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 3 – Sunday, March 5. 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 goodies, a coupon book full of savings to participating Downtown Holland shops and restaurants, fun hands-on activities and classes at participating merchants, the chance to win great giveaways, live music, and more.
“Girlfriends Weekend was initially designed to help give our merchants a boost during a slower time of year,” said Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare, “But it’s really grown into something much bigger than that. Some women have been attending every year since 2009 who tell us how much this weekend means to them each year. For so many women, Girlfriends Weekend provides a very rare opportunity for them to finally relax, reconnect and recharge. And we’re honored to be able to provide that opportunity here in Downtown Holland.”
Girlfriends Weekend officially kicks off on Friday, March 3. 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, a number of Downtown Holland bars and restaurants will each feature live local music and Girlfriends Weekend drink specials for attendees. A cash bar will be available at each participating establishment.
Saturday, March 4 begins with a delicious Breakfast and Fashion Show at the recently remodeled 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 pubs and restaurants, and indulge in manis, pedis, and more at participating Downtown Holland shops and restaurants. Attendees can also participate in a number of free in-store activities and classes all day long, including custom candle making, earring making, trunk shows, food sampling, and more.
On Saturday night, Girlfriends Weekend will host a Luau Party at the Holland Civic Center Place, featuring a DJ and dancing, a free photo booth, fun party favors, a cash bar, and live entertainment. Attendees are encouraged dress for the occasion with their best Luau looks. Tickets to the Luau 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 at CityFlatHotel, the Courtyard Marriott, and the Haworth 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 and Pretties Intimate Apparel, with in-kind support from the Courtyard Marriott, the Holland Civic Center Place, and West Michigan Woman. For more information on Girlfriends Weekend, visit www.girlfriendsweekend.org or contact the Downtown Holland office at 616.796.1210 or info@girlfriendsweekend.org.
