Living Here

Eight artists descended on downtown Lansing over the weekend carrying ladders, paint and brushes along with healthy imaginations to create works of art on the windows of mostly empty storefronts.

Local artist Bob Rose organized the paint-in by artists from mid-Michigan and Detroit as part of Best of Lansing 517 Weekend in the City.

The theme was “The Future of Downtown: Where Dreams Come True.” The artists showed their creativity from a Wizard of Oz theme by Kristina Wood to anime.

For Danielle Hastings, moving to Lansing from Jackson in 2018 marked a sort of rebirth.  

“I was getting out of a domestic violence situation, and Lansing was kind of my restart and refresh from that,” she said. “That’s where I discovered the importance of self-care and was able to rehabilitate my mental health, because those situations can do a lot to a person and can impact anyone.” 

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The annual celebration of all things Mid-Michigan has returned for another year.

It’s 517 weekend in downtown Lansing, and events are kicking off with a community gathering at the Lansing Shuffle Friday. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the Shuffle will serve food, drinks, and tunes to visitors and host a vendor market on the riverfront.

What’s on the radar for 517 Day? Here’s your roundup on how you can celebrate being a Lansing Local in Downtown!
 

FRIDAY, MAY 17

LCC’s Summer Stage Under the Stars

LANSING, Mich. (May 2, 2024) – Lansing Community College’s Performing Arts announces its 2024 summer season. Summer Stage Under the Stars is back in full force with new works by LCC students, a Shakespeare comedy and the ever-popular percussion concert, La Batterie. All performances are free.

As You Like It

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Mary Job

June 26-30, 7 p.m.

Guest Writer: Jay Krammes

April 21 to 27 was a celebration of National Volunteer Week, which is always a great reminder of the important work our volunteers do to help us in our mission to strengthen and nurture the culture, health, and sustainability of our downtown district. While this special week is coming to an end, we love to celebrate our volunteers all year long by honoring a special volunteer each month. This month’s volunteer of the month is Alan Woodbury.

517 Day 2024 will be a two-day celebration of what is great about the 517 in Lansing, Michigan. This event is organized by a collective of local businesses and cultural organizations and features an all-day lineup of local talent and activities. 517 Day is a chance to come together and appreciate the unique culture of Lansing through music, art, vendors, and fun.

Middle Village, a small business retail accelerator program presented by DLI and powered by Lake Trust, will host a grand opening on Thursday, May 2 at 11 a.m. for its next cohort at its new space located at 215 S. Washington Square in the historic Atrium Building in Downtown Lansing. 

Guest Writer: Melissa Cole

Your Destination for Fresh and Healthy Sushi in Downtown Lansing