NEW Girlfriends Getaway Weekend & Return of Michigan Makers Market in Downtown Muskegon this November!

Community News |Oct 10, 2025|3 min read

Muskegon, MI — A brand-new women-focused event is making its debut in Downtown Muskegon November 14–16, 2025. The inaugural Girlfriends Getaway weekend blends shopping, culture, creativity, and connection—all in the heart of Muskegon’s growing downtown. With a full schedule of activities, exclusive experiences, and the much-anticipated return of the Michigan Makers Market, this event is poised to become an annual tradition.

Weekend Highlights Include:

  • VIP Welcome Reception at the Muskegon Museum of Art (Nov. 14) – A red-carpet-style kickoff featuring local leaders, attendees, and it’s free to Girlfriends Getaway participants.
  • Michigan Makers Market (Nov. 15) – More than 80 juried artisans from across Michigan showcasing handcrafted goods inside the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center. Visual, vibrant, and perfect for holiday shopping.
  • Wreath Making Workshops with Kalin Sheick of Sweetwater Floral – An energetic, interactive holiday workshop experience making its West Michigan debut.
  • Historic Hackley & Hume Homes Tour – An exclusive seasonal sneak peek of Muskegon’s famous Victorian homes decorated for the holidays.
  • Partnership with Every Woman’s Place – Awareness booth and donations during the event will support this essential nonprofit serving West Michigan.
  • Discounts – Discounts to local events, shows, restaurants and more!

Registration & Tickets

Girlfriends Getaway (GFG) registration is $60, with add-on experiences available. Tickets are now on sale! The Michigan Makers Market is free to GFG participants and open to the general public for only $5. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance, on sale soon. Full details at girlfriendsgetaway.org and michiganmakersmarket.org.

“We designed Girlfriends Getaway weekend to be fun, meaningful, and full of experiences you can’t find anywhere else,” said Carla M. Flanders, event producer and owner of CMF Marketing & Events. “This first year is about setting the stage for a new Muskegon tradition—one that supports local makers, highlights our downtown businesses, and invites women to make unforgettable memories together.”

Event Details:

  • What: Girlfriends Getaway Weekend & Michigan Makers Market
  • When: November 14–16, 2025
  • Where: Downtown Muskegon, MI
  • Who: Women of all ages, regional visitors, Michigan makers, community partners and residents
  • Why: A brand-new annual event designed to celebrate women, community, and creativity

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support for this event is provided by Blended Furniture Market, City of Muskegon DDA, Muskegon Museum of Art, Revolution Mortgage, Northern Machine, CMF Marketing, Webb Chemical, Sweetwater, Dahlquist Group-REMAX West, and more. For a full list of sponsors visit https://www.girlfriendsgetaway.org. 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.

Media Access & Interview Opportunities

Media outlets are encouraged to attend. A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for media. Interviews with Carla Flanders, featured makers, and workshop host Kalin Sheick can be arranged in advance. Contact carla@cmfmarketing.org for more information.
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