Whether you're celebrating with the gals or with your significant other, here are some February events to keep in mind

Patricia Alvord, Livingston Daily
·4 min read

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — With TV-inspired Galentine's Day and, some would say Hallmark-inspired, Valentine's Day fast approaching, there are a variety of events taking place in the area for the gals and couples like.

While Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, traces its earliest roots to honoring St. Valentine, a religious martyr, its modern popularity began to grow in 1800s England when people began sending romantic cards to each other.

Galentine's Day was created by the TV character Leslie Knope of the show "Parks and Recreation," which ran for seven seasons from 2009-15. Knope explained she gets together with her girlfriends on Feb. 13 each year and they celebrate female friendship.

Among the area events that may highlight female friendship or romance are:

Michigan Makers Valentine's Craft and Vendor Show

There will be a Valentine's Day-themed craft show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, in the Brighton High School cafeteria, 7878 Brighton Road. There will be 60 crafters.

Additionally, Pit Boss smokehouse food truck will park outside with barbecue. Michigan Makers was started in January 2022 by Heather Fulghum.

Michigan Makers hosts craft shows across the state. According to Fulghum, when she moved to Brighton, she started looking for venues around town and the community suggested the high school.

Go to a Valentine's themed Charcuterie Class

Hamlett Lavendar Farm is set to hold a Valentine's Day themed charcuterie class. This board was created at their Christmas event in 2022.
Hamlett Lavendar Farm is set to hold a Valentine's Day themed charcuterie class. This board was created at their Christmas event in 2022.

Hamlett Lavendar Farm in Pinckney is hosting a Valentine's Day-themed charcuterie class from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9. The class will be taught by master designer Jason Cash and include lavender triple berry jam and Lavender lemonade.

"He'll show them how to make the rolls out of the salami, and then he'll show them how to design the board and they get to smoke their own cheese with a little torch and wood chips and everything," Hamlett Lavendar Farm Owner Regina Hamlett said.

The cost is $125 per couple. Currently there are four sets of tickets left for eight couples. Tickets can be found here.

Go shopping in Downtown Brighton

A map of downtown Brighton shows where visitors can park while the streetscape project is underway in 2023.
A map of downtown Brighton shows where visitors can park while the streetscape project is underway in 2023.

In celebration of Galentine's Day, businesses in downtown Brighton are hohostinglding a special event from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9. Patrons can enjoy giveaways, gifts and promotions.

The event started just a few years ago, according to 2 Dandelions Bookshop Owner Jeri Kay Thomas.

"It's growing and evolving," she said. "I think a lot of us are hoping that it becomes a yearly event."

If participants spend $30 in one shop they will be entered into a giveaway.

Participating businesses include 2 Dandelions Bookshop, Artisan's Bench, ArtVentures, Brass + Oak, Cooper & Binkley Jewlers, Culture Beer and Cheese, Grace & Whimsy Sustainable Resale, Hush Intimate Apparel, Ivory Vines, London Beauty, Natural View Market, Rosy's Boutique, Running Lab, Sunny's on the Corner, Tribute Salon & Spa and Wallflower Mercantile

Take a Valentine's Day themed workout class

Starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, there will be a Valentine's Day WERQ dance fitness workout class at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp. The cost is $10 for non-members and free to members. You must register 48 hours in advance. Registration can be found on the HFCC Facebook page.

Another Valentine's Day-themed class will be cycling at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at HFCC. The class will be led by Haley Whittaker. Participants are encouraged to wear pink or red. The cost is $10 for non-members and free to members. Pre-registration is suggested on the Facebook page.

Make glass art at Valentine's Date Night

The Ceramic Studio, 4132 E Grand River Ave. in Howell, is offering a Valentine's Day event from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Feb. 11 during which you can make fused glass. Ceramic painters are welcome as well.

There will also be Valentine's treats, but snacks and beverages with lids are welcome. Tickets can be found here.

Attend the Valentine's Day Party at 2|42 church

2|42 Church in Brighton is hosting a Valentine's Day part from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 2. Moms are invited to bring their kids who will play in a large, gated room on the lower level.

Livingston Daily reporter Patricia Alvord can be reached at palvord@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Check out these events in Livingston for Galentine's and Valentine's