Women everywhere are gearing up for Galentine’s Day, a day to celebrate your best gal pals. Here are six ways to enjoy the occasion in Phoenix.

Hello, ladies! February is here, with heart-shaped chocolate boxes taking over every drugstore near you. But never mind Valentine’s Day—it’s time to plan your Galentine’s Day!

For those who haven’t experienced the holiday magic of Galentine’s Day before, you might not be aware that its origins come from the iconic Leslie Knope of “Parks and Recreation.” According to Knope and those who’ve taken her lead, Galentine’s Day, on February 13th, is a day to celebrate the friendship between women with food, drink, gifts, and whatever other ways you want to tell the gals in your life how awesome they are.

Whether you’re a seasoned Galentine’s expert or a newbie to the day, Phoenix is full of fun and exciting spots to make a Galentine’s to remember. So get out your planner and start taking notes on some of Phoenix’s best places to get your Galentine’s party going.

1. Unleash your creativity at Paint N’ Sip

Ever wanted to give your artistic side a spin? Whether you’re a newbie to painting or consider yourself the next Artemisia Gentileschi, a little treat and the company of friends are great ways to get the creative juices flowing, and paint n’ sip events let you do just that.

Paint n’ sip evenings combine a group painting class with wine, beer, cocktails, or mocktails for an evening of fun where everyone leaves with their own original work of art. Your experienced instructor will guide you through the step-by-step technique towards creating a particular image or design, but you’re welcome to add your own variations or go off-script entirely!

Phoenix is home to a number of companies and venues offering paint n’ sip events, so you’ll have plenty for you and your gals to choose from. On Galentine’s Day itself, you can check out Painting With a Twist, where you can BYOB while working on a sweet, thematic painting, or head downtown to The Painter’s Lounge, where Galentine’s week brings painting and wine with a nature-inspired or wine-themed motif!

2. Express female rage & embrace your inner warrior at axe throwing

Galentine’s Day isn’t just hearts and flowers with your friends—sometimes, it can be about getting out some catharsis and inner rage! Enter axe-throwing. For those who are unfamiliar, axe throwing is exactly what it sounds like: hurling axes at a target, similar to darts, if darts had been invented by a group of Vikings.

In Phoenix, you can hurl an axe (or two, or seven) at The Mighty Axe in Desert Ridge, where you can try their interactive, thematic targets in addition to traditional axe throwing. Or, you can enjoy dinner, drinks, and axe throwing at Lumberjaxes Bar and Grill, where you can feast on classic sports bar treats after working up an appetite at the targets. Head to BATL Axe Throwing in nearby Scottsdale, where you can not only throw axes and enjoy a refreshing drinks selection but even give knife throwing a shot!

3. Enjoy some much-needed pampering during a spa day

What’s more relaxing than a day at the spa? Well, how about a day at the spa with your best girlfriends? Take advantage of the Galentine’s BOGO special at The Phoenician, where you and a friend can celebrate Galentine’s Day with luxury pampering. Some of the best spas in and around Phoenix are located in hotels, like the Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale, home of the Alvadora Spa, but you can still purchase spa services even if you’re not planning on an overnight stay. 

Or, if you’re looking for a true luxury experience, the Arizona Biltmore is offering you and three friends a Galentine’s package deal, including credits for their spa, food and drink, plus access to their exclusive Citrus Club.

4. Team up with your besties to break free from an escape room

Looking for a mission for you and your girls this Galentine’s Day? Look no further than one of Phoenix’s many escape rooms! These themed spaces offer groups of all sizes the chance to put their heads together, solving puzzles and unlocking clues to escape before time runs out. Phoenix escape rooms can also vary in difficulty levels, meaning that there’s something for long-time escape room junkies, but newbies will also find a challenge they’re up to.

For those looking for a fully immersive experience, The Nemesis Club prides itself on its elaborate themed rooms with interactive plotlines, including a heist for a superhero’s secret treasure and a hunt for a mythical Arizona monster. Just make sure you and your team can find their hidden entrance inside the Soda Jerk Co. milkshake bar! Meanwhile, at Puzzle Effect, you and a crew of up to six buccaneers can search for pirate treasure, or explore a haunted bookstore—if you dare. 

5. Show off your girl power at Bam Kazam

One of the most unique spots in Phoenix, Bam Kazam is part arcade, part escape room, and part amusement park. A ticket gets you and two to five friends the chance to explore for two hours, and play games ranging from grown-up versions of nostalgic favorites like The Floor is Lava to mental challenges like trivia. You and your team can choose a focus for your adventure or try a little bit of everything!

6. Rock out at an official Galentines’ party

What better way to spend Galentine’s Day than at a party celebrating fun and friendship? Sites like Eventbrite are full of Phoenix Galentine’s events and parties for you to bring your friends or even make some new ones!

From crafting your own vision boards and enjoying a delicious platter of charcuterie at Vision and Vibes to checking out indie jewelry and tattoos at The Merchantile of Phoenix, there are plenty of fun shopping parties for you to choose from. For a night on the town, check out the Galentine’s Party with drinks, dancing, and a photo booth at Mini Social, or some fun and games at Dave and Buster’s with the Girl’s Night Out Galentine’s Party.

Whatever you choose, remember to raise a glass to the gals in your life. Cheers!