While the winter season keeps many indoors, Downtown Holland's Girlfriends Weekend is the perfect reason to get out with your closest group of friends and have a ball. Taking place Friday, March 3 through Sunday, March 5, Girlfriends Weekend is a popular event that invites women to celebrate their friendships by getting together and shopping, wining, dining and indulging in all that Downtown Holland has to offer.
"Girlfriends Weekend was initially designed to help give our merchants a boost during a slower time of year," said Kara de Alvare, Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator. "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 at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3, when 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. For the rest of the day from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., attendees are invited to spend the day exploring Downtown Holland's shops and restaurants, enjoying in-store activities, and attending classes exclusively for attendees.
On Friday night from 8 – 11 p.m., 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, with a cash bar available at each participating establishment.
Come Saturday, attendees could start the day with a delicious plated breakfast (with coffee and juice) and a high-energy fashion show at the recently remodeled Haworth Hotel and Conference Center highlighting the latest spring collections of clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories found in Downtown Holland's locally owned boutiques. Tickets are $25 with a Girlfriends Weekend registration.
The remainder of Saturday is free for attendees to shop 'til they drop, wine, dine and indulge in manicures, pedicures 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.
Advanced registration for the weekend is required and is $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.
While overnight accommodations are not included in the Girlfriends Weekend registration price, accommodation details could be found on the hotel page of the Girlfriends Weekend website. 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, visit Girlfriends Weekend or contact the Downtown Holland office at 616.796.1210 or [email protected].
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photos Courtesy of Downtown Holland.
