Living Here

Guest Writer: Allison Shudark

Downtown Lansing’s summer music season invites residents and visitors alike to slow down, get outside, and enjoy warm evenings filled with live music. 

From the laid-back setting of the City of Lansing’s Concerts in the Park to the riverfront ambiance of the Grand Concert Series and the lively downtown atmosphere of Nelson Gallery’s Live Music Thursdays, each event offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, gather with friends, and take in the sounds of the season. 

By Jade Chaparro (via WILX)

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The Lansing Housing Commission will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday to celebrate the completion of two major housing developments in downtown Lansing.

Combined, the projects add more than 100 apartments to the city, including dozens designated as affordable housing. They are the first new housing developments built by the commission in more than 20 years.

By: Meg Vandermark (via WLNS)

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Fresh off hosting their Pride Prom last Saturday, the Salus Center, a 2SLGBTQIA+ community center, says they are gearing up for a packed summer.

By Jade Chaparro (via WILX)

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Lansing’s new Public Media Center and Ovation Center opened Friday in downtown Lansing.

The center is located on South Washington Avenue near the intersection of Lenawee Street.

Officials say the facility will serve as a gathering space for artists, musicians, students and music lovers in the community.

Photo Credit: WILX Livestream

By Jade Chaparro (via WILX)

LANSING, Mich. - Live music will return to downtown Lansing this summer as the 2026 Grand Concert Series gets underway.

The free, family-friendly concert series will feature a lineup of musical acts on select Thursday evenings from June through August.

All concerts will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lansing Center’s Riverfront Plaza.

By James Brains (via Lansing City Pulse)

For three days this weekend, Lansing is the most important city in roller derby.

The 2026 WFTDA North American Playoffs is rolling into the Lansing Center and bringing a dozen of the best roller derby teams together for a playoff weekend that will draw competitors, officials, and fans from across the continent.

This summer, the community is invited to experience the excitement of Downtown After 5, a new initiative bringing shopping, dining, live music, and local entertainment together in the heart of downtown.

Taking place on the third Thursday of each month from June through August, Downtown After 5 offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy warm summer evenings while supporting local businesses. 

Guest Writer: Alex Rusek

As a volunteer-led organization, we know that our volunteers are truly the heart of Downtown Lansing Inc. Volunteers bring vibrancy and a sense of community to our events and initiatives, infusing purpose throughout downtown Lansing. This month’s Volunteer of the Month is Chioma Lewis.

Collaboration Across Community Sectors

When it comes to building a stronger, more active and resilient downtown community, collaboration is critical.  Recently, I had the opportunity to visit communities across Ireland, as well as fellow capital city and college town - Madison, Wisconsin. Across each city center, one common theme stood out: thriving downtowns do not happen by accident. They are the result of long-term investment, shared vision, strong partnerships, and a willingness to collaborate across sectors. 

By Kristen Matthews (via WITL 100.7 FM)

Get ready for more growth in Lansing’s restaurant scene!

Lansing’s Restaurant Boom Continues in 2026