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Big Red Ball

Big Red Ball invitation 2026

Big Red Ball

Date: Sat, Nov 21 2026
Location: Michigan History Museum
Time: 7:00 - 10:00pm

About the Event

The Big Red Ball: the night Downtown Lansing shows up and shows off.

This is the evening the Capital City comes together. Step into a room filled with exhibits, artifacts, and moments that bring Michigan’s story to life, and celebrate the momentum transforming our downtown.

The Big Red Ball is Downtown Lansing’s premier fundraising and social event, where longtime traditions meet bold, forward-looking ideas. You’ll toast the people, places, and stories that define Michigan’s downtown, and meet the creators, innovators, and neighbors who are shaping what comes next.

Every ticket supports a more vibrant, connected downtown. Come for the celebration, and leave knowing you helped build the future of Michigan’s downtown, starting right here.

This year’s event ambassadors are MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and his wife, Amy, along with Tiffany Marie Luke, owner of LaFille Gallery. Together, they represent two very different but complementary sides of what makes Downtown Lansing special: the connection between our community and Michigan State University, and the growing creative and small-business scene downtown. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Your Big Red Ball Experience

Your Ticket Includes:

· 2 drink tokens, full bar available

· Heavy hors d’oeuvres

· Live musical performances featuring the sounds of Motown and more

· Michigan experiential tastings

· Fun Photo and Entertainment Opportunities throughout the museum

· Silent Auction & Wine Pull

· A special take-home gift

· Dancing and more!

Dress for the Occasion

Looking for the perfect look for the Big Red Ball? We’re partnering with two of Lansing’s premier formalwear destinations: Craig Ryan Fine Clothing in Downtown Lansing and Grace Boutique in Lansing’s historic Old Town district.

Mention the Big Red Ball at either shop to receive 10% off your purchase. From expertly tailored tuxedos to elegant gowns, find everything you need to arrive dressed for the occasion.

Host Committee

Mayor Andy Schor
Courtney Bollman
Dominic Cochran
Shelley Davis-Boyd
Patrick Dean
Jen Estill
Amiee Evans
Dawn Haddad
Mary Gajda
Samantha Harkins
Deb Hart
Dana Kromer
Mark Lawrence
Janet Lillie
Jenea Markham
Dan Montes
Breina Pugh
Josh Pugh
Jamara Randall
Michelle Reynaert
Alex Rusek
Lisa Sack
Rachel Sampson
Ryan Sebolt
Abbie Tykocki
Kimberly Wadaga

Past Event Highlights

Double your Dollars - Purchase your Downtown Digital Dollars gift cards on Nov 30 and have your dollars doubled while funds last