Downtown Holland has announced the return of its popular Girlfriends Weekend event, scheduled this year is for March 6 — 8. During this 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 $65 per person, which includes a swag bag stuffed with goodies, a coupon book full of savings to Downtown Holland shops and restaurants, fun hands-on activities and classes at participating merchants, the chance to win great giveaways, live music, a Sunday brunch buffet and more. A little over 200 spots remain available.
“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. We have women who have been attending every year since our first Girlfriends Weekend in 2009 and we constantly hear how much this weekend means to the women that attend year after year. For so many women, Girlfriends Weekend provides a rare opportunity for them to relax, reconnect and recharge. And we’re honored to be able to provide that opportunity here in Downtown Holland.”
Girlfriends Weekend officially kicks off March 6. Beginning at 8 a.m. that morning, attendees can enjoy a complimentary mimosa at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel while checking in for the event and picking up their name badges, swag bags, Girlfriends Weekend brochure, event tickets and brunch voucher. Then from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., attendees are invited to attend the annual Ready, Set…Shop! event. During this open house-style event, attendees can enjoy complimentary refreshments at participating businesses while they get an early start on their shopping…or simply create their wish list for the rest of the weekend! At each participating store, women can also enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card of a gift valued at $25 or more.
On Friday night from 8 – 11 p.m., women are invited to Friday Night Live! As part of the event, Big Lake Brewing, the Curragh Irish Pub, Hops at 84 East, New Holland Brewing and Parrot’s Lounge will each feature live local music and Girlfriends Weekend drink specials for attendees. A cash bar will be available at each participating bar and restaurant.
Saturday, March 7 begins with a Breakfast and Fashion Show at the Holland Civic Center Place. This style show will highlight the latest spring collections of clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories that can only be found in the boutiques of Downtown Holland. While currently sold out, attendees can be placed on a waiting list to attend the show. Tickets are just $15 each 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, massages and more at 40 participating businesses.
Attendees can also participate in a number of free in-store activities, including mini makeovers, chair massages, food sampling and more. A number of classes will also be available for a small additional fee, including cooking demonstrations and cocktail-making classes, among others.
On Saturday night, Girlfriends Weekend will host a Rock The Red Carpet party at the Holland Civic Center Place, featuring a DJ and dancing, free photo booth, fun party favors and a cash bar. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress! Tickets to Rock The Red Carpet are additional $10 each.
Girlfriends Weekend will conclude March 8 with a fabulous brunch buffet at Alpenrose Restaurant. Women will dine on a wide variety of breakfast and lunch entrées, soups, salads, desserts and more before heading out to make their last minute purchases and returning home. Brunch reservations must be made in advance when registering for Girlfriends Weekend.
Advance registration for Girlfriends Weekend is required online at www.girlfriendsweekend.org.
While overnight accommodations are not included in the Girlfriends Weekend registration price, room blocks have been reserved at Downtown Holland hotels, including at the premier hotel sponsor, Courtyard Marriott. Room blocks are also available at the CityFlatsHotel and the Doubletree Hotel, just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Holland. Visit the hotel page on the Girlfriends Weekend website for details on how to make your reservation.
For more information on Girlfriends Weekend, visit www.girlfriendsweekend.org or contact the Downtown Holland office by phone at 616-796-1210 or via email at info@girlfriendsweekend.org.
