Drag queen Vylette Ward performs at drag brunch at Verbena Food & Drink in Downtown Austin Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman
Valentine’s Day may be the holiday for lovers, but Galentine’s — the unofficial Valentine’s Eve event inspired by Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope on the NBC TV show “Parks and Recreation” — is a festival for the friends who actually show up when you need a cocktail and an alibi. In Austin, February is practically a monthlong ode to friendship, from brunches where the mimosas are mandatory to rooftop escapes, DIY adventures and dessert experiments that make staying in feel just as celebratory. After all, love is nice, but laughing with your ride-or-die friends? That’s essential.
This year, the city’s calendar is packed with events that let you toast your besties, get a little creative, move your body, and maybe even learn what your palm says about your love life — all without checking your dating app.
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Through February (ongoing)
Zanzibar Rooftop: ‘Love Island’–inspired villa vibes
Zanzibar is serving theme cocktails and desserts all month. Groups can drift in for a drink, enjoy sweets like double chocolate lava cake or claim a private cabana through Feb. 28. Cabanas are for up to six guests with a bottle of champagne, sofa seating, heaters and cable TV for $100.
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304 E. Cesar Chavez St. 737-787-6969, zanzibaratx.com.
Saturday, Feb. 7
Industry Eastside: Women-only sing-along brunch
Industry Eastside hosts The Hello Chaser Band for live music and mimosas. Tickets are $35 per person.
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1211 E. Fifth St., Suite 150. 512-564-8686, eastside.industrytx.com.
Sunday, Feb. 8
Ezov: Galentine’s brunch
The steak and eggs is a standout from Ezov’s new Sunday brunch, while the green shakshuka offers a veggie forward option.
Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman
Brunch specials include $8 mimosas and $30 rosé bottles from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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2708 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-305-1118, ezovatx.com.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
Canje: Galentine’s wine flight
Canje offers a tasting flight of McBride Sisters and Black Girl Magic wines. Small bites complement each pour from 5 to 8 p.m.
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1914 E. Sixth St., Suite C. 512-706-9119, canjeatx.com.
Friday, Feb. 13
Amy’s Ice Creams: DIY dip kits and chocolate-covered strawberries
Pre-orders through Feb. 12, in-store pickup starts days before Valentine’s Day. For the at-home Galentine’s crew, Amy’s offers chocolate-covered strawberries and DIY dip kits and strawberry marshmallows.
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Maude’s at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa: DIY hat bar
Maude’s is hosting a DIY hat bar where guests can pick colors, patches and chains to craft personalized accessories while sipping on cocktails from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person.
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575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd., Lost Pines. 855-923-7851, lostpinesresortandspa.com/dining/casual-dining-drinks/maudes-bar-and-terrace.
Electric Shuffle: Cupid’s house party
Shuffleboard, silent disco and two drinks for $25 at Electric Shuffle.
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91 Red River St., Suite 102. 512-894-8779, electricshuffle.com/us/austin.
Fairmont Austin: Fulton lounge & spa takeover
Lounge takeover: Feb. 12 | Cocktails and live music: Feb. 13
Fulton’s Galentine’s-themed cocktails like the “Unfollow Him Martini” and “The Red Flag” set the stage for a lively evening with music. The spa’s lounge takeover a day earlier combines short treatments, DIY scrubs and chocolate treats.
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101 Red River St. 512-600-2000, fairmont.com/en/hotels/austin.
Gibson Street Bar: Galentine’s party
Gibson is offering specialty cocktails, shot skis and a jewelry pop-up. Party starts at 5 p.m.
1109 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-386-1345, gibsonstreetbar.com.
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Sign Bar: Austin artisan market + DJ
A local artisan market and a DJ set. The event runs from 7 to 11 p.m.
9909 F.M. 969 Bldg. 3. 512-256-4701, signbartexas.com.
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Hotel Van Zandt: Galentine’s day retreat
The Van Zandt retreat blends suite stays, cocktails at Brass Poppy, dinner at Geraldine’s, in-suite glam sessions, tarot readings and more. Overnight experiences can be booked through Feb. 13.
605 Davis St. 512-542-5300, hotelvanzandt.com.
Carpenter Hotel: Love in the hands workshop, workout sessions
Hands workshop: Feb 13 | Pilates and yoga: Feb. 15
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Palmistry readings plus a ‘zine workshop and drinks on Friday starting at 5 p.m.. Then on Sunday, the hotel will host Pilates and yoga sessions with DJs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will be followed by community time and wellness activities at 1:30 p.m.
400 Josephine St. 512-682-5300, bunkhousehotels.com/carpenter-hotel.
Summer on Music Lane: Prix fixe dinner + Haley Anna live
Summer on Music Lane pairs a curated meal with live music on the Bobbie Nelson Lawn. The menu ranges from winter salads to seared tile fish and chocolate-raspberry desserts — and yes, cocktails are optional but recommended. The prix fixe is $65 running from 6 to 9 p.m.
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1101 Music Ln. 512-442-5341, bunkhousehotels.com/summer-on-music-lane.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Austin Motel: Valentine’s ho-down
The Austin Motel adds a dose of camp and country music with specialty rum cocktail and drag performances from 1 to 5 p.m.
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1220 S. Congress Ave. 512-441-1157, bunkhousehotels.com/austin-motel.