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Living Here

September Volunteer of the Month: Nikki Thompson Frazier

Our September Volunteer of the Month is Nikki Thompson Frazier, owner and founder of Sweet Encounter Bakery & Cafe. Nikki recently joined DLI’s board of directors but has been part of the great work in Downtown Lansing for many years. She first started as a member of Middle Village, our retail accelerator program. Sweet Encounter was able to grow and graduate from the program to open its first storefront in the iconic Knapp’s Building.

Evening of Excellence honors Downtown Lansing’s best!

Guest Writer: Laura Biehl 

Downtown Lansing Inc’s 2024 Evening of Excellence was held at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum on Thursday, Aug. 8, celebrating volunteers, businesses, partners and neighbors that support DLI’s mission to ensure a bright path forward for Michigan’s Downtown. The event theme was “Vibrant Visions: Imagining Downtown’s Future Together. Attendees honored the past, celebrated the present and looked forward to a future of possibilities for Downtown Lansing. 

Downtown Lansing plans for growth and thriving city center

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Many buildings in Downtown Lansing sit vacant, and fewer workers commute to work, leading to even fewer businesses setting up shop.

Following a decline in foot traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic business leaders and officials are looking to bring back a thriving downtown.

The challenge Downtown Lansing is facing is moving beyond the nine-to-five routine it currently has. State employees commute downtown for work but that simply isn’t enough. Repurposing unused space is one option in hopes of transforming the heart of the city.

Riverwalk Theatre Brings Vibrant and Transformative Community Performances to Downtown Lansing

(photo credits: Riverwalk Theatre) 

After relocating from Okemos in 1988, Riverwalk Theatre has been a fixture in the downtown Lansing arts community for 30 years now. Offering modern plays & musicals from its resident acting company, Riverwalk Theatre brings vibrancy and community spirit to Downtown Lansing throughout the year with its transformative local shows. If you’re interested in getting involved with Riverwalk Theatre, there are several ways to do so, from under the spotlight or behind the scenes.  

"Not dead yet": The Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center is hoping to get foot traffic back up

The Lansing Art Gallery has been in my neighborhood almost 60 years and their getting the word out to the community that they’re “not dead yet” ahead of a fundraiser that they say could be make or break for them.

“We were thinking like sometimes people think when you’re in your sixties you might retire or you’re over that hill but were not!!” said Michelle Carlson, Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center executive director.

For nearly 6 decades… the Lansing Art Gallery and Educational Center has been in this very spot.

Lansing Olive Burger Festival doubles number of tickets; advance sales start Monday

LANSING — Tickets for the second Olive Burger Festival at Jackson Field will go on sale Monday.

The day-long event paying homage to olive burgers, a local favorite at several Lansing-area restaurants, is set for noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 5 at the home of the Lugnuts. The festival features olive burgers and other items from area restaurants, live music, drag performers, “celebrated Lanstronauts,” an olive burger eating contest, games, and activities.

LCC Performing Arts Announces 2024-25 Theatre Season

LANSING, Mich. (August 6, 2024) – Lansing Community College’s Performing Arts has unveiled its exciting lineup for the 2024-25 theatre season, promising a diverse array of productions that cater to a wide audience. Here’s a breakdown of what’s in store:

 

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

by Rick Riordan, Book by Joe Tracz, Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki

Director: Kelly Stuible-Clark

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