Quick to sell out and sure to entertain, Holland's Girlfriends Weekend is a hit among local ladies and out-of-town BFFs. Coming to the lakeshore this March, it's a weekend full of shopping, primping, cocktailing, and fun.
"It's an in-demand event," said Kara de Alvare, Downtown Holland interim marketing director and co-founder of the event. "It's like a big family reunion, every year!"
Now in its fifth year, Girlfriends Weekend connects downtown businesses with event attendees in an effort to showcase the culture and diverse offerings available on 8th Street and beyond. Restaurants to retailers open their doors to festivities and host special activities like wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, trunk shows, and more. Click here for an itinerary of the weekend.
Besides giving the four hundred strong event-goers nonstop action throughout the weekend, partnering with local businesses gives Holland a budgetary boost.
"March is always a slow time for downtown Holland," Kara said. "It really is the best thing to do for the economy to keep those dollars local."
Although many who attend Girlfriends Weekend are from outside of West Michigan, Kara said bringing women from nearby areas downtown for the event gives them an excuse to explore shopping and service opportunities in their own backyard.
"We like to think we have a lot to offer. Holland is a unique destination, and we want to promote the fun and vibrant aspects of it," Kara said.
Couldn't get tickets to Girlfriends Weekend? Head downtown anyway! Kara said shops will still be open to the public, and some will let non-ticket holders in on the action.
Written by: Erika Fifelski is West Michigan Woman magazine's editorial coordinator. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism. Erika was born and raised in West Michigan, and after a brief stint on the sunrise side, she's home and loving it. Photos: Downtown Holland, Michigan
