Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec at Galentine's Day party

Did you know that the day before Valentine’s is actually more celebrated than the day itself? That’s right — it’s called Galentine’s Day, and it may be the greatest “fake” holiday of all time.


“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year,” says Leslie Knope, the overachieving deputy director on TV’s Parks and Recreation. Every February 13th, Leslie Knope and her lady friends leave the men at home and just kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies. “It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus, frittatas!”

Leslie Knope Galentine's Day party on Parks and Rec

Leslie Knope’s invention of Galentine’s Day, has become an annual staple for many women who enjoy cherishing their closest friendships. If you plan on celebrating and having your girlfriends over for the occasion, we put together our very own “Leslie Knope-approved” agenda. To help you create an experience to remember, we have your go-to guide for curating the best mix of festive foods and activities for a sensational Galentine’s Day.

Brunch It Up!

Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson eating breakfast foods on Parks and Rec

Follow Leslie’s lead and throw a brunch-style Galentine’s Day party! Have the girls over and ask everyone to bring their own breakfast dish to elevate the spread. You can mix it up with a selection of breakfast meats, colorful fruits, carb options (mmm, pancakes, waffles, French toast) and, of course, drinks — mimosas anyone? In order for this to be “Leslie-approved,” you’ll need to include some form of quiche or frittata. Voila, you have a delicious brunch spread that is sure to get the girls chatting and giggling.

Decorate for the Occasion + A Photo Booth

A Leslie Knope valentine celebrating Galentine's Day

Think pink and red balloons, streamers galore, and table settings complete with handwritten Parks and Recreation themed cards. Decorations will liven up the space and create just the right vibe for the party. You can take whatever direction you want when it comes to decorating for your party; just make sure you’ve got the basics covered!

Speaking of decorating, a homemade photo booth is a great way to get in the party mood. Designate a special space for the photos to be taken, and spice up the background by adding a red and pink fringe curtain backdrop. Additionally, print out some photo booth props (fun hats and mustaches, a variety of chocolates, sweet sayings, or tiaras) and tape them to popsicle sticks; that way everyone can participate. It’s always a pleasure to take pictures because you and the girls will want to preserve this special day.

Share Galentine’s Day Love Stories

Leslie Knope talking to Ann Perkins about love stories on a Galentine's Day episode of Parks and Red

Leslie’s favorite part of the Galentine’s Day gathering? Story time! In the Season 2 episode, Leslie asked her mother, Marlene, to tell the story about how she fell in love. Obviously, you and your friends should share similar stories of romance and heartbreak, in keeping with the Galentine’s Day tradition.

Have a Galentine’s Day Watch Party

Once you have finished stuffing your faces with breakfast foods and have captured all the IG worthy photos, take it to the living room to unwind with a watch party. Specifically, a Parks and Recreation watch party. You can find the sacred Galentine’s Day episodes on several streaming services. Check out these episodes:

  • Galentine’s Day, Season 2, episode 16
  • Operation Ann, Season 4, episode 14
  • Galentine’s Day, Season 6, episode 17

Don’t Forget the Sweet Treats! 

Red velvet cupcakes decorated for Galentine's Day


Cupcakes. This snack option can even double as an activity. Bake a dozen cupcakes ahead of time and mix together different pink and red shades of frosting. Then, everyone can create their own delicious Galentine themed cupcake. 

Baking with chocolate in a kitchen for a Galentine's Day party

Chocolates. Is it even a Galentine’s Day if there are no chocolates involved? Bake some chocolates from scratch or go the classic route with a Valentine’s Day chocolate heart so you and your girlfriends can all eat your weight in chocolate together!

Would you consider this agenda Leslie-approved? If you partake in any of the activities listed above on this year’s Galentine’s Day, share in the comments below!

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