Your guide to Galentine’s Day in Canberra
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Here are some of the best ways to celebrate friendship in Canberra.
While Valentine’s Day might be on the lips of lovers everywhere, there’s another observance that will always tug at our heartstrings – Galentine’s Day.
Rising to international acceptance after a hilarious episode of Parks and Rec, Galentine’s Day falls on 13 February and offers the perfect excuse to celebrate love in its purest form: friendship. And despite the name, it’s not just for the girls.
Quickly becoming adopted by the real world as an additional celebration for platonic love, the day is now associated with brunches, dinner parties, and spa days – essentially, anything that makes you and your BBFs feel good.
But if you’re stuck on ideas on how to join the festivities, don’t worry – there’s plenty happening in Canberra to celebrate the best (in our opinion) day of the year.
Here are nine suggestions. There’s sure to be something your friends will love (pun intended).
Galentine’s Craft Night at Astoria Romance & Fantasy Bookstore
Have some pals that would rather devour a smutty book than go on an IRL date? This is the event for you. Canberra’s own romance and fantasy bookstore is hosting a Galentine’s craft night on Friday 13 February, where you’ll create your very own ceramic phallus vase. Ideal for rambunctious readers who can’t resist a spicy book, your ticket also includes snacks, refreshments and a gift bag valued at over $50.
Friday 13 February, 7 pm | 2/3 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick | Book your ticket here.
Galentine’s at QBD Books
Another event that’s ideal for readers, QBD Galentine’s Night will be a celebration of friendship, fun and (you guessed it) books. During this special after-hours in-store event, you’ll enjoy a blind date with a book, an exclusive in-store discount for the night, games, giveaways and Galentine’s fun and curated reads celebrating love, friendship and self-care! Plus, the first 20 people who registered for the event will also receive goody bags, treats and some extra surprises.
Friday 13 February, 6 pm – 8 pm | QBD Books, Canberra Centre | Register here.
K-beauty masterclass and demonstration
There’s nothing like a self-care day, so why not take the gang to a K-beauty masterclass and demonstration at the National Museum of Australia for Galentine’s Day? Hosted by Samantha Hallal – Australia’s leading K-beauty expert – you’ll learn all about Korean beauty trends, techniques, products and ingredients. Make sure to stop by the Hallyu! The Korean Wave shop afterwards to pick up some goodies to continue the luxe experience at home.
Saturday 14 February, 2 pm – 3.30 pm and Sunday 15 February, 10.30 am – 12 pm | Gandel Atrium, National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book your ticket here.
Love at First Bite – Valentine’s Day QTea High Tea
An afternoon of decadent sipping and shameless swooning? Your friends will be sure to love this. QT is once again serving their heart-stopping high tea every Saturday of February – perfect for a Galentine’s catch-up. Think: 28 loose‑leaf teas, cocktails, and a tower stacked with savouries and sweets almost too beautiful to eat. Priced at $74 per person, turn it into a bottomless affair for an additional cost.
Every Saturday in February, 11.30 am | 1 London Circuit, City | Book your seat here.
Once Upon a Valentine Romance Reader Market
Romance readers, this one’s for you. On Valentine’s Day, a free romance reader market will take over Ainslie Arts Centre to celebrate one of the world’s most popular book genres. Grab your pals and head along from 10 am until 4 pm to explore indie authors, special-edition books, bookish merchandise and more.
Saturday 14 February, 10 am – 4 pm | Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon | Find out more here
Fries Before Guys
It’s all in the title. On Saturday 14 February, Leyla Bar is inviting you to grab your besties and head to the rooftop for two hours of sipping, snacking and chatting. Including a Caesar salad, bottomless fries (yes, really), martinis, cosmos, spritz and selected wines, everything you need for the perfect night out will be supplied.
Saturday 14 February, 3 pm | 7/1 Burbury Close, Barton | Book your seat here.
Valentine’s Day at the NFSA
Galentine’s celebrations and a movie night always go hand in hand. On Saturday 14 February, the NFSA is hosting a live performance by Los Chavos – Canberra’s own Latin reggae powerhouse – in the heritage courtyard, which will be followed by a screening of Strictly Ballroom (1992). Sip on local wines and summer cocktails and indulge in charcuterie from Dom’s Deli & Bar for a fun-filled night.
Saturday 14 February, 6 pm – 10 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book your tickets here.
Puppy Yoga with Mini Dachshunds
This might be the most adorable way to celebrate Galentine’s Day. Hosted by Paws & Poses Australia, on Saturday 14 February, enjoy 45 minutes of beginner-friendly yoga while mini dachshund puppies roam freely, followed by 15 minutes of dedicated puppy cuddles. We’re pawsitive you’ll all have a great time.
Saturday 14 February, 11.30 am, 1.15 pm, 3 pm and 4.30 pm | Studio 9, Building 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book your ticket here.
Kingpin’s ‘Date Plays Free’ Pass
Who says Valentine’s plans have to involve romance? If you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day with your ride-or-dies, Kingpin has just launched a fun, no-pressure option that’s all about doing something together (and having a laugh while you’re at it).
For a limited time, Kingpin’s Date Plays Free Pass lets you book one activity and get a second one free for whoever you bring along — best friend, group chat MVP or your entire Galentine’s crew. Think bowling showdowns, darts, karaoke chaos or a hit of arcade nostalgia, all under one roof and without the awkward Valentine’s Day clichés.
Saturday 14 February, various times | 148 Bunda Street, City | Book your spot here.
Feature image: Ben Calvert.
