Living Here

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.

Lansing Foodies presents Michigan’s second annual Olive Burger Festival on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Jackson Field in Lansing. Tickets and sponsorships are available now for all those interested in attending and supporting this delicious event featuring over a dozen of the region’s best olive burgers, live music, and fun activities for the whole family! In addition to olive burgers, the festival will feature live music, drag performers, celebrated Lanst

Guest Writer: Chioma Lewis

As summer winds down and students return to their studies, downtown Lansing comes alive with a variety of activities perfect for all. Here’s a roundup of exciting things to do in the heart of Michigan’s capital city:

Guest Writer: Chioma Lewis

The Michigan Farmers Market Association’s (MIFMA) Farmers Markets at the Capitol is a cornerstone of downtown Lansing’s summer scene. The markets offer the aroma of local floral arrangements and much more. Shoppers can choose from a plethora of products, including fresh produce, baked goods, soaps, and more. Visitors can also enjoy numerous food trucks parked along Capitol Avenue throughout the market day.

Our September Business of the Month is the Salus Center! Founded in 2017, the Salus Center has been a cornerstone for Lansing’s LGBTQIA+ communities, providing a welcoming gathering space and information hub. 

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Lansing Lit Festival on September 20-22, 2024. The three-day-long event will showcase the best of our local bookstores, author events, and bookish vendors, all while promoting our community’s vibrant love for literature.

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.

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. 

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.