Living Here

Dear Downtown Lansing, 

As a Downtown Lansing resident, it’s been a while since I’ve been within walking distance of a live music venue. I’ll always look back fondly at the many nights spent enjoying concerts at the gone-but-not-forgotten Loft on Michigan Avenue. I think back and smile at the many long days attending and even working the multi-day music festival, Common Ground, at Adado Riverfront Park. Those nostalgic feelings are pleasant in tone, but knowing there’s a new venue in Downtown again – that’s music to my ears. 

DLI announces family-friendly Halloween events Downtown including Trick or Treat on Oct. 25

LANSING, Mich. (September 26, 2024) - Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI), the downtown management agency for Michigan’s Downtown, has announced that start of Spooky Season in Michigan’s Downtown, unveiling new Halloween window murals as part of its mission to strengthen and nurture the culture and vibrant activity in Downtown Lansing. 

THURSDAY, Sept.19 — The board of the Lansing Art Gallery is seeking pubic input as it looks for ways to reopen after closing for the month because of revenue problems.

“If members of the community would like to participate in a focus group and share ideas for the future of the gallery, or get involved by volunteering, we welcome you to join us: 5:30 PM on Thursday, September 26th at the Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center: 300 S Washington Square Suite 100, Lansing,” board President Rachel Beatty said in a news release.

By BILL CASTANIER

The pandemic may not have been good for much, as the New Yorker magazine recently noted, but it was for bookstores — as this weekend’s first-ever Lansing Lit Festival demonstrates by the number of relatively new stores that are hosting it.

The festival will feature more than a dozen authors, poets and comic book artists at nine independent bookstores, area libraries and performance areas. The three-day event, which kicks off Friday (Sept. 20), includes 22 individual readings, workshops and performances.

LANSING, Mich — It’s hard to think about Christmas while we’re still experiencing this summer-like heat but the 2024 State Christmas Tree has been chosen.

The Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget has selected a 60-foot spruce from one of our neighborhoods. 

Eagle residents Rich and Dorcas Albertson are donating the tree. It will be moving from their front yard and arrive in Downtown Lansing on November 2.

This is the second tree selected from Clinton County since the tradition began in 1987.

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - An event years in the making. On Friday, Impression 5 Science Center flipped the switch on the Megawatt exhibit, a partnership with the Consumers Energy Foundation.

The ribbon cutting celebrated the new interactive exhibit in downtown Lansing. It’s a hands-on approach for people of all ages to learn about science and energy.

For all of you who have been waiting (and those who have not), Shuffleboard Leagues are finally here. Put together your squad and compete for 11 weeks, until a champion is crowned. Team uniforms and general oddness is encouraged. Legends will be made. Drinks will be drank. 

We are excited to introduce a new Dear Downtown segment. This segment is written by guest writers highlighting unique perspectives, prose and other creative takes on what they love about Downtown. We hope you enjoy our first letter written by Stephanie Van Koevering!

“Dear Downtown Lansing,

For Immediate Release: September 3, 2024

Sixth annual coat drive provides coats, hats and gloves to families in need

LANSING, Michigan – 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 15. The coats will be distributed for free at Community Connect on Thursday, November 21, at the Downtown CATA station. 

Most people think of a rave as being a huge party, with young people dancing to electronic music. Ethan Maccoby says the name Broadway Rave is a bit of a misnomer, but it was the most fun title he and partner Alex could come up with for these shows.

“It’s essentially a dance party with a DJ, playing all of your favorite Broadway and musical theatre favorites, from deep cuts to current musicals,” Maccoby said.