Looking for motivation to keep up your inevitable New Year’s resolution to read more books? Departed Soles has you covered. The beloved Jersey City craft brewery recently launched the “Book N’ It” reading club and we couldn’t be more excited about this crossover between two of our favorite things – books and beer. The reading club officially launched on November 27th, 2022 and runs for five months from your sign-up date. Keep reading to learn more about the Departed Soles reading club and how to get involved.
Boozy Book Club Basics
The “Book N’ It” reading club officially started on November 27th, 2022. It’s free and open to any adult – sorry kids, this is run by a brewery, after all. Sign-ups are currently only available in person. To join, simply stop by Departed Soles at 150 Bay Street #2A in Jersey City and let them know that you want to participate. You will be given a sign-up form to fill out with your name and sign-up date. The form will be kept at the brewery so you can use it to check in completed books – more on that later.
The boozy book club challenges participants to read five 100+ page books within five months of signing up. Book club participants can read any book they want as it is at least 100 pages long. Yes, books with pictures are accepted. Readers who successfully complete this challenge will earn a special Departed Soles prize.
Read More: Local Activities + Classes to Spark Your Creativity
How to Submit Completed Books
Once you’ve signed up and finished your first book, head to Departed Soles to log it in your book check-in form. This is the form you used to sign up which will be stored in a binder at the brewery.
Readers have two options to prove they completed a book. One option is to bring in a note signed by your mom, dad, or significant other stating that you did finish the book. The other option is to write a 1-page double-spaced book report. If you go this route make sure to use size 15 font for your synopsis.
Heads up, you can only log one book during each visit to the brewery. But that just means you’ll have more of a reason to drink some incredible local craft beer over the next few months.
Once you log all five books you will earn a special prize. We’ve signed up and are excited to find out what this is in just a few months.
Book Club Launch Party
Departed Soles and Word Bookstores teamed up for a SOLE-ASTIC book fair on November 27th to officially launch the boozy book club. The event ran from 1PM – 7PM and felt like an adult version of those school book fairs that we all used to love so much. With a craft beer in hand, we were able to browse a selection of local titles and even speak with a few local authors who were on-site for book signings. We picked up a copy of Gina Bruno’s Feminist Chalkboard and are excited to get to reading.
See More: Egan + Sons: A Classic Irish Pub in Montclair
The Departed Soles team works hard to provide a safe that brings the community together and we love seeing this innovative boozy book club come to life! Stop by the brewery, sign up, and grab a pint of some great gluten-free or not-so-gluten-free beer while you’re there. Happy reading!
To stay in the know on all local happenings, follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok.
54 Galentine’s Day 2025 Ideas in Hoboken + Jersey City to Round Up the Gals
Galentine's Day is here and businesses in the Hoboken + Jersey City area are hosting all kinds of fun events for locals and their gal pals. The roundup includes activities like a festive fitness challenge, a singles-only party, a charm bracelet-making workshop, and so much more. The Hoboken Girl has also featured a whole list of DIY activities to do with others, as well as fitness spots hosting special events and restaurants providing prix fixe dinners for lovers and friends alike. Keep reading for a list of Galentine's Day events, ideas, and dinners in Hoboken + Jersey City for 2025.
Events
Hoboken
February 1st — Valentine's Day Massacre at Crossfit Hoboken | 50 Marshall Street
Celebrate Cupid's holiday with a friend or a partner by joining this fitness challenge, hosted by Tim Card Photography and Crossfit Hoboken, on February 1st from 7AM to 6PM. This event is called the "Valentine's Day Massacre" because the workouts are that intense. Depending on the divisions, some include handstand push-ups, pull-ups, wall balls, box jumps, and more. The divisions will consist of male teams of two, female teams of two, and co-ed teams of two. See the full list of division standards + workouts here.
Read More: Winter Festivals Happening in Hudson County + Beyond for 2025
February 6th — Gal’s Night Out Intro to Mahjong at MOJO Coffee Company | 801 Bloomfield Street
Local gals can play mahjong while sipping coffee with friends at Mojo Coffee Company on February 6th from 7PM to 9PM. See more information here.
February 8th — Decorate + Celebrate at Di Blu Studio | 600 Newark Street
Di Blu Studio will host a fun-filled Galentine’s Day Cookies Decoration Event on February 8th from 3PM to 5PM at its new Studio in Hoboken. Attendees can decorate their own cookies, enjoy sweet treats, and spend a lovely afternoon with their gals. See this link for more information.
February 8th — Girls Night Out at bwè kafe | 1401 Adams Street
Attendees can spend the night making bracelets and decorating cookies through workshops led by Beads By Bav and Little Acorn Bakery. Bond Society selling 18k gold permanent jewelry and Two River Candles Co. selling candles and fragrances will also be in attendance. Small bites and charcuterie boards will be available via The Bell of the Boards. This event at the North End location of bwè kafe takes place on February 8th from 7:30PM to 9:30PM. For more information, see here.
February 8th — Pre-Valentine's Day Singles Party at Madd Hatter Hoboken | 221 Washington Street
Local singles can ditch the dating apps and meet people in person at this Valentine's Day singles party, hosted by Madd Hatter Hoboken, on February 8th from 7PM to 10PM. In addition to socializing with 100 other people, attendees can look forward to music, an icebreaker card game, and complimentary appetizers. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased here.
February 8th — The Little Acorn Bakery Pop-Up at bwè kafe | 1002 Washington Street
Neighbors can stop by the Washington Street location of bwè kafe on February 8th from 10AM to 1PM to purchase The Little Acorn Bakery's special Galentine's Day + Valentine's Day treats, some of which include sourdough bread, crackers, and V'day cookie kits. Cupcakes, cake pops, and tarts will also be available but for pre-order only. See this Instagram post for more information.
February 10th — Galentine’s Day at Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street
This Galentine’s Day event on February 10th, hosted by Sorellina, will feature chocolate flights, wine and cheese pairings, and more. Tickets for this event at Sorellina cost $35 per person. See all the details via this Instagram post.
February 11th — Galentine's Day with Little Charm Bar + Backstage Lounge | 1039 Washington Street
Little Charm Bar and Backstage Lounge are partnering to host a Galentine's Day jewelry-making event on February 11th at 6:30PM. For $75 a person, participants can design their own charm necklaces and bracelets while sipping on holiday-themed drinks provided by Backstage Lounge. Food options from the restaurant's a la carte menu will also be available during this event. See this link to purchase tickets and reserve a spot.
February 12th — Cupid's Cocktail Making Class at Backstage Lounge | 1039 Washington Street
Couples and friends can learn how to make love-themed cocktails at the Backstage Lounge's cocktail-making class on February 12th from 6PM to 8:30PM. Attendees will learn to make four different drinks and enjoy seasonal small bites + sweets. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased here.
February 14th — Cupid’s Stupid Anti Valentines Day Party at The Shepherd + the Knucklehead | 1313 Willow Avenue
Those who aren't the biggest fans of this holiday can attend this anti-Valentine’s Day party at The Shepherd + the Knucklehead on February 14th from 9PM to 12AM. Attendees can expect good music, name tags featuring their biggest red flags, signature cocktails like the Black Like My Soul Black Cherry Martini, fun decor, and photo ops.
February 14th — Cupid's Valentine's Day Singles at Hive Athletic | 330 Washington Street
Play volleyball with other local singles at Hive Athletic on February 14th at 8PM. The mix + match volleyball match will be followed by a post-game happy hour. Find more information about this event and sign up here.
February 15th — Anti-Valentine's Day Party at Madd Hatter Hoboken | 221 Washington Street
This bar in Hoboken is hosting an anti-Valentine's Day party for those not in a romantic mood on February 15th from 7PM to 2AM the next day. Friends and couples alike can enjoy holiday drink specials and comfort food while dancing to music provided by a local DJ. General admission for this event is free. For those who want to indulge in bottomless $5 drinks, tickets cost $15. See more information at this link.
February 15th + February 16th — Galentine’s Day Brunch Party at Fat Taco | 32 Newark Street
Hoboken locals can join Fat Taco for a Galentine’s Day Brunch on February 15th and February 16th from 12PM to 4PM. The day will be filled with specialty cocktails, DIY pink margarita towers, a live DJ, giveaways, and more. See more details at this Instagram post and reserve a spot here.
February 20th — Booze + Blooms at The Bunny Hive | 1001 Bloomfield Street
The Bunny Hive will host a special event for local gals on February 20th from 7:30PM to 9:30PM. Those attending can expect bouquet-making workshops, music + dancing, wine flights, and small bites. Click this link for more information.
Events
Jersey City
January 26th — Valentine’s Day Pet Photos at Meow Mini Mart | 57 Congress Street
Locals can take holiday photos with their furry friends at everyone's favorite animal wellness shop, Meow Mini Mart, on January 26th from 12PM to 4:30PM. This business will provide all sorts of Galentine's Day accessories to dress pets in. The session fee costs $25 and photo packages start at $29.99. Reserve a time slot here.
February 6th — Handmade With Love at Porta | 135 Newark Street
Locals can shop for homemade goods while meeting potential lovers at Historic Downtown Jersey City's Handmade With Love, a special Valentine’s handmade market and speed dating event, on February 6th from 4PM to 9PM. Located at Porta in Jersey City, the market will feature products from artists and makers, holiday cocktails, and music. The speed dating will take place on the rooftop of the restaurant at 6PM. Those interested should RSVP before February 3rd at this link.
February 7th — Galentine’s Day at Peak by MD | 95 Coles St 1st Floor
Locals can celebrate Galentine’s Day with a day of self-care and connection at Peak by MD on February 7th from 9AM to 5PM. This event will feature discounted aesthetic treatments, IV therapy, NAD+, Skinny Shots, and more. To reserve a spot, either text 201-241-2008 or click this link.
February 8th — Galentine’s Day at Tiny Artisan Creative Studio | 150 Bay Street
Tiny Artisan Creative Studio will host a Galentine’s Day event on February 8th from 3PM to 5PM. For $45 per person, attendees and their friends can look foward to painting wine glasses, making body scrubs, and creating mini flower bouquets. See all the details here.
February 8th — Shop + Love Valentine's Day Pop-Up Market at Neighbors Studio | 15 Wilkinson Avenue
This pop-up market at Neighbors Studio will have more than just local vendors. It will host a bento cake decorating workshop by Sweets by Dai and a DIY flower arrangement workshop with Fairy Godmother Party Co. This event, which takes place on February 8th from 12PM to 5PM, is great for friends, couples, and singles. Tickets range from $15 to $40. For more details, see here.
February 12th — Gays, Gals, + Ganache - A Joeycakes Cake + Sip at The Orpheum Sky Lounge | 24 Beacon Way, Floor 18
Joeycakes will host a Galentine's cake decorating event in Jersey City on February 12th from 7PM to 9PM at The Orpheum Sky Lounge. Attendees will decorate a heart-shaped cake with vintage piping while enjoying glasses of Prosecco and a charcuterie board. See here for more information.
February 13th — Dried Floral Bouquet Workshop at PLNTD | 16 Erie Street
Partipcants of this event at PLNTD can create long-lasting bouquets made out of dried and preserved flowers. Wine, non-alcoholic bevs, and light bites will also be available at this Galentine's Day workshop. This takes place on February 13th from 7:30PM to 9:30PM.
February 13th — JCFamilies + Jersey City Moms Galentine’s at Porta | 135 Newark Avenue
JCFamilies + Jersey City Moms will host the first Moms Night Out event of 2025 on Thursday, February 13th from 7:30PM to 9:30PM. This Galentine’s celebration will be located at Porta, where the VIP Monk Room has been reserved for the night. Attendees can look foward to $6 drink specials, a bracelet making station, raffles, and more. Tickets for this event cost $15. See this Instagram post for all the details.
February 14th — Gimme Gimme Disco, Valentine's Day Edition, at White Eagle Hall | 337 Newark Avenue
Locals can spend their Galentine's Day dancing the night away to popular disco hits from artists like ABBA, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Cher, and more on February 14th at 9PM. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best disco attire. Tickets for this event cost $17. See White Eagle Hall's website for more information.
February 16th — Valentine's Craft + Thrift at Twilight Thrift Shop | 2845 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
This thrift store in Jersey City will host a craft + thrift event on February 16th from 4PM to 6:30PM. Participants will create their own shadowboxes using thrifted items provided by Twilight Thrift Shop. Local artists Lauren of Dragon Duck Creations and Brittany of Antisocial Jewelry Co. will also be in attendance to help patrons through the crafting process. Tickets for this event cost $25 and can be purchased here.
Local Spots for DIY + Crafty Activities
Painting Classes at ArteVino Studio | 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
ArteVino provides interactive classes for creating your own art. The classes typically are either 2.5 or three hours and are BYOB. There is also a “WalkIn Art Studio” for those with small apartments who want to paint freely without storing art supplies. For February 14th, this studio is hosting a Valentine's partner painting class. While the theme of this class is romance, it would make for a great activity for celebrating the shared love between friends. See more information about the class here.
Pottery Classes at Blue Skies Pottery | 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
Celebrate Galentine's Day by learning the art of pottery. Blue Skies Pottery is an art space in Hoboken that provides pottery classes for kids and adults from beginners to experts. Potters-in-training can take individual classes, or sign up for memberships which include shelf space, studio clay, and glazes. See the list of upcoming classes in February here.
Hudson Table Cooking Classes | 1403 Clinton Street
Hoboken’s first cooking studio has daily cooking classes for chefs of all levels. Located at 1403 Clinton Street, the studio hosts a variety of cooking experiences depending on the level of involvement guests wish to have. Hands-on and workshop classes are more like the traditional cooking class. Click this link for classes near Galentine's Day.
Classes at Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street, Hoboken
While this studio primarily sells handcrafted goods for the home, Ivy Mane Studio also hosts creative workshops for those interested in unlocking their creative sides. Experiences like Create Your Own ‘Drip Plant Pot’ and ‘Booty Planter’ — yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — are always on the schedule at this local studio. This spot also has a Galentine's Workshop where guests can paint pottery. See the details here.
Paint + Sip at Art Mango | 30 Mall Drive West, 2nd Floor, Jersey City + 20 Monroe Street, Hoboken
An Art Mango package provides two hours to “sip back and relax” and paint for parties of 10 guests or up to 50. The team provides the art materials needed — participants can bring their own beverages. This could be a fun activity for those with a large group of friends. See more information here.
Candle-Making at ReWax + UnWine | 2 Division Street, Jersey City
Participants can bring their own drinks to this candle-making experience which will surely bring a glow to the cheeks. The store is available to be booked for private parties, team-building events, and more. See upcoming classes here.
Sushi-Making Class at Saku | 936 Park Avenue, Hoboken
Cooking, preparing ingredients, and preparing a meal is a fun way to channel some creativity this coming Galentine's Day. And sushi making is a fun and unique class to try. Sushi lovers are missing out if they haven’t stopped by this Asian fusion spot. On the first and last Tuesday of every month from 7PM to 8:30PM, the “dark room” is reserved for a hands-on sushi tutorial aptly named “Rolling with the Homies.” Learn to make all kinds of rolls — from a tuna roll, a California roll, and a salmon-avocado hand roll — with friends. This spot is also hosting a class all about learning the art of sake on February 12th at 7PM. See this link for upcoming classes.
Tie Dye Class at Tipsy Tie Dye | 155 1st Street, Hoboken
The brother-sister duo behind Tipsy Tie Dye has created a unique space for people to channel their creative side through the art of tie-dying. This is a great activity for a group of gal friends. The team will walk visitors through all of the different types of tie-dye patterns, how to create them and assist when needed. There are clothes and other items in the shop that visitors can purchase to tie-dye or they can bring their own pieces. Visitors can also bring the beverages of their choice. Tipsy Tie Dye is hosting a Valentine's Day class for two, priced at $100 per ticket. Click this link for more information.
Woodworking Class at The DIY Joint | 600 Palisade Avenue, Union City
While this spot isn't in the Hoboken + Jersey City area, this workshop is a great place to put handywoman skills to the test on Galentine's Day. Fret not if attendees don’t have a personal toolbox: the studio has professional-grade tools and equipment in-house. Guests can learn the craft of woodworking from friendly, expert instructors, taking the guesswork and fear out of using power tools. See this link for upcoming classes near Galentine's Day.
Dinners
Hoboken
Anthony David's | 953 Bloomfield Street
This popular Italian restaurant on Bloomfield Street will have a three-course menu for the holiday of love. For $75 per person, customers can order dishes like the Hand Chopped Beef Crudo, served with caper berries and dijon garlic toast, the Spicy Tuna Tartare, made with Pugliese and locally sourced micro greens, and the Housemade Pappardelle, which comes with shaved black truffles, light cream, and Parmesan cheese. Reservations from 5PM to 9:15PM are available at this link.
Bin 14 Trattoria + Wine Bar | 1314 Washington Street
Bin 14 Trattoria + Wine Bar will serve a three-course menu for $75 per person. Along with signature cocktails, bubbles, and wine, patrons can order dishes like the Beef Tartare, served with garlic toast, the Short Rib Wellington, which comes with whipped potatoes and French beans, and more. Reserve a spot here and see the full menu here.
Byrd | 800 Jackson Street
Byrd in Hoboken will serve a three-course for Galentine's Day diners. The dinner is priced at $75 per person. Specific details on the menu have yet to be posted, so check the restaurant's website closer to the date. For now, locals can book a reservation here.
Martha's | 25 12th Street
Diners can indulge in a three-course dinner this coming Galentine's Day at Martha's in Hoboken. Customers can have a taste of all kinds of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The specifics regarding the menu have not been announced yet, so visit the restaurant's website closer to the date for future announcements. Until then, locals can book reservations at this link.
Halifax | 225 River Street
This restaurant in Hoboken will serve dinner on February 14th and February 15th for Valentine's and Galentine's. Diners can expect three-course dinners priced at $125, which comes with options like Mushroom Tart, made with gelee, truffle mushroom, cured egg yolk, and grated chocolate, Koji Marinated Prime NY Strip, served with potato gratin, charred carrots, watercress, and black truffle butter, and more. In celebration of Singles Awareness Day on February 15th, locals can also look forward to a Galentines Bubbles Brunch available throughout Galentine's Day weekend.
Olivia’s | 1038 Garden Street
Olivia’s, a Mediterranean restaurant on Garden Street, will host a Galentine’s Dinner on February 5th. Patrons can enjoy live music, love-themed cocktails, and more. Book a reservation here.
Dinners
Jersey City
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard
Guests can celebrate Galentine's Day at Battello in Jersey City while enjoying a four-course prix fixe menu. Priced at $149+ per person, options like Wild Mushroom Soup, Potato Crusted Halibut, and Roasted Honey Nut Squash will be available. This restaurant will also include live music for all guests to enjoy. See the full menu here.
Liberty Prime Steakhouse | 111 Montgomery Street
Jersey City locals can enjoy a four-course Galentine's Day dinner with a view of NYC at Liberty Prime Steakhouse. The menu consists of Lobster Bisque, Shrimp Cocktail, Airline Chicken, Strawberry Cheesecake, and so much more. To make a reservation and see the entire menu, click this link.
Light House Tavern | 199 Washington Street
This spot will have a three-course prix-fix menu on this special holiday. The dinner will cost $75 per person and seatings start at 5PM. The menu details have yet to be posted but reservations can be made at this link.
Nigiri | 95 Greene Street
Diners can spend Galentine's Day at a dining table for $135 or at the sushi bar for $125 at Nigiri in Jersey City. The only option for dining is the omakase chef's choice. Customers will also have a 1.5-hour time limit. Reservations can be made here.
Satis Bistro | 212 Washington Street
For $97.50 a person, patrons can enjoy a four-course menu at Satis Bistro on Galentine's Day. Options include Tre Colore Salad, made with arugula, endive, radicchio, red wine, toasted pepitas, and gorgonzola cheese, Braised Angus Beef Cheeks, served with soft polenta and charred carrots, and more. The full menu, which also includes dessert, can be seen at this link.
Fitness
Hoboken
Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street
Nothing says teamwork like the exciting challenge of rock climbing with your friends. Gravity Vault in Hoboken offers a variety of classes like Belay Certification, Introduction to Rock Climbing, Bouldering Classes, and Private Sessions for groups who can learn the ropes (literally) of rock climbing. For class pricing and schedules check out Gravity Vault's website.
Ken Pilates | 706 Washington Street
Gather your friends for a group pilates session at Ken Pilates. On Galentine's Day, February 13th, the studio is hosting classes all day long from 6:30AM - 7:30PM with a variety of options. From ZenSculpt™ (Yoga + Pilates) to SpringSculpt Method™ and even a HotSprings class, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy. For class pricing and schedules check out the Ken Pilates website.
Plump Pilates | 40 Hudson Place
This year Plump Pilates is hosting a Galentine's Pump on Saturday, February 8th with classes at 11AM and 12PM. This special 45-minute reformer class will be followed by mini-facials, cupping, stretching, oracle card reading, and more. Participants will also receive a Galentine's t-shirt to commemorate the day. For more info Plump's event click here.
Real Hot Yoga | 1414 Grand Street, #2C
Real Hot Yoga is hosting two Valentine's classes this year. On Friday, February 14th locals can attend a Valentine's Hot Mat Pilates "Winedown" session at 7:30PM or a Valentine's Self Love Hot Yin Yoga session on Saturday, February 15th at 2PM. For more details and class pricing click here.
The Studio at Hoboken | 251 1st Street
On Galentine's Day, The Studio at Hoboken is hosting three dance classes. Dance the night away with friends by trying out a pop music ballet class, heels class, or beginner hip-hop class. For class pricing and schedules check out The Studio at Hoboken's website.
Urban Souls | 100 Hudson Street, 4th Floor
Every second Friday of the month, Urban Souls hosts sacred cacao ceremonies. This month, the studio will be hosting another healing, community cacao ceremony this Valentine's Day on Friday, February 14th. In addition to this event, patrons can continue to book various yoga classes at Urban Souls here.
Jersey City
CityTri x Sustainable JC Valentine's Marathon | Lincoln Park
Ring in an early Galentine's Day with your running besties by participating in CityTri x Sustainable JC's Valentine's Marathon on Sunday, February 9th at 9:30AM. Runners can participate in a 10K or 5K race and all levels are welcome. A percentage of all profits will be donated to Sustainable JC as they continue to raise awareness for National Heart Health Month. To register for the race click here.
CKO Kickboxing | 150 Bay Street, Jersey City + 900 Madison Street Suite 2, Hoboken
Let it all out with your bestie at CKO Kickboxing in Jersey City or Hoboken. CKO welcomes beginners and people of all fitness levels and is hosting classes in both Jersey City and Hoboken on Thursday, February 13th (aka Galentine's Day). Class times for Jersey City can be found here and class times for Hoboken can be found here.
Jane Do | 160 Newark Avenue 3rd Floor, Jersey City + 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
A workout created by Radio City Rockettes on Galentine's Day? Yes, please. Jane Do's locations in both Jersey City and Hoboken will have full class schedules this Galentine's Day. Grab a friend and drop into one of the studio's unique classes such as SCULPT, HIIT, or TRAMP. For Jersey City schedules click here and for Hoboken schedules click here.
See More: Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Montclair That Aren’t Dinner
MKT Ready | 160 Yale Avenue
MKT Ready is hosting a Sultry Sweat event for singles on Tuesday, February 11th at 8:30PM for a sensual, engaging, and mood-enhancing workout. The same workout can be attended on Wednesday, February 12th for a couples session. To reserve your spot click here.
Surya Yoga Academy | 341 Grove Street, Jersey City + 618 Washington Street, Hoboken
Wind down solo or with friends at Surya Yoga Academy. A variety of class types are available all day long on Galentine's Day with everything from hot flow and prenatal yoga to restorative candle-lit flows. Click here for the Jersey City schedule and click here for the Hoboken schedule.
