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Living Here

March Letter from the Director

Downtown Lansing is more than a spot on the map; it’s the energetic heart of Michigan’s Capital City and a place where history, investment, and community come together. Spanning 64 blocks in the Principal Shopping District and home to more than 1,000 businesses, this nationally recognized district continues to gain momentum, with new housing, riverfront development, and millions in public and private investment shaping its future. From bustling restaurants and retail shops to the hundreds of volunteers who give their time each year, Downtown Lansing thrives because of the people who believe in it. Together, we’re not just maintaining a district, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant downtown for everyone.

Lights, Camera, Lansing: The 16th Annual Capital City Film Festival

From April 8–18, 2026, the 16th Annual Capital City Film Festival will transform downtown Lansing into a dynamic hub of film, music, and immersive art. What began as a modest local gathering has grown into one of the Midwest’s premier celebrations of independent storytelling, drawing creatives and audiences together for ten days of screenings, live performances, interactive media, and community-driven events. With venues across the city, special premiere parties, and opportunities to connect directly with filmmakers and artists, this year’s Festival promises its most vibrant and expansive experience yet.

March Volunteer of the Month: Tony Beyers

When you think about what makes a community thrive, it’s people like Tony Beyers who come to mind — individuals who don’t just show up, but who roll up their sleeves and help shape the very fabric of Downtown Lansing.

As Downtown Lansing Inc.’s Volunteer of the Month, Tony has become an indispensable part of our community’s success. Whether he’s serving on our Promotions committee or spearheading the popular BrrrCrawl event, Tony brings both passion and expertise to everything he touches.

Hop Into Spring at the Downtown Egg-Stravaganza

Spring returns to Michigan’s Downtown with the much-anticipated Downtown Egg-Stravaganza on Saturday, April 4, 2026, a free, family-friendly celebration filled with Easter fun on the Capitol Lawn and along Washington Square. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children can enjoy an age-grouped egg hunt before heading downtown to collect treats from local businesses and community organizations, rain or shine. Blending festive activities with opportunities to explore and support local shops, this cherished seasonal tradition offers families a joyful way to welcome spring in the heart of Lansing.

Lansing Lugnuts Turn 30!

Guest Writer: Jay Krammes

Opening Day will hit a little differently this year (pun intended). When the gates open at Jackson Field on Thursday, April 2, it won’t simply mark the start of another season. The Lansing Lugnuts are celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2026 — three decades after more than 10,000 fans filled Oldsmobile Park on April 11, 1996.

Historic Downtown: Masonic Temple

Guest Writer: Jay Krammes

The Masonic Temple Building at 217 South Capitol Avenue was completed in 1924 and stands a few blocks from the Michigan State Capitol. The seven-story structure, designed in the Classical Revival style by Lansing architect Edwyn A. Bowd, was built to bring Lansing’s growing Masonic membership under one downtown roof.

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