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.

RELATED CONTENT: Spend Valentine's Weekend in The Bend, 10 Romantic Places for Valentine's Dinner

Sweets are 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.

For something a bit more decadent, stop by Macri's Italian Bakery for special Valentine's themed sweet treats. There's a whole Valentine's Specialties section to explore.

RELATED CONTENT: Around The Bend: Macri's Italian Bakery

 

Macri's Valentine's

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.

RELATED CONTENT: Around The Bend: InRugCo. Studio & Gift Shop

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!"

RELATED CONTENT: Guide to the Best Places for Brunch in South Bend & Mishawaka

Brunch Around The Bend

Bar Louie

Bar Louie

Bar Louie, the Original Gastrobar. Where people + great food + great drinks = a great time.

Ironhand Vineyard

Ironhand Vineyard

IRONHAND Vineyard is a small boutique winery (~4000 bottles/year) that embraces explorer Henri de…

Cloud Walking

Cloud Walking

Cloud Walking is home to Violet Sky Chocolate, Love + Macarons, The Elder Bread, Pink Lemonade…

PEGGS

PEGGS

Come join us for patio seating, curbside orders or indoor dining. A local favorite offering a unique…

The Early Bird Eatery

The Early Bird Eatery

An elevated brunch experience in downtown South Bend. We’re passionate about serving crave-worthy…

Chicory Cafe

Chicory Cafe

Fresh homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked pastas in a comfy setting. A full bar featuring…

Chicory Cafe of Mishawaka

Chicory Cafe of Mishawaka

A French Quarter Style Coffee House with Cajun New Orleans favorite dishes, vegetarian dishes, baked…

Java Cafe

Java Cafe

Organic fair-trade coffee and tea. Breakfast & lunch menu. Freshly baked pastries. Outdoor patio…

Brasserie 23

Brasserie 23

Bonjour, bienvenue! Allow us to introduce you to Brasserie 23: A locally owned restaurant…

Fiddler's Hearth

Fiddler's Hearth

Carry out, curbside pick up, delivery, indoor and al fresco dining available. Failte! Gaelic for…

The Lauber Kitchen & Bar

The Lauber Kitchen & Bar

A modern restaurant in the East Bank neighborhood that combines South Bend's rich history with a…

Crooked Ewe

Crooked Ewe

Enjoy the scenic Saint Joseph river with hand-crafted pints and gourmet pub-fare at this…

Edgewater Cafe

Edgewater Cafe

Come for the crave-worthy breakfast and brunch, stay for the vibes, friendly service, and warm…

Metro Diner

Metro Diner

Local diner serving award-winning comfort food, breakfast all day, brunch, lunch & dinner favorites.

Uptown Kitchen

Uptown Kitchen

Quality, fresh, made from scratch foods. Breakfast and Lunch. Full Bar featuring craft beers…

Rohr's

Rohr's

The re-imagined Rohr’s is a modern tavern – a casual, warm gathering place with a focus on…

South Bend Brew Werks

South Bend Brew Werks

South Bend Brew Werks's mission is to “Build a stronger community, one brew at a time.” That means…

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! 2026 Winter Restaurant Weeks are happening through Feb. 8. 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. Get your girls together and don't forget to tag @visitsouthbend on socials!

Galentine's Date Ideas

Winter Restaurant Weeks Feb 08

Winter Restaurant Weeks

Downtown Restaurant Weeks are back! From January 23 to February 8, you've got the time to taste, sip…

Women's Hoops

For the sports girlies and everyone that can appreciate the incredible 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: Notre Dame Sports