
Amy Wrightsman, Marsha Wenthold and Karen Dallenbach stand with their SWAG Bags during the 2024 Women’s Weekend Out. (Photo submitted)
Decorah’s small businesses will be kicking off spring with the annual Women’s Weekend Out event. The event will take place April 4-6 and has been a local tradition since 2002.
Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce Director Jessica Rilling said the weekend event is ideal for both residents and area visitors to enjoy Decorah’s downtown district and area shops.
“This event was created specifically to support small retail businesses at the start of spring,” Rilling said. “The event committee works hard to cultivate a fun and dynamic weekend. It’s the perfect time to shop and dine your way across town, because new spring product lines are out, stores are hosting special guests, and treats and drinks are everywhere. Our small business owners know how to host a fun time. It’s also a great reminder that we vote with our dollars. If you love a vibrant and active downtown, you can choose to support it.”
Chamber officials said nine new stores have opened in downtown Decorah since Women’s Weekend Out last took place in 2024 — Jubilee, KD Refillery, Mercantile 1028, Oak & Olive, Storied Folk & Co., Coffee Break, Jenny Wren Gift Market, Interior Design by Emily and Lefse Lodge.
In total, more than 50 stores have joined together for this year’s Women’s Weekend Out. In addition to in-store specials and pop-up collaborations, the weekend is expected to feature a number of special events, including a Friday Art Crawl, an artist showcase at The Perfect Edge, an emerging artist exhibition at ArtHaus, The Saturday Style Show Brunch at Hotel Winneshiek’s Steyer Opera House, a comedy show at T-Bocks Sports Bar and Grill, a cocktail class with Rendered Unique, a wine tasting at Rubaiyat Restaurant, a craft and vendor show at the fairgrounds, a “Pieceful Puzzling” gathering at The Landing Market and live music at both Impact Coffee — which will host Driftless Jazz — and Pulpit Rock Brewing — which will host Cass Magpie. Toppling Goliath will round out the weekend with a Women’s Weekend Out Sunday Brunch.
Visitors are encouraged to contact businesses directly for store hours or to secure specific event tickets. A full list of participating locations is available online at decorahchamber.com. A total of 250 optional Women’s Weekend Out event SWAG bags with gifts from Decorah’s shops are also available for purchase through the chamber’s website at a cost of $10 each.
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