Business

DDA, businesses set again to host Girls Night Out in IM

IRON MOUNTAIN -- Downtown Iron Mountain is getting ready for a little retail therapy, a lot of laughter and a night out with the girls.

The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority's annual Girls Night Out returns from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, bringing a full evening of shopping, dining and entertainment.

With 40 businesses already signed up and more joining each day, this year's event is expected to draw a large crowd to downtown Iron Mountain, DDA Event Coordinator Katherine DeMars said.

First Bank is returning as the 2026 GNO signature sponsor, continuing its support of the annual event.

The evening will feature a variety of downtown businesses offering special promotions, shopping deals, giveaways and opportunities to discover something new. Participating businesses include everything from dining establishments to many retailers and service providers.

"It highlights all the great downtown businesses we have. We also have a lot of pop-up shops that will be located inside each of these businesses," DeMars said. "We will also have a new mobile bookstore set up at Sandstone Terrace."

Among them, Iron & Aster will host approximately 10 to 12 vendors.

"It's just a fun evening socializing and getting together with your friends and girls, and enjoying some of the best shopping deals of the year in downtown Iron Mountain," DeMars said.

For those who have not spent much time exploring downtown, the event offers a perfect opportunity to experience local businesses and what they have to offer.

"If you have never been downtown Iron Mountain, now is the time to come and plan a visit," she said.

After an evening of shopping, guests can continue the celebration at the official Girls Night Out After Party from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Iron & Aster Event Space.

"New this year, we have DJ Seismic of Audion Entertainment, who will be spinning all the greatest hits and making it a fun party for everybody," DeMars said. Entertainment is sponsored by Lume.

A digital ad-pack will be available Monday on the Iron Mountain DDA website that includes a Google map of participating businesses, along with their hours, specials and giveaways.

"Girls can download in advance to preplan their evening," she said.

New this year, the DDA is introducing business passports to add another element to the shopping experience. Passport cards will be available beginning Monday at Iron Mountain City Hall, First Bank, Wild Horse Saloon, Love Bug Designs Resilience Beauty Bar and Iron & Aster during GNO if still available. DeMars noted that only 1,000 cards will be available.

Shoppers can collect all six required stamps by making purchases at participating businesses. Completed passports will qualify participants for a drawing for a large gift basket filled with items and gifts donated by downtown businesses.

Completed cards can be deposited in the DDA box at Iron & Aster throughout the evening or in the deposit box at City Hall. The gift basket will be on display during Girls Night Out, with the winner drawn Friday, Nov. 13.

"It's just another fun activity to add to the night," DeMars said.

Guests 21 and older can also take advantage of the downtown social district during the event. Visitors are encouraged to review participating businesses and district guidelines on the DDA's Social District webpage.

Girls Night Out will take place regardless of weather, DeMars said.

She stressed the event would not be possible without the support of the sponsors and partners who help make it happen. "We appreciate their continued support that allows the DDA to keep the tradition going," she added.

"Whether you're looking to get a head start on holiday shopping, discover a new local business, take advantage of special promotions or simply spend an evening with friends, Girls Night Out offers something for everyone," DeMars said.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.