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517 Day in Downtown Lansing

Celebrate the Best of Lansing and all there is to do in the 517 as Downtown Lansing Inc. partners with Metro Melik, Creator and Founder of 517 Day, and Lansing 5:01 to bring fun activities and experiences to Michigan’s Downtown on Saturday, May 17!

The day will feature Michigan makers, music, art, shopping, food and the culture of our community! While there will be activities happening all around the city, Downtown Lansing will be the epicenter of 517 Day festivities, welcoming thousands of community members to the Best of Lansing Festival and with activities all along Washington Square, Capitol Ave. and Lansing’s riverfront.

Best of Lansing Festival

Time: 5–9 p.m.
Location: Michigan State Capitol

Experience the BEST of Lansing on Saturday, May 17 from 5–9 PM at this FREE street festival on 517 Day. The 3rd annual Best of Lansing Festival features the best of the best — artists and creatives to retail shops and restaurants, the influencers, changemakers, and creators that make the 517 so unique. Join us to meet local businesses, artisans, food trucks, inflatable games, public art, and LIVE music featuring THE LOVE EFFECT.

Hosted by Lansing 5:01, Downtown Lansing Inc., ME2U Promotions, LLC, and YouShine Events & Consulting.

If you truly #LoveLansing, The BEST OF LANSING is the ultimate celebration for you – fun, community, and so much more located in Downtown Lansing.

Best of Lansing Festival
517 Day photos from 2024
517 Day photos from 2024
517 Day photos from 2024
517 Day photos from 2024

All 517 Day Activities in Downtown Lansing

Over the Edge

Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Boji Tower

Participants can rappel down the Boji Tower to raise money and awareness for the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing! Take the elevator to the top of the Boji Tower in downtown Lansing, then strap in and rappel all the way down!

Ignition Maker Fest

Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Impression 5 Science Center

Spark your imagination at this FREE outdoor event that combines a mega-science fair with a creative marketplace to bring people together, encouraging innovative thinking and inventive ideas for curious minds of all ages.

The Jump Off: APPARATUS EDITION

Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: All of the Above Hip Hop Academy

The battle is back and bigger than ever. Join AOTA for a high-impact day of hip hop, community, and competition at 303 S. Washington Square.

517 Day Celebration at Lansing Shuffle

Time: 1–7 p.m.
Location: Lansing Shuffle

Enjoy live music, vendors, games, Michigan beer and cocktails in collectible cups, and shuffleboard lessons. Celebrate Lansing in style!

517 Day with LAFCU Fireworks

Time: 7:05 p.m.
Location: Jackson Field

Join the Lansing Lugnuts for an evening of local pride! Enjoy food deals, drink specials, and fireworks in honor of 517 Day.

Celebrate 517 Day by Supporting Local In Michigan’s Downtown

Several businesses located in Downtown Lansing will be celebrating 517 Day in Lansing by hosting events, promotions, specials and more! To see a full list of Downtown Lansing businesses, visit our Downtown Directory.

Participating Businesses:

  • The Peanut Shop: $7 special on ½ lb. of Best Mix
  • Nubian: 20% off purchases over $50
  • Veg Head: BBQ Jack Sandwich for $7
  • Capital Hippie: Details coming soon
  • Devils Day Tattoo: Lansing-themed flash tattoos all day; prints and shirts for sale
  • Jimmy John's Downtown: Details coming soon
  • Firefly Hot Yoga Barre (Tentative): Details coming soon
  • Sylvia’s Sudsery: Paint your own bath bomb and customize your own foaming sugar scrub
  • Market on the Square: Details coming soon
  • Summit Comics: Details coming soon
  • All of the Above Hip Hop Academy: Jump Off Beat Battle at AOTA + DJ Ozay Moore live at the Capitol, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Lansing Shuffleboard Players
Double your Dollars - Purchase your Downtown Digital Dollars gift cards on Nov 30 and have your dollars doubled while funds last