Galentine's Day 2026
funSaturday, February 13, 2027
151 days from today · next occurrence
About Galentine's Day
Galentine's Day is the unofficial holiday that puts friendship first, celebrated every year on February 13, the day before Valentine's Day. Instead of romance, the focus is on the women friends, or gal pals, who show up for each other all year long.
The holiday was born on television. In a 2010 episode of the sitcom Parks and Recreation, the relentlessly enthusiastic character Leslie Knope hosts a ladies-only brunch on February 13, bestowing handmade gifts and effusive toasts on her closest friends. The idea escaped the screen almost immediately, and within a few years Galentine's Day became a real fixture on calendars, restaurant menus, and gift guides.
Today it is marked with brunches, wine nights, card exchanges, and heartfelt messages between friends. Though it began as a celebration of women's friendships, plenty of people now use the day to appreciate any close friend, no romance required.
When is Galentine's Day?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 13, 2026 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 13, 2027 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 13, 2028 | Sunday |
| 2029 | February 13, 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | February 13, 2030 | Wednesday |
History of Galentine's Day
Galentine's Day has an unusually precise origin story for a modern holiday. It first appeared in the season two episode of the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation titled Galentine's Day, which aired in February 2010. In the episode, Leslie Knope explains the holiday she invented: every February 13, her friends gather for waffles, mimosas, and handmade gifts, just gals being pals. Viewers adopted the tradition enthusiastically, and by the mid-2010s brands, florists, and brunch spots were catering to it. The word galentine has since entered everyday usage, cementing the holiday's journey from a sitcom joke to a genuine cultural custom celebrated far beyond its television birthplace.
How to Celebrate Galentine's Day
- Host a brunch or dessert night for your closest friends, complete with waffles in Leslie Knope's honor.
- Send handwritten cards or small gifts to the friends who support you year-round.
- Organize a group activity you all love, from a spa day to a hike to a movie marathon.
- Post a genuine appreciation message for a friend who has stood by you through hard times.
- Volunteer together or back a women's charity to celebrate friendship by giving back.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Galentine's Day?
- Galentine's Day is celebrated every year on February 13, the day before Valentine's Day. The fixed date grew out of a Parks and Recreation episode and stuck.
- Is Galentine's Day a public holiday?
- No. Galentine's Day is a pop-culture observance, not a public holiday. It is not an official day off anywhere, though restaurants and shops happily join in.
- How do people celebrate Galentine's Day?
- People celebrate with ladies' brunches, gift exchanges, friendship cards, and group outings. Many simply send messages thanking their female friends for their support.