No significant other? No problem! Whether you’re single, taken or situationship-ing, Valentine’s Day is about showing love to friends and partners alike. Galentine’s Day, celebrated on Feb. 13, is a day of showing platonic love to all friends, not just female friends. So get in the spirit and celebrate all your loved ones this Valentine’s Day! Here are some nearby date and activity ideas to celebrate with your partner, friends or both!
Saturday Brunch at Drumlins’ Bistro 1926
Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday sounds like the perfect opportunity for brunching! Whether you’re with your friends or your other half, Bistro 1926 at Drumlins Country Club is a great option for Valentine’s Day weekend brunch (or dinner if you want to sleep in!). You can enjoy the upscale atmosphere with the convenience of being so close to campus. Make sure to reserve a table in advance, since they will likely book up quickly for Valentine’s Day!
Catch a Play or Musical
A night out to the theater with friends or a significant other is always a fun excuse to dress up! The Syracuse Stage is currently showing “Relentless” until Feb. 22, and it’s the world premiere of this show! Support our Syracuse actors and enjoy an outing to the theater, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, grab a nice dinner at Phoebe’s Restaurant located right next door. Enjoy the show!
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Looking for something unique and romantic? A Candlelight concert is the perfect event for a romantic evening. A string quartet plays a series of songs, including crowd favorites like Elton John, Lady Gaga and the Beatles, all while surrounded by a ton of little candles. It’s truly a romantic and immersive experience! They have two showings in Syracuse on Feb. 13, one at 4 p.m. and another at 6 p.m., so make sure to book your tickets soon before they sell out!
Girls’ Night In
Having a girls’ night in is the perfect, lowkey option if you and your friends are looking to have some fun without any elaborate planning. This Galentine’s Day staple can be easily adapted depending on your budget and location (ie. dorm, apartment, house, etc.), making it an accessible option for all.
I recommend getting some face masks, your favorite sweet treats, some fun board games, and either a movie or some music for the background! You can make this as extravagant or simple as you’d like. If you’re feeling festive, check out these Valentine’s Day decorations from Target for some added pizzazz. A chill night with your friends is always a great way to spend the weekend!
Visit a Local Museum
Syracuse is a city full of history and a vibrant arts scene. Take a visit to our very own Syracuse University Art Museum or check out the Everson Museum of Art in downtown Syracuse. In fact, Everson is hosting a romantic Valentine’s Day event for the couples out there. If you’re looking for a more of a historical museum experience, the Erie Canal Museum is a classic option. You can also check out their rotating exhibits to see what’s on when you visit. A museum trip is the perfect bridge between an enriching cultural experience and a fun, meaningful day spent with people you love!
These ideas only scratch the surface of the fun, romantic and maybe a bit cheesy Valentine’s Day activities around Syracuse. Above all, remember to show those you care about some love this Valentine’s Day, no matter how you choose to celebrate!
Written By Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.