Grab your friends & celebrate!
Valentine’s Day may be all about romance, but Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating the wonderful women in your life. This year, why not make your Galentine’s Day a little extra special by heading to downtown Ann Arbor for the 5th Annual Small Business Crawl? It's the perfect way to shop, sip, and celebrate with your closest friends, all while supporting the amazing local businesses that make our city shine.
Whether you’re a local or visiting, this year’s Galentine’s Day Small Business Crawl on Saturday, February 8th promises a fun-filled day of exploration, relaxation, and of course, shopping for unique gifts and treats. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most out of your Galentine’s Day 2025 in downtown Ann Arbor.
1. What is the Galentine’s Day Small Business Crawl?
Picture this: You and your best pals strolling through the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, popping into local shops, sipping on craft cocktails, indulging in sweet treats, discovering unique gifts & giveaways from over 25 local small businesses—sounds like the perfect Galentine’s Day, right?
The Galentine’s Day Small Business Crawl is a one-day event designed to highlight the incredible small businesses in Ann Arbor while celebrating friendship and community. Each participating business will offer special deals, promotions, or activities, giving you the chance to explore new shops, enjoy some sweet surprises, and have a blast with your favorite ladies.
2. Start with Coffee & Sweet Treats
What better way to kick off your crawl than with a little caffeine and sugar to fuel the day? Downtown Ann Arbor is home to some of the best coffee shops and bakeries around, and many are offering Galentine’s Day specials.
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea: Start your day with a signature latte or hot chocolate and a freshly baked pastry. They often have seasonal flavors, so look out for any special Galentine’s Day-inspired drinks or treats.
House of Chimney Cakes Cafe: For those with a sweet tooth, this place is a must-visit. Grab a coffee, then treat yourself to one of their famous chimney cakes & get 20% off of a valentine-themed creation. Don't forget to take a few pictures with their beautiful "post-worthy" backdrops!
Le Bon Macaron Ann Arbor: Come visit this charming French patisserie known for its delectable, hand-crafted macarons in a variety of vibrant flavors. Each bite is truly a sweet escape to Paris. Stop in during your Galentine’s Day celebration & enjoy 10% of Valentine's Day Themed Boxes of Macarons.
3. Explore Ann Arbor’s Unique Boutiques
Next, it’s time to shop ‘til you drop! Downtown Ann Arbor is home to a variety of boutiques, offering everything from fashion-forward apparel to quirky home decor, perfect for picking up that one-of-a-kind Galentine’s gift.
Rock, Paper, Scissors: For those with a love for unique gifts, quirky gift cards/stationary, Michigan spirit gear, children's toys, or the coolest home goods. Rock, Paper, Scissors has everything you need to represent your hometown pride. From cozy sweatshirts to accessories, it's a great spot to find gifts that’ll make your friends smile.
Ferne Boutique: This trendy boutique is the perfect spot to find unique clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Whether you're looking for the perfect statement piece or a cozy sweater to rock on the next brunch date, Ferne has you covered. They are also giving away a free gift with any purchase.
Fleet Feet Ann Arbor: If you and your gal pals are looking for stylish new kicks or athletic accessories, Fleet Feet is the place to be. They’re known for their curated selection of quality footwear and gear for the athlete at any skill level. Don't forget to snag a free running belt with a foot & gait analysis when you pop in!
4. Sip & Savor at Local Bars and Restaurants
What's Galentine’s Day without a little bubbly and a lot of laughs? As you make your way through the small business crawl, make sure to stop by some of downtown Ann Arbor’s best spots for cocktails and bites. Many restaurants and bars will be offering Galentine’s Day-themed drinks or food specials.
Bløm Meadworks: If you and your friends are looking to try something a little different, head to Bløm for some locally made mead. It’s a unique experience you won’t want to miss, and their warm, welcoming vibe makes it the perfect stop during the crawl. They are offering a special Galentine's Day drink & they participate in Ann Arbor's Social District so you can take your drink "to-go".
Aventura: For a tapas-style experience, Aventura offers delicious Spanish small plates and a fabulous wine list. Whether you’re sharing a plate of patatas bravas or sipping sangria, it’s an ideal spot for a fun Galentine’s Day lunch or dinner. Don't forget to try the churros before you leave!
Vinology: Known for its craft cocktails, wines, and cozy atmosphere, Vinology is the perfect place to take a break from the crawl and enjoy a signature drink with your crew. They’re known for their great selection of wines and cocktails, so don’t be afraid to ask the bartender for the Galentine’s Day special.
5. Take Part in Special Galentine’s Day Activities
What sets this Small Business Crawl apart from your typical shopping day is the special activities happening throughout downtown Ann Arbor. Many businesses will be hosting giveaways, crafting stations, or offering small perks just for participating in the crawl.
Ann Arbor Public Library & Ann Arbor Art Center: Grab a festive Galentine’s Day card kit, and let your creativity flow while making a card for each of your besties. The Ann Arbor Downtown District Library will have everything you need to create a personalized note for the ones who mean the most to you.
Literati Bookstore: Stop by Ann Arbor's local fan favorite bookstore and browse your favorite authors in this cute and cozy book haven! Don't forget to bring your Galentine's Passport to enter to win a 3-month Love Literati subscription!
Circ Bar: Cruise through the pop up Arts & Crafts Mini-Market on the first floor of Circ Bar. Come and check out local artisan creations, and unique small business gifts to delight every shopper. Bonus: There will be a Milk & Cookies bar on site for you to enjoy!
6. Mark Your Calendars for the Ultimate Galentine’s Day Celebration on Saturday, February 8th!
Whether you're looking to shop, sip, or simply enjoy each other’s company, the Galentine’s Day Small Business Crawl in downtown Ann Arbor is an event you won’t want to miss. With its vibrant mix of local businesses, special deals, and festive activities, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the special women in your life while supporting the local community.
So grab your besties, wear your comfiest shoes, and get ready for a day of fun, friendship, and exploration in downtown Ann Arbor. See you there!
For more information check out Main Street Ann Arbor Events!
How are you planning to celebrate Galentine’s Day this year? Let us know in the comments below!
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