concerts & Community Shows
Check the listings for events at live music venues for community concerts and performances happening around Orange County for a fun night out.
Brunches & Afternoon Hangouts
Brunch Spots & Cafés
Plan a cozy brunch (or a bottomless one!) or afternoon tea at one of OC’s many charming cafés or restaurants before or after your activities.
Wine & Cocktails
Gather your group for a Galentine’s Day wine tasting or cocktail hour at one of Orange County’s stylish rooftop bars.
Outdoor Ideas for Galentine’s Day
If getting outside on Galentine’s Day is more your jam, Orange County has plenty of scenic and social options:
• Beach Walk & Picnic — Grab blankets and snacks for a beach day in Newport Beach or Laguna Beach. We love Little Corona and the Pirate’s Tower in Laguna.
• Hiking & Views — Take in ocean vistas while hitting trails like those at Santiago Oaks, Crystal Cove, or the Newport Back Bay.
• Markets & Art Walks — Stroll through local art and vendor fairs or farmers markets for a casual daytime adventure (and shopping).
More Galentine’s Day Ideas
Comedy Clubs
Laughter is one of the best ways to celebrate friendship. Grab tickets to a comedy show at the Improv in Irvine or Brea for a guaranteed fun night out.
Spa Day
Book a group spa treatment, facial, or mani-pedi session. It feels good to take care of yourself, and it’s a relaxing way to spend quality time together.
Unique Group Experiences
- Charcuterie Board Workshops (or DIY at home): Learn how to design Instagram-worthy boards together.
- Cooking Classes: Take a pasta-making, sushi-rolling, or dessert workshop as a group.
- Photo Sessions: Hire a local photographer for a fun (and super cute) group shoot at the beach or in one of OC’s downtown areas.
Tips for Planning Your Galentine’s Day
- Check event calendars early! Many activities and shows sell out around Valentine’s week. Bookmark things you’re interested in when you scroll past them on Instagram so you can go back and plan accordingly.
- Make a day of it and mix activity types. Pair axe throwing or rock climbing with a relaxing brunch or painting class.
- Got a Galentine’s Day group? Book in advance for larger parties, especially for paint nights, rage rooms, and class-based workshops.
- Dress for the vibe! Or just have fun and dress up. Whether it’s athleisure for hiking or glam for a show, make it part of the fun.
- Capture the memories. Seriously. Take lots of photos to remember the day.
| Things To Do For Valentine’s Day | Girl’s Night Out In OC |
| Valentine’s Day Events | Orange County Night Markets |
