Your Ultimate Guide to Galentine’s Day in Downtown Ann Arbor

Feb 7

Written By Ashley

Let’s celebrate love, friendship and support of local businesses in Ann Arbor, MI. The 5th Annual Galentine’s Day Small Business Crawl is taking place on Saturday, February 8, 2025. We can’t wait for a day of fun, good vibes and a bustling downtown scene. To help you make the most of your day, here’s a comprehensive guide to the event.

Find a parking spot! You’ll likely want to choose one of the parking garages if you plan on spending the entire day in Ann Arbor. This makes it easier on you and you won’t have to worry about your parking meter expiring. Street parking is available (with payment option on the ePark Ann Arbor App) but you can only stay in that spot for up to 2 hours. We recommend using the Fourth and William Garage, Fourth and Washington Garage or the S Ashley Street Lot.
Pick up your Galentine’s passport: To participate in the event, you need to pick up your bi-fold passport so that you can begin collecting stickers from businesses. You can visit any business that is listed as participating and ask for a passport. Participating businesses are listed here. Once you have your passport, you can visit any business and collect a sticker (no purchase necessary for a sticker). Collect 6 stickers and your passport is complete! Turn it in to any participating business by Sunday, February 9, 2025 to be entered to win a giant gift basket of items from all of the businesses involved.
Review the map on the back of the passport: If you haven’t been to Ann Arbor in a while or if you are here for the first time, welcome! We’re so glad you joined us for this fun event! The map on the back of the passport has pins with every single business involved and it is a great way to visit long standing plus new businesses here. You will definitely find unique treasures from each of the local shops in Ann Arbor while enjoying a day out.
If you’re looking for a healthy morning snack: We recommend visiting Toastique or Samba Bowls for smoothies, juice shots, and bowls to energize and get the day started.
Grab a sweet treat or two! There are a lot of delicious treat options in Ann Arbor with special deals for Galentine’s Day that you don’t want to miss. Get something sweet at Cinnaholic, House of Chimney Cakes offering 20% off one item or Le Bon Macaron offering 10% off valentine’s themed items. These can make perfect gifts as well!
Enjoy Festive Cocktails: Happy hour heart eyes Aventura, Ruth’s Chris, Vinology and Pretzel Bell have put together custom menus for Galentine’s Day. Aventura is featuring a Sangria special and gin cocktail, Ruth’s Chris will be starting happy hour early with Espresso martinis, Vinology has a unique menu for their lounge seating and Pretzel Bell has some very cute and themed cocktails and appetizers available. Or grab a cocktail to go from Blom Meadworks & Cider, Conor O’Neills, or Jolly Pumpkin as part of the Downtown Ann Arbor Social District.
Create a valentine for that special someone: Who doesn’t love giving or receiving a Valentine? The Getup has make and take vintage valentine’s, Ann Arbor Art Center is partnering with the Ann Arbor District Library to make bookmarks, and London Beauty has a make your own Valentine Bar. Make a cute valentine or book mark for that special someone!
Get your shopping on! Local retailers have fun deals, giveaways and activities planned for Galentine’s Day. Ferne Boutique is offering a free gift with any purchase and double rewards points on purchases made. Cherry Republic has $5 wine to go and 20% off all red candy. Rock Paper Scissors info here xyz
A Pop-Up Market at a Bar? Yes, please! Circ Bar is hosting their monthly pop-up arts and crafts fair for Galentine’s Day featuring local businesses and talented artists. Also they are offering a milk and cookies bar for a unique treat while you shop!
If you get hungry, don’t worry there are lots of restaurants to choose from. Mexican food, pizza or BBQ and more! Head over to Chapala, Blue Tractor or Detroit Pizza Pub for lunch.
Book lovers, you’ll want to go here! Literati Bookstore is having a raffle for their newest book club subscription (valued at $75) if you show your passport. Also, if you love reading, you won’t want to miss going there.