Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes or hanging up your apron, Downtown Lansing has a way to make Thanksgiving a little easier and a lot more fun this year.
Start the Day with the Turkey Trot
Kick off the holiday season at Silver Bells in the City in Downtown Lansing! This beloved annual tradition brings thousands of twinkling lights, festive activities, and holiday cheer to the heart of the city. Approximately 40,000 people gather each year to celebrate with family and friends from across Michigan and beyond.
The holiday season is the perfect time to find thoughtful gifts for the people who make life special. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or someone hard to buy for, Downtown Lansing offers ways to find something unique while supporting local businesses.
Skip the usual big-box store routine this year and explore downtown for gifts that feel personal, treats worth sharing, and special finds you won’t see everywhere else. Here are a few ideas to help you check everyone off your holiday shopping list.
This month, we’re proud to recognize Rachel Beatty, a community leader whose passion for art, storytelling, and the places that make up our city has left a mark on Downtown Lansing.
Rachel serves on our Design & Public Spaces Committee and our Legendary Women of Lansing subcommittee. For her, public spaces are more than somewhere to pass through. They reflect who we are as a community, and she treats every project with that in mind.
The Lansing food scene is always changing, whether it’s with restaurants closing or opening.
This time, we have a new restaurant opening. Lansing can now welcome The Morning Post to the food scene.
Downtown Lansing Inc. celebrated the businesses, volunteers, and community members who make a positive impact on Michigan’s Downtown during its annual Evening of Excellence, held at Jackson Field on September 3rd.
The annual event recognized those who have dedicated their time and service to the continued growth of Downtown Lansing. From new and established businesses to community volunteers, artists and advocates, this year’s honorees represent the collective commitment to make Lansing not just a place, but a destination.
I like volunteering with Downtown Lansing Inc. because I enjoy being involved in the community and being part of what is happening in downtown Lansing. I have always enjoyed going to downtown events, so getting the opportunity to volunteer and be part of those events has been really rewarding. I like seeing the energy downtown and watching people come out, have fun and enjoy everything the area has to offer.
Bringing Joy to Downtown this Fall
Two years ago, when we introduced the Big Red Ball Fundraising Gala, the goal was for the event to be a celebration of the meaningful momentum happening downtown. We also wanted it to be a way to raise funds for free community events, small business support, and downtown décor and beautification. So we started dreaming about how those funds could help enhance people’s love of Spooky Season downtown.
For 30 years, the Lansing Lugnuts have been bringing baseball, entertainment and community spirit to Downtown Lansing.
As I head into my senior year at Michigan State, I’ve found myself reflecting on everything I’ve experienced over the past three years. Starting college can make your world feel surprisingly small. It’s easy to stay within your comfort zone, and it can be a challenge putting yourself out there, especially when you don’t know where to start. Looking back, there are so many places I wish I had explored and experiences I wish I had known of sooner.
