Join us for our annual Downtown Spring Clean Up on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. Held in partnership with BWL’s Adopt-a-River, this event invites residents, local businesses, corporations, students and other community members to make a visible impact while connecting with others who care about keeping downtown beautiful and inviting.
In April, DLI led a ‘State of Downtown’ workshop with local development agencies, property owners, local merchants, partner agencies such as Choose Lansing and the Lansing Regional Chamber, city department directors, residents, and other stakeholders at Impressio
It’s often said that the strength of a community is reflected in how its members come together around a shared purpose, and this past month, that spirit was clearly on display.
Due to inclement weather, our long-anticipated Downtown Egg-Stravaganza required a change of plans. Downtown merchants welcomed event attendees inside their stores and restaurants, greeting families with treats and other spring-themed giveaways.
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to slow down and celebrate with rest, relaxation, and meaningful time together. Downtown Lansing is home to unique local businesses that make self-care easy to enjoy, whether Mom loves spa treatments, shopping, books, or peaceful experiences. Downtown Lansing Inc. highlights the district as home to nearly 200 businesses, offering many ways to shop, dine, and unwind.
Relax, Unwind, and Recharge
The city of Lansing could start parking enforcement an hour later under an ordinance being considered by City Council members.
The change to starting enforcement at 9 a.m., rather than 8 a.m., is aimed at giving businesses more flexibility to receive shipments without the trucks being reported for blocking traffic.
When the Lansing Housing Commission bought land at the intersection of Kalamazoo Street and Grand Avenue a few years ago the public housing agency also bought the nearby 6,180-square-foot commercial building at 405 S. Grand Avenue.
The move was intentional, said Doug Fleming, the commission’s executive director. So is the timing of efforts to begin marketing the property to prospective tenants.
Downtown Lansing is gearing up to celebrate Small Business Week, May 3rd-9th, by spotlighting the people and passion that make the district so vibrant. Throughout the week, keep an eye on our social media for special posts featuring local business owners and their families, telling the stories behind the storefronts that give our downtown its unique character.
Downtown Lansing is gearing up for a vibrant summer 2026 season, with a full lineup of festivals and community events that celebrate creativity, culture, and connection. From the cherished riverfront to Washington Square, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a dynamic mix of arts, food, music, and family-friendly experiences throughout the warmer months.
The season kicks off in May
Bangos & Babe’s Corner are fast-casual restaurants in Downtown Lansing that trace back to 2019, when friends Will and Aharon started a breakfast sandwich food truck called Bangos, operating out of a former Frito-Lay truck. A year later, after finding a space they liked, the concept expanded into Babe’s Corner, centered on hoagies and soft serve.
As a volunteer-led organization, we know that they are truly the heart of Downtown Lansing. Volunteers bring vibrancy and a sense of community to our events and initiatives, infusing purpose throughout downtown.
