Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and there is truly no need to stress about a date. Spend time appreciating your friends instead! There are plenty of fun things to do around The Bend to celebrate Galentine's Day.
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Chocolate is a Girl's Best Friend
South Bend Chocolate Co. rolls out several products just for the holiday: Cupid Crunch, Valentine Pretzels, Hugs Pretzels, 4-Piece Turtle Valentines, 4-piece Cherry Blossoms, 5-piece Valentine and more. Of course, the classic heart-shaped box of chocolates is available too. Let's not forget about the amazing ice cream concoctions you can dive into while you're there.
Retail Therapy
Nothing says friendship like a little retail therapy with your bestie. There are many ways to shop local in South Bend, and some of these unique boutiques feature adorable themed outfits and accessories perfect for the occasion. Ali's on the Boulevard has seasonal styles, decor and accessories ready to help you feel the love this season, and they are steps away from The Cellar Wine Bar, Barnaby's Pizza, Howard Park and so much more.
Brunch, Anyone?
Get your girls together for brunch at these popular spots around town. Try your luck at Ironhand Wine Bar's Brunch, Bubbly and Bingo or join Bar Louie for their Screw Your Ex Brunch. This brunch features a DJ to set the mood, brunch bites, and screwdrivers and mimosa cocktails that will "help you forget--but definitely not forgive!"
Brunch Around The Bend
Ironhand Vineyard
IRONHAND Vineyard is a small boutique winery (~4000 bottles/year) that embraces explorer Henri de…
Cloud Walking
Cloud Walking is home to Violet Sky Chocolate, Love + Macarons, The Elder Bread, Pink Lemonade…
PEGGS
Come join us for patio seating, curbside orders or indoor dining. A local favorite offering a unique…
Chicory Cafe
Fresh homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked pastas in a comfy setting. A full bar featuring…
Chicory Cafe of Mishawaka
A French Quarter Style Coffee House with Cajun New Orleans favorite dishes, vegetarian dishes, baked…
Java Cafe
Organic fair-trade coffee and tea. Breakfast & lunch menu. Freshly baked pastries. Outdoor patio…
Brasserie 23
Bonjour, bienvenue! Allow us to introduce you to Brasserie 23: A locally owned restaurant…
Fiddler's Hearth
Carry out, curbside pick up, delivery, indoor and al fresco dining available. Failte! Gaelic for…
The Lauber Kitchen & Bar
A modern restaurant in the East Bank neighborhood that combines South Bend's rich history with a…
Glide with the Girls
Looking for something more active to do on Valentine’s Day? Book some time at Howard Park in South Bend to skate along its ice trail or Ironworks Ice Rink in Mishawaka. A word to the wise: It's best to make reservations in advance.
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Wine Down
Wine-not go for a glass of your favorite vino, or try something new? Ironhand Wine Bar in South Bend offers a great variety of wines from grapes grown right here in South Bend and Michigan. They also have a very tasty small plate menu. Consider stopping by The Cellar Wine Bar tucked in the heart of downtown South Bend, steps away from Howard Park and many amazing local restaurants.
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Girl Dinner
Let someone else do the cooking. Visit any of The Bend's amazing local restaurants for a girls' night out. Or a few nights! 2025 Winter Restaurant Weeks are happening through Feb. 9. Check out special menus of nearly 30 local spots and vote for your favorite cocktail.
Unwind at the Spa
Pamper yourselves. You deserve it! We have a whole list of spas to help you relax. Is active relaxation more your scene? Check out these yoga spots.
RELATED CONTENT: A Healthy Lifestyle in The Bend
Gal-livant Around Town
There are all kinds of events happening around town to enjoy with friends. Ironworks' Girls' Night Out Feb. 8 offers a dedicated night of fun with dancing, specialty cocktails and pop up shops from local vendors. Galentine's Night at Madison Oyster Bar will offer sips, snacks and "naughty trivia" for the occasion. Get your girls together and don't forget to tag @visitsouthbend on socials!
Galentine's Events
Axes and Ohs Valentines Day Experience
Generations AdventurePlex is partnering with Wine & Canvas again for our third year of hosting…
Valentine's Day at the Cat Lady Cafe
Bring your true love, your bestie or find one here! Ticket is for two people - one hour in the…
My Funny Valentine Comedy Night with John Branyon
Laugh your heart out this Valentine’s weekend with a night full of love, laughter, and the hilarious…
Crafting with the Creatures: Valentine's
In this experience, participants will meet and learn about one of our amazing ambassador animals…
Valentine's Day Dance
Mark your calendars for our Valentine's Day Dance at Forever Dance Studio! 8:00 pm Group Bolero…
Sweetheart Ball
You’re Invited to the Annual Sweetheart Ball! Date: Friday, February 14th Join us for an…
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy an hour of passed hors d’ouvres followed by 4 stations of perfectly paired plates. Experts…
Paint and Purrs with Kimberly DeNolf
By popular demand, we are finally hosting our first ever "wine and canvas" type event at The Cat…
THE CHER SHOW
Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has…
Sweetheart All Red Party ft. Ginuwine
Join The NEW Mix 102.3 & U93 at The Sweetheart All RED Party featuring Ginuwine & special…
Knitty Kitty with The Pigeon and The Hen Pottery
Join us for a fun evening of cat pottery and kitty cuddles! Your ticket includes all supplies needed…
Screw Your Ex Brunch
Whether you're experiencing a breakup, helping a friend get over a loser, or simply celebrating an…
Paint with a Dog
We've partnered with The South Bend Animal Resource Center for a DOG ADOPTION NIGHT on Tuesday…
Valentine's Day Pop-up
Cookies, cakes,… chocolate covered strawberries?! Ohhhh myyyyy. Meet our Valentine’s Day pop up…
Line Dancing at Louie
Enjoy of fun-filled evening of line dancing and fantastic music, kicking off at 7pm in our upstairs…
Galentine's Day
Whether your a Valentine or a Galentine (gal pal) everyday is a great day to celebrate friends! Come…
Valentine's Mixology Class
Grab your significant other or a favorite friend and join us in learning how to make four different…
Valentine's Weekend Dance at R Bar
Join us for this Special Valentine's Day Dance... Friday, 2/14 7:30-11 PM, 21+ 2427 Mishawaka Av…
Fondue Night
Join us on March 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a fun fondue experience! Enjoy savory cheese…
Wine for Whiskers with One Hope Wines
Join us for a wine tasting to benefit our pawtners, the Humane Society of St. Joseph County…
Galentine's Night
Grab your girls and get ready for the ultimate Galentine’s Day bash at Madison Oyster Bar on the…
Galentines Brunch
Join us for a fun and festive Galentine’s Brunch, the perfect way to celebrate friendship with your…
Game Night at Ironhand
Ready for a night full of fun, laughter, and friendly competition? Join us for Game Night! We’ve got…
Opera Breakup Playlist
Join us once again at Ironhand Wine Bar! We'll be wallowing in our post-Valentine's feelings with…
Heart Shaped Box - Garage Goes Grunge!
Love is overrated, but grunge is forever. This Valentine’s Day, The Garage is ditching the roses and…
I Love You a Latte - Galentine's Girls Night Out
Build Your Own Bouquet + Jewelry Bar + Pottery Painting + Latte Flights Grab your gals and join us!!…
Galentine's Day Celebration
Come create with us and enjoy complimentary Graze By Erica Charcuterie Cups and wine! Come celebrate…
Galentine's Day Celebration: Complimentary Wine Slushies
Come celebrate and evening out with the girls! The perfect GNO! Complimentary wine slushies while…
Galentine's Day: Complimentary Wine Slushies
Enjoy our famous complimentary wine slushies while you create! Over 800 projects to choose from! The…
Time Crunch & Trivia Tuesday: Rom Com Movie Night
Enjoy a bar style trivia while you create a beautiful project! This month's theme will be Rom Com…
Fondue Night at Ironhand
Join us on February 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a fun fondue experience! Enjoy savory cheese…
Bingo & Bottles
Join us for an evening of fun, friends, and fabulous prizes! Happy Hour runs from 4-7 PM with $7…
Brunch, Bingo & Bubbly!
Start your Sunday right with delicious brunch at 10 AM, followed by Bingo at 11 AM! Get ready for a…
Build a Board at Ironhand
Join us for a fun, hands-on experience where you’ll learn to create a stunning charcuterie board…
Galentine's Day at Pigeon & The Hen Pottery
Join us to Celebrate the Best Day of the Year-Galentine's Day! Grab your bestie and paint pottery in…
Trivia Night - Mixed Bag
Trivia Night - Thursday, February 27 at 6 PM! Get ready for a fun night of trivia with a twist! Each…
Art with Animals
Get crafty AND spend time with animals. A win-win! Not to mention, these animals are adoptable. Paint with a dog at The Pigeon and Hen Pottery, or stop by the Cat Lady Cafe for Paint and Purrs. You can also join Crafting with Creatures at the Potawatomi Zoo. Those creatures are not-so adoptable, though.
Women's Hoops
For the sports girlies and everyone that can appreciate the incredible, top-ranked Notre Dame women's basketball team right in our own backyard, there are plenty of chances to catch the Irish at home in February. Cheer them on as they reach the home stretch of their season and take on some tough ACC conference opponents.
RELATED CONTENT: Hoops and Hockey: Winter Sports at Notre Dame