By Ed Coury (via WKAR Public Media)
Plans for the long-awaited $28 million Ovation Center in downtown Lansing are moving ahead — but with fewer architectural flourishes than originally proposed.
By Jay Krammes
Lansing’s fall festival season is stacked with back-to-back excitement!
517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend (Sept. 18–21) adds a cultural celebration with Latin dance nights, a “Taste of Hispanic Heritage” street festival with 70+ vendors, a Kidz Zone, and even a Latin jazz performance under the stars.
Source: Mayor Schor’s Office
LANSING, Mich. – Mayor Andy Schor announced today that the City of Lansing will host a coat drive to provide new and gently used winter coats, hats, and gloves to children and adults in need in Lansing. Item collection started this week and will run through Friday, November 7, 2025. The coats will be given away at Community Connect on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Downtown CATA station.
Guest Writer: Jay Krammes
At Downtown Dental Studio, every smile is treated like it’s one of a kind. Led by Dr. Priyanka Watwe, the team makes it a priority to get to know each patient, building long-lasting relationships rooted in respect and kindness.
By Shakayla Zoss
DLI is honored to invite the people of Michigan to our Second Annual Big Red Ball, celebrating bold vision, big energy, and the shared mission to transform Michigan’s Downtown!
Downtown Lansing is gearing up for one of its most anticipated fall traditions — Trick or Treat on the Square, happening Friday, October 24, from 5-7 pm.
Families from across the region will gather along Washington Square for an evening filled with candy, costumes, and community spirit. The annual event has become a highlight of the season, drawing thousands of visitors who come to celebrate Halloween in the heart of the city.
Source: Courtney Bowerman via Lansing City Pulse
I always meant to give Tatse a try. Despite not being fond of spicy food, I was curious about West African cuisine. Unfortunately, the downtown restaurant closed before I could work up the nerve to actually go inside. So, when Jollof Afro-Caribbean Lounge opened in its place a few months ago, I took that as a sign to seize the moment.
Guest Writer: Chioma Lewis
This summer, Downtown Lansing’s Stadium District is serving up a home run of fun with its all-new Stadium District Passport Series—a biweekly adventure that brings the best of local dining, shopping, and events into one easy (and rewarding) experience.
We are excited to spotlight Liberty McPike as our August Volunteer of the Month. Liberty serves as Member Experience Assistant Manager at Lake Trust Credit Union. For many years, Liberty has been volunteering to plan and coordinate our annual Evening of Excellence celebration held each August to celebrate our volunteers, businesses, partners and neighbors who support our mission to illuminate the path forward for Michigan’s Downtown.
Guest Writer: Mario Gonzales
Dear Downtown Lansing,
Since arriving in Michigan in 2003, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing your journey—one of grit, transformation, and tenacity. I became a Michigander during what many called the “Lost Decade,” when uncertainty and hardship seemed woven into our state’s identity. Those years weren’t easy. As the auto industry stumbled and cities across Michigan felt the strain, it often seemed like no one was willing to bet on you — our Capital City.
