New Event in West Michigan Features Girlfriends Getaway Weekend and the Return of Michigan Makers Market

Community News |Jul 15, 2025|4 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2025

Contact:
Carla M. Flanders
CMF Marketing & Events
616-893-5459
carla@cmfmarketing.org
Websites: girlfriendsgetaway.org | michiganmakersmarket.org

New Event in West Michigan Features Girlfriends Getaway Weekend and the Return of Michigan Makers Market

Muskegon, MI — A fresh and festive fall event is launching in Downtown Muskegon this year with the debut of Girlfriends Getaway Weekend, a new women-focused weekend event taking place November 14–16, 2025. Designed to foster fun, connection, and community, Girlfriends Getaway invites women of all ages to explore Muskegon’s thriving downtown while enjoying exclusive deals, curated experiences, and plenty of surprises. Registration to participate in the Girlfriends Getaway is only $60.

The weekend kicks off Friday, November 14, with event registration where you will receive a swag bag full of goodies, followed by a private VIP happy hour at the nationally recognized and newly renovated Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA). Plus, discount bundles including hotel stay, local events, attractions, dining, and more.

Saturday, November 15, promises a full day of activities including:

  • The return of the Michigan Makers Market (MMM), a juried indoor artisan event featuring handcrafted goods from across the state.
  • Wreath Making Workshops led by Kalin Sheick of Sweetwater Floral, host of the popular podcast Lucky Girls Don’t Quit.
  • Hackley & Hume Historic Homes Exclusive Discounted Tour,  be the first to view the Queen Anne style Victorian homes of Muskegon Lumber Barons Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume all decked out for the holiday season!
  • Plus, additional community activities including live music, ballet, night life, museums and more! 

The Michigan Makers Market Returns

Back by popular demand, the Michigan Makers Market will be held at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center. This juried indoor market showcases the creative talents of Michigan-based artists and makers, with handcrafted items ranging from jewelry and woodwork to fiber art, sculpture, and more. Entry to the general public is just $5, while Girlfriends Getaway attendees receive free admission.

Exhibitor applications are now open for Michigan Makers Market, with a deadline of August 1, 2025. Interested artists and crafters can apply at michiganmakersmarket.org.

Wreath Making Workshop with Sweetwater Floral

A standout experience of the weekend is West Michigan’s first-ever wreath making workshop with Kalin Sheick of Sweetwater Floral. Each participant will create a beautiful 24” fresh evergreen wreath using three types of greenery. All materials and instruction are included, along with Kalin’s signature charm, humor and boundless energy. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. $85 for Girlfriends Getaway participants, $90 for general public.

“We’re excited to bring Girlfriends Getaway to Muskegon for the very first time,” said Carla M. Flanders, event producer and owner of CMF Marketing & Events. “This event celebrates community, creativity, and connection—all while supporting local makers and small businesses. Our hope is that it will become a beloved tradition for years to come.”

Supporting the Community

Girlfriends Getaway is proud to partner with local non-profit Every Woman’s Place, supporting their mission through donations and awareness of services for women in the region.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support for this event is provided by Blended Furniture Market, Muskegon Museum of Art and a grant from the City of Muskegon DDA. Local businesses looking to reach a targeted and engaged audience are invited to explore sponsorship opportunities for Girlfriends Getaway and the Michigan Makers Market. To learn more, email carla@cmfmarketing.org or click HERE.


Event Details Recap and Ticket Prices

What: Girlfriends Getaway Weekend
When: November 14–16, 2025
Where: Downtown Muskegon, MI
Tickets On Sale: July 15, 2025

Ticket Details:
Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

  •  Girlfriends Getaway (includes happy hour + MMM + perks): $60
  • Girlfriends Getaway Bundle (Getaway + Wreath Workshop): $145
  • Wreath Workshop Only: $90
  • Hackley & Hume Historic Homes Tour: $13.50
  • Michigan Makers Market General Public: $5 (Tickets available in advance beginning this fall and at the door.)
  •  Discount Room Rates at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon: $149 (More information here.)

For more information and to register, visit  girlfriendsgetaway.org and michiganmakersmarket.org.
About Girlfriends Getaway:

The 2025 inaugural year of Girlfriends Getaway features a women’s weekend event designed to bring people together to make memories, shop, explore, and experience the best of Downtown Muskegon. With exclusive programming, local business participation, and curated artisan shopping, it’s a celebration of sisterhood, community and creativity.

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