Valentine’s Day isn’t just for romance. It’s about celebrating all the people you love in your life. Grab some friends, and check out what Seattle has to offer for Galentine’s Day!
Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at 10 a.m.
McCollum Pioneer Park
600 128th Street SE
Everett, WA 98208
With the motto “friendships included, running optional,” Run 2 Be Fit’s Galentine’s Day 5k in Everett, Washington, is one way to celebrate and support a great cause.
People of all fitness levels are welcome, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the American Heart Association. The race begins Saturday, Feb. 12, at 10 a.m. at McCollum Pioneer Park in Everett.
Registration includes race participation, a medal, sash, drink ticket, race photos, and results. A race ticket for one person is $35, but a two-fer ticket for you and a friend is $50. Online registration is open until Feb. 10 or until capacity is reached; day-of registration is possible if spots are still open.
At the event, whether you’re running or not, you’ll enjoy Galentine’s Day swag, a raffle, and food and drink vendors. Race T-shirts are available for $10 if you register online or $15 at the race. Arrive early to find street parking.
There is also the option to do a virtual race, which costs $45 and allows you to walk or run your 5k around fewer people or at a different location.
Additional races are also slated over the next few months — there’s a Coffee 5K on April 23, or a Star Wars-themed 5K on May 7. Both runs are planned by Run to Be Fit 5k’s sponsors, the PNW Ladies Running Group.
COVID-19 protocols require all participants and spectators to wear masks or face coverings in such places as the packet pickup area, registration, start line, and finish line. For safety reasons, there will not be water cup stations, so make sure to bring your own water.
519 E. Pine Street
Seattle, Washington
(206) 708-7287
Originating in Taiwan, cat cafes are all over the world now, and Seattle has a few to choose from. There is a NEKO Cafe in Seattle and another in Bellingham. The NEKO Cat Cafe offers fun decor, cute treats, and a unique way to spend some time with friends.
The Seattle Cat Room currently features 19 cats to watch as they climb, play, or sleep and a few friendly cats may come up for some loving. Reservation slots are available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays; and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends for $20 for 45 minutes.
Purrrivate Cat Rooms are available for $160 for 45 minutes with a maximum of 10 people per room.
All cats come from the Regional Animal Shelter of King County, and 16 of them are currently available for adoption. These kitties — along with permanent residents Elvira, Burt Macklin FBI, and Zest — have the option of retreating into a back room if they get tired of human interaction.
A few things to note for your visit:
- Picking up the cats is not allowed
- All guests much sign a waiver
- Kitties are extra sleepy after dinner time.
- Separate from the cat play area, there is a small cafe (that you can visit anytime) with coffee, fizzy drinks with Japanese snacks like mochi, pocky, and cat-shaped treats.
- NEKO has a shop where t-shirts, hoodies, and beanies available for purchase.
- There are many paid parking lots nearby. NEKO is also within walking distance from the Broadway & East Pine metro station. The East Pine & Belmont Street bus stop is across the street from the cafe.
In addition to King County COVID-19 rules (people ages 12 and older are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result taken within 72 hours of the visit), visitors should use hand sanitizer often — both before and after petting the cats. Masks are required except when actively eating or drinking.
Tour the Theo Chocolate Factory
3400 Phinney Ave North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 632-5100
What is Valentine’s Day without some chocolate? Get your taste buds ready and take a tour of the Theo Chocolate Factory.
The hour-long tour accommodates 12 guests and costs $12/person. Reservations are required. Tour times and frequency depend on the day, with the most tours hosted on Saturdays and Sundays.
Visitors will learn about the properties of the cacao bean, and Theo’s specific chocolate-making process, use of ethically sourced beans, and their unique and transparent supply chain with their farmers.
Theo chocolates are made from scratch right in the factory so visitors are asked not to wear perfume or cologne, but you will want to wear comfortable shoes.
After the tour, head next door to Theo’s flagship store, open from 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Pick up some of their most popular items like a salted almond bar or their velvety drinking chocolate or try more unique flavors like turmeric spice or black rice quinoa crunch.
Theo offers gluten-free, vegan, and kosher products, too. Just be sure to tell them about any allergies or dietary restrictions when reserving the tour online. Two-hour street parking is available around the building, but arrive early for Sunday tours because of the nearby Fremont Sunday Market.
Theo Chocolate Factory follows King County COVID protocols (people ages 12 and older are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result). However, Theo requires the test to be taken 48 hours prior to the start of the tour, and at home test results are not accepted. Both proof of vaccination or negative test results will need to match a photo ID. Masks are required at all times, except when eating a sample.
Gather some friends to Paint the Town
4611 NE University Village
(206) 527-8554
Feeling creative? Paint the Town in University Village has bowls, vases, plates, and even a Chad the Unicorn figurine, all ready for your artistic spin.
The studio is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Walk-ins are welcome, but larger groups should call at least a day or more ahead for a reservation. Guests can choose from more than 250 blank ceramic pieces, ranging from $8 to $140, with an average cost of $20 – $25 per piece.
Some items under $20 include a sushi sauce bowl, a bud vase, and fun figurines like a sleepy sloth and a tiny penguin. The paint, tools, glazing, and firing are included in the price of the piece!
After your masterpiece is complete, Paint the Town staff will glaze and fire it, and the piece is available for pick-up 7 days later.
For those who prefer to be outside, Paint the Town has two tables in front of the store, or you can take your supplies to any table in the Village common area.
Another option is to purchase their Paint-to-Go kits, grab some snacks, and host friends at your place. Fill out an online order form, add the desired ceramic pieces, paint cups, paint pens, or brush sets, and then schedule an appointment online to pick up the pottery and supplies. If you can, schedule the appointment on a Tuesday for a 10% discount.
Paint the Town is following King County COVID-19 guidelines, and masks are required for all guests while inside the store. They are also being diligent about disinfecting counters, chairs, and tables, and washing all their tools in hot, soapy water after every use.
Host a digital Pride and Prejudice watch party
Watch an SPU production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, with online performance dates from Feb. 17 – Feb. 20. Pride and Prejudice is one of Austen’s most beloved stories, full of the author’s wit and keen observations about manners and courtship, led by Elizabeth Bennet and the dashing Mister Darcy. This production, originally adapted by Marcus Goodwin for Seattle’s Book-It Repertory Theatre, is now featuring SPU’s own student cast.
When you purchase a digital seat from AnywhereSeat for $10, you’ll receive a special ticket code to unlock the digital performance to watch anywhere — your dorm room, apartment, or even on a beach. Your digital access is available from Feb. 1, 2022, at 7 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2022. Simply enter your Ticket Code when you’re ready to watch!
