Get ready for something new and exciting in Downtown Marquette! This year, Ladies Day Out is evolving into Downtown Day Out—a full day of fun for everyone to explore all that our downtown has to offer. Whether you're shopping, dining, or just enjoying the atmosphere, this event is for everyone! And for those who love the tradition, Ladies Night Out will still be happening from 4-8 PM. It's the best of both worlds—an inclusive day to enjoy downtown, followed by the special evening event you know and love!

Why the Change to Downtown Day Out?

At the Marquette DDA, we believe in inclusivity and making our events accessible to everyone. By transitioning to Downtown Day Out, we're opening downtown's doors to a wider audience, ensuring that everyone throughout the community has the opportunity to enjoy everything downtown businesses have to offer.

We will also be moving the messaging to promote this event as an early start to holiday shopping, welcoming people to downtown for a tour of all the businesses, each bringing something different that attendees can enjoy.

What to Expect at Downtown Day Out:

1. All Day: With a full day of activities, people can enjoy more leisurely shopping, pampering, and bonding with friends without the hectic crowd seen during the main 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM event. This is to open the event up to a wider audience and bring more people to your business.

2. Will we still have the Main Event?: The main event will still take place from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM as we have done before with activities provided by each business if they wish to do so. This is due to the larger attendance numbers during this time as people get out of work.

3. The Passport: The passport will still serve the same function as before, and can be used throughout the entire day of Downtown Day Out. Customers will present their passport and you or your staff will place a mark on your business name indicating that they have stopped at your location.

4. Participating Businesses: Businesses are expected to do what they have always done when it was Ladies Day Out, only difference is we now are opening things up to everyone in the community to participate. The message will also be promoting this as a jumpstart on holiday shopping or simply treating yourself before winter arrives. We also ask that business provide an item for the gift baskets that will be raffled off to those that have 10 or more marks from visiting up to 10 participating businesses.

How to Register:

Downtown Marquette businesses* who wish to participate in Downtown Day Out on Thursday, November 21 should complete the form below. Please complete registration no later than Friday, November 8.

There is no monetary cost to participate in Downtown Day Out, however, we do ask for donated item(s) which will be included in gift baskets which will be given out to winners of completed passport drawings. These items could be a signature gift from your business, business swag, a gift card or multiple gift cards in smaller denominations, or another item of your choosing. Please be sure to label your item with your business’s information so winners know who donated which item! These basket items help to promote your business and entice participants to complete passports!

We expect 4-5 gift baskets, though this will vary depending on the number of participating businesses. We ask that you indicate below if you will drop your item off at the DDA office (337 W. Washington St. Mon - Fri ( 9am- 5pm) by 4pm on Tuesday, November 5, or if you will have your item ready for pick up November 1. If you apply after November 1 you will be required to drop your items off by 4pm November 5.

*Only brick and mortar businesses residing in Downtown Marquette are eligible to participate in Downtown Marquette Ladies Day Out.