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 entire 517 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, new window murals commissioned by DLI, 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.
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.
Lansing 517 Flash Event by Devils Day Tattoo
Time: 12–7 p.m.
Location: Devils Day Tattoo
Celebrate 517 Day with ink! Stop by Devils Day Tattoo in Downtown Lansing for exclusive tattoo flash specials, live music, giveaways, and an unforgettable experience with local artists.
Deadly Strings Band at Capital Hippie
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Capital Hippie
Keep the 517 Day celebrations going with live music at Capital Hippie! The Deadly Strings Band brings high energy and good vibes to this downtown shop for a night of jams, community, and fun.
Lansing Restaurant Week in Downtown
Time: All Day
Location: Participating restaurants in Downtown Lansing
Savor the flavors of Downtown Lansing during Lansing Restaurant Week! Explore special menus, exclusive deals, and delicious experiences from your favorite local restaurants. A perfect excuse to treat yourself or plan a tasty outing with friends!
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: Special sale price of $7 per ½ lb of Best Mix
- Nubian: 20% off anything over $50
- Veg Head: BBQ Jack Sandwich $7
- Capital Hippie: Performances from The Deadly Strings Band
- Devils Day Tattoo: Lansing flash-themed tattoos
- Jimmy John's Downtown: Details coming soon
- Firefly Hot Yoga Barre: Stop by between 4 to 8 p.m. for a look inside and get a FREE class pass!
- 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.
- AnQi Sushi Express: $5.17 Chocolate Milk Tea + California Roll (1 roll)
- Dear Ollie & Co.: Receive $5.17 off your next purchase with every purchase of $25 or more
- The Hob Nob: Special coffee bar pop-up on Washington Square
