Downtown Holland, West Michigan’s premier shopping and dining destination, is  pleased to announce plans for this year’s Girlfriends Weekend event, scheduled to be held Friday,  March 1 – Sunday, March 3. During this popular three-day event, women are invited to celebrate  their friendships as they shop, wine, dine, and indulge in Downtown Holland. Registration for the  event is just $50 per person, which includes a swag bag stuffed with fun goodies, a coupon book  full of savings to over 60 participating Downtown Holland shops and restaurants, hands-on  activities and classes at participating merchants, the chance to win great giveaways, a pub crawl  with live music, and more. 

“Since 2009, our merchants have been welcoming hundreds of women to Downtown Holland the  first weekend in March for Girlfriends Weekend,” said Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator  Kara de Alvare, “For so many moms, aunts, sisters, daughters, and friends, Girlfriends Weekend  provides a very rare opportunity for them to finally relax, reconnect, and recharge…while having  

the time of their lives together! We’re so honored to be able to provide that opportunity to busy  women everywhere right here in Downtown Holland.” 

Girlfriends Weekend officially kicks off on Friday, March 1. Beginning at 10:00 am that morning,  attendees can enjoy a complimentary mimosa at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel while picking up their  name badges, swag bags, Girlfriends Weekend brochure, and event tickets. Then from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, attendees are invited to spend the day exploring Downtown Holland’s shops and  restaurants, participating in in-store activities, and attending classes exclusively for attendees.  

On Friday night from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Girlfriends Weekend attendees are invited to Friday  Night Live! As part of the event, Downtown Holland bars and restaurants, including Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, the Curragh Irish Pub, Hops at 84 East, New Holland Brewing, and Waverly Stone, will each feature live local music and Girlfriends Weekend drink specials for attendees. A cash bar will also be available at each participating establishment.  

Saturday, March 4 begins with a delicious Breakfast and Fashion Show at the beautiful Haworth Hotel and Conference Center. This high-energy style show will highlight the latest spring  collections of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories that can only be found in Downtown  Holland’s locally owned boutiques. A plated breakfast with coffee and juice will also be served.  Tickets to the Breakfast and Fashion Show are just $25 with a Girlfriends Weekend registration. 

The rest of Saturday is free for attendees to shop ‘til they drop, wine, and dine at a number of cafes  and restaurants, and indulge in manis, pedis, and more at participating Downtown Holland  businesses. Attendees can also participate in a number of free in-store activities and classes all  day long, including custom candle making, sip and shops, mini makeovers, trunk shows, cocktail making classes, chair massages, and so much more. 

On Saturday night, Girlfriends Weekend will host a Nashville themed bash at the “Gone Country” Party at the Holland Civic Center Place from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm. The “Gone Country” Party will  feature a DJ and dancing, a free photo booth, fun party favors, a cash bar, and live entertainment.  Attendees are encouraged to join the fun by dressing the party with their cowboy hats, cowboy  boots, and rhinestones galore! Tickets to the “Gone Country” Party are an additional $10 each. 

Advance registration for Girlfriends Weekend is required online at www.girlfriendsweekend.org. While overnight accommodations are not included in the Girlfriends Weekend registration price,  accommodations are available in Downtown Holland within walking distance to all activities at the Courtyard Marriott, the Haworth Hotel, and Tulyp Hotel. Visit the hotel page on the Girlfriends Weekend website for details on how to book your stay.  

Girlfriends Weekend is proudly sponsored by Hops at 84 East, Pretties Intimate Apparel, and the  Poppy Peach, with in-kind support from the Courtyard Marriott, the Holland Civic Center Place, Jean Marie’s, and West Michigan Woman. For more information on Girlfriends Weekend, visit the  website at www.girlfriendsweekend.org or contact the Downtown Holland office at 616.796.1210 or info@girlfriendsweekend.org.