Our Valentine’s & Galentine’s Picks—All in One Place

If you’re in the mood to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day—or just an excuse to do something fun—Raleigh has plenty of options this year. From hands-on whiskey experiences and cocktail-fueled dance parties to flash tattoos, rom-coms, and heart-shaped pancakes, this roundup puts all the love-themed plans in one place so you can opt in (or scroll right past with zero guilt).

Here’s what’s on the calendar:

Friday, Feb. 13: Galentine’s Party at Smash
Start the weekend with bubbles, bingo, and a DJ at downtown Raleigh’s newest high-energy hangout. Order a Burrata pizza and get a free glass of bubbles, play “get to know you” bingo, and score chances to win free games of table tennis, electric darts, and tech-enhanced shuffleboard.
📍 Smash, 500 Glenwood Ave., Suite 300
🕖 7–11 p.m.
🔗 smashraleigh.com

Saturday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day at Wolfe & Porter
Whether you’re celebrating love or just Saturday, Wolfe & Porter is hosting an all-day Valentine’s vibe with rom-coms, a DIY photo booth, flash tattoos by Gabi of Tattoo Honey, and festive cocktails. The Love Potion #69 Slushie—dragonfruit, lime, tequila, orange blossom, and a cherry—is a standout at $10.
📍 905 W. Morgan St, Raleigh
🕑 Bar open 2 p.m.–midnight | Tattoos 3–7 p.m.
🔗 wolfeandporter.com

Saturday, Feb. 14: Bottle Your Own Bourbon at Olde Raleigh Distillery
For a more hands-on Valentine’s experience, Olde Raleigh Distillery is offering guided tours followed by the chance to bottle your own Barrel Proof Bourbon or Savage Rye. Each ticket includes two guests and one bottle to take home, with limited spots per session.
📍Olde Raleigh Distillery – 209 N Arendell Ave, Zebulon, NC 27597
🕐 1–2 p.m. (Barrel Proof) | 🕒 3–5 p.m. (Savage Rye)
💸 $125 per ticket at https://olderaleighdistillery.com/
🥃 Distillery-only experience | Limited availability

Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 14–15: Heart-Shaped Pancakes at Little Rey
Keep it casual with heart-shaped pancakes and soft serve topped with chocolate and strawberries. A sweet, low-key way to start Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day—no reservations or pressure required.
📍 Little Rey – 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Suite 102 – Raleigh, NC 27604 (at Raleigh Iron Works)
🥞🍦 Available all weekend

Saturday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s Night Continues at Smash
If you liked Galentine’s night, Smash keeps the party going Saturday with drink specials, a DJ, and a Valentine’s-only menu item: Philly cheesesteak croquettes.
📍 Smash, 500 Glenwood Ave., Suite 300 – Downtown Raleigh
🔗 smashraleigh.com

Whether you’re planning a full night out, a daytime treat, or something in between, these Valentine’s and Galentine’s picks keep things fun, flexible, and entirely optional. And if hearts and roses aren’t your thing? Don’t worry—we’ve got plenty more lined up that have nothing to do with Valentine’s at all.

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Lisa Jeffries Nobling

Founder + Principal at Raleighwood Media Group + Raleighwood Event Group

Lisa Jeffries, a 2007 graduate of N.C. State University’s Wilson College of Textiles and Poole College of Management, has been working in marketing since 2005. Her professional work experience ranges from independent, family-owned businesses to high-growth tech startups. Lisa’s specific areas of expertise include new media and experiential marketing for service-based businesses. Passionate about her clients, cheering on the Wolfpack, live music, and rescuing animals, she is also the founder of Raleigh Food & Wine and Raleighwood Wifi. Lisa completed the NC State + SKEMA Business School MSc dual master’s degree program in Global Luxury Management in 2016, publishing a thesis, Location-Based Opportunities for Brand Marketing With Emphasis on Application Within Luxury Industries.

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