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517 Day fun across the area code

We’re lucky that our 517 area code translates nicely not only to a date on the calendar, but one of the nicer days in general.

It’s looking like another great 517 Day. Here are a few of the many 517-themed activities to do this weekend.

We’re lucky that our 517 area code translates nicely not only to a date on the calendar, but one of the nicer days in general.

The forecast is calling for temperatures in the low 80s and sunshine.

Score!

It’s looking like another great 517 Day. Here are a few of the many 517-themed activities to do this weekend.

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Lansing Lugnuts vs Quad Cities

River Bandits

1:05 p.m. Sunday, May 17

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Jackson Field

505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing

www.mlb.com/milb/lansing

Catch your loyal Lugs as they take on the Quad Cities River Bandits (an Oakland A’s affiliate; the four cities are Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Rock Island and Moline in Illinois).

Tickets are $7 for 517 Day.

There will be exclusive 517 Day offers like a $5 olive burger and a 16 ounce pop for $1 more.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the Lugnuts, 517 Day and olive burgers all in one ticket.

Photo by Raymond Holt MSU Horticulture students prepare plants in February 2026. – Raymond Holt

MSU Horticulture Gardens

spring plant sale

8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Plant & Soil Sciences Building

1066 Bogue St., East Lansing

www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/our_gardens

It’s officially the season of backyard gardens and porch-pot planting, because Michigan State University’s plant sale is here.

The annual sale includes hardy perennials, stunning annuals, pollinator-friendly blooms, grasses, vegetable seedlings, shrubs, hanging baskets and more.

Whether you’re refreshing your landscape, making a new garden bed  or just looking for something beautiful to take home, you’ll find inspiration while strolling through the reworked greenhouses. Plenty of expert volunteers and staffers will be on hand. If you’re looking to get a bunch of plants, consider bringing your own cart. Early-bird access is available from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday for members (membership starts at $40 and includes 10% off).

 

Centennial Classic

9 a.m. Sunday, May 17

Groesbeck Golf Course

1523 E. César E. Chávez Ave.,

Lansing

www.groesbeckgolfcourse.com

Photo by Raymond Holt Groesbeck Golf Course turns 100. – Raymond Holt

Groesbeck Golf Course is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a Centennial Classic scramble.

There’s a 9 a.m. shotgun start for the four-person scramble. Registration is $400 per team and is limited to 30 teams. The tournament pays out $1,000 for first place, $600 for second and $400 for third.

Entry includes a full 18 holes with a cart, a swag bag, a hot dog lunch at the turn and a drink (pop/water/domestic beer for adults).

 

Okemos Coffee Shop

grand opening

May 16-17

1732 Hamilton Road, Okemos

www.facebook.com/OkemosCoffeeShop  

Photo by Leo V. Kaplan Okemos Coffee Shop owner Angela Risk on the cafe’s first day open, March 20.

Okemos Coffee Shop is throwing open its doors for good with a grand opening celebration during 517 weekend. Check out the quirky decor, like a giant disco ball, and the great coffee.

 

East Lansing Art Festival/MSU

Spring Arts and Crafts Show

East Lansing Art Festival:

10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 17

MSU Spring Arts and Crafts Show:

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 16

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 17

Courtesy East Lansing Art Festival An artist leads a pottery demonstration at the 2023 East Lansing Art Festival.

In East Lansing, you can take in two art festivals right across the street from each other.

Park once and browse through just about any kind of art imaginable, and a few more kinds you probably didn’t think about.

The East Lansing Art Festival is marking 63 years, featuring vendors of high quality art and live performances with interpretation at Ann Street Plaza (corner of Albert and M.A.C. avenues).

The younger sibling, at 62 years, is just steps away at the MSU Union. It brings at least 250 vendors and no resale or wholesale. The MSU Spring Arts and Crafts Show focuses on diversity — in vendors and in what they’re selling — and offers a wide variety of handmade items including candles, furniture, jewelry, home and yard decor, aromatherapy, clothing, children’s toys, paintings, graphic art, pottery, sculpture, photography and more.

 

Lansing Restaurant Week

Through Sunday, May 17

More than 100 restaurants

www.517restaurantweek.com

A map of Lansing Restaurant Week participants. See 517RestaurantWeek.com for more.

Lansing Restaurant Week highlights more than 100 area restaurants and eateries, most of them offering a special $5 drink and $7 food item.

More than a few are offering an olive burger twist or some other Lansing staple. The week ends on 517 Day, so you have several days to play catch up and hit at least a few of the restaurants in town.

Restaurant Week is designed to give area residents an incentive to try places they’ve been wanting to go to and dishes they’ve never had.

Each eatery’s specials are listed on the Lansing Restaurant Week website. The forecast of a beautiful weekend is likely to pack restaurants, so remember to tip the staff well!

 

Lansing 517 flash event

Noon-7 p.m. Sunday, May 17

Devil’s Day Tattoo

329 S. Washington Square, Lansing

@DevilsDaytattoo

Photo by Raymond Holt Devil’s Day owners Val Magee (left) and Ferg Ferguson pose for City Pulse in late 2025. – Raymond Holt

Lansing-themed flash art is on special for 517 Day at Devil’s Day Tattoo, benefiting the Refugee Development Center in Lansing.

 

Made in the 517: Makers Market

2-7 p.m. Sunday, May 17

Boogiez Arcanna

600 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing

www.facebook.com/Najeemathomas

The new dispensary at 600 S. Capitol Ave. is hosting a makers’ market in honor of 517 Day. The family-friendly event features music by DJ E-Nyce and an opportunity to shop from local artisans and makers.

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