Some say there’s nothing to do in Lansing, but this year’s schedule of summer events begs to differ. As the school year wraps up and the weather continues to warm up, the area will begin offering a range of festivals, fairs and concerts to ensure no day goes to waste. Read on to discover all that’s happening between now and the end of August so you can plan your travels accordingly and enjoy your summer to the fullest.
517 Day
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, May 17
Lansing Shuffle
325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Capitol lawn
100 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing
This year’s 517 Day is a free, two-day event celebrating all the Lansing area has to offer. The festivities begin Friday (May 17) at Lansing Shuffle with dozens of art and food vendors and performances by JP & the Energy, dance studio Dancing with the Nordés, School of Rock East Lansing’s House Band and DJ Metro Melik. Head to the Capitol the following day (May 18) for the Best of Lansing Festival, featuring more than 70 local vendors, food trucks and restaurants, plus inflatables, games and performances by Starfarm, the Black Barn Band, DJ Metro Melik, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, Sean Mic and Everett Dance.
Rock Lansing music festival
2-11 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Adado Riverfront Park
201 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing
The inaugural Rock Lansing music festival will offer two stages of national and regional rock acts, including Taproot, Nonpoint, Of Virtue, Eva Under Fire, Any Given Sin and more, plus a variety of food trucks. General admission tickets are $55, and VIP tickets, which include early entry at 1 p.m., access to VIP areas and complimentary water bottles, are $100.
World Goth Day Film FestEvil
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, May 18
REO Town, Lansing
The second annual World Goth Day Film FestEvil in REO Town will feature screenings of “Nosferatu the Vampyre” and “Suck”; a lecture by author Dacre Stoker, a descendant of “Dracula” author Bram Stoker; a performance by the Super Secret Cult Band; drag shows; and drag bingo. The drag events and music will be at Sleepwalker Spirits and Ale, and the film screenings and lecture will be at the Robin Theatre. Tickets are $25. Additionally, the REO Town Marketplace will hold a spooky bazaar from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and an afterparty for the film festival beginning at 8 p.m., featuring even more drag performances and a gothic dance party. General admission tickets for the afterparty are $25, and VIP tickets are $55 each or four for $200 and include access to a buffet, exclusive beverages, front-row seating, a meet and greet with the performers and a commemorative photo.
East Lansing Art Festival
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 18
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 19
Albert Avenue, East Lansing
The 61st East Lansing Art Festival, on Albert Avenue between Bailey and Grove streets in East Lansing, will showcase artists from across the United States, who will exhibit and sell their work. The festival also includes two days of live performances by Mixed Flavors, the Wild Honey Collective, the Greater Lansing Ballet Co., the Habibi Dancers and more as well as interactive artist demonstrations and an outdoor food court.
Michigan State University’s biannual arts and crafts show, featuring more than 300 vendors, will run concurrently to the East Lansing Art Festival at the MSU Union.
Delta Township Music in the Park
May 21, June 18, July 16
7 p.m.
Sharp Park
1401 Elmwood Road, Lansing
FREE
deltami.gov/residents/events/music_in_the_park.php
May 21: Sea Cruisers (‘50s-’70s hits), opener Wild Honey Trio
June 18: Caleb Robinson & Reaching (jazz)
July 16: Global Village (rock/funk/R&B), opener School of Rock East Lansing House Band
Williamston Concerts at the Shell
May 23, June 13-Aug. 15
7 p.m. Thursdays
McCormick Park
300 N. Putnam St., Williamston
facebook.com/williamstonconcerts
May 23: Williamston High School and Middle School jazz bands
June 13: Roadside Attraction (variety)
June 20: Carry On (Crosby, Stills & Nash tribute)
June 27: Chelsea House Orchestra (Celtic)
July 4: Meridian Community Band
July 11: The Black Barn Band (classic rock)
July 18: Vesela Kapela Polka Band
July 25: Local Talent All-Stars (Williamston-area talent showcase)
Aug. 1: Lansing Concert Band Big Band (jazz)
Aug. 8: Oxymorons (variety)
Aug. 15: Tony Thompson & Friends (R&B)
Cristo Rey Fiesta
4-11 p.m. May 24
11 a.m.-11 p.m. May 25
10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 26
Cristo Rey Church
201 W. Miller Road, Lansing
(517) 394-4639
The annual Cristo Rey Fiesta, the largest Latino festival in mid-Michigan, will include authentic Mexican cuisine, traditional music and dance performances and a Latin American marketplace across its three-day schedule. There will also be a mass at 11 a.m., a ceremony to honor members of the military at 1:30 p.m. and a raffle drawing at 6 p.m. on May 26. The event is mostly free, but there will be a $5 entrance fee after 5 p.m. on May 24 and 25. Proceeds support the church’s building fund, infrastructure and community directed services.
ArtPath 7
May 27-Sept. 2
Lansing River Trail
(517) 574-4521
lansingartgallery.org/artpath/2024
The Lansing Art Gallery will celebrate the opening of its annual ArtPath display with a free ribbon-cutting ceremony and kickoff event at 5:30 p.m. May 30 at the Turner-Dodge House, featuring lawn games, chalk activities, ArtPath merch and more. Additionally, the gallery will host a free run/walk along the River Trail with Lansing Mayor Andy Schor beginning at 9 a.m. May 30 at Potter Park and ending at the Turner-Dodge House. Artists will be stationed at their display sites to meet and chat with participants along the way. Participants must register by May 31.
This year’s ArtPath will feature 22 Michigan artists, selected by a panel of jurors, who will bring 20 new murals, sculptures and installations to a 2.5-mile stretch of the River Trail from the Turner-Dodge House to the area just south of Elm Park. The artwork will be on display from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Pumpstock Festival of American Roots Music
2-8 p.m. June 1
Bailey Park
300 Bailey St., East Lansing
(517) 927-2100
This outdoor festival will offer two stages of live music, a selection of barbecue bites from Krystal’s Kitchen food truck and children’s activities, including a hands-on instrument petting zoo, glitter tattoos and crafts.
On the main stage, hosted by DJ and musician Jim Hall, will be Flagship Romance, Ray Bonneville, Adrian + Meredith, Kashimana Ahua, and Deacon Earl and the Congregation. On the local stage will be Jack Schueler, Dan Shangraw, Mars McCartney, and Brandon McCoy.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. There’s no admission fee, but donations can be made ahead of time via the Kickstarter link on the Facebook event page.
Magical Realm Fantasy Faire
10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 1-2
Eaton County Fairgrounds
1025 Cochran Ave., Charlotte
Magical Realm’s annual Fantasy Faire will feature live jousting, sword fighting, musical and dance performances, historical displays and demonstrations, a petting zoo, a pirate encampment, a stunt show, a variety of vendors and much more. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in costumes. Admission is $10, and children 6 and under can enter for free.
Meridian Township Summer Concert Series
June 5-Sept. 25
6 p.m. Wednesdays
Marketplace on the Green
1995 Central Park Drive, Okemos
FREE
meridian.mi.us/about-us/calendar/summer-concert-series
June 5: Sea Cruisers (‘50s-’70s hits)
June 12: The Black Barn Band (classic rock)
June 19: Rear View Mirror (pop/classic rock)
June 26: Shellouts (classic rock/country)
July 3: Meridian Community Band
July 10: Street Angels (Stevie Nicks tribute)
July 17: Oxymorons (variety)
July 24: Mama Tryd Band (classic rock/new country)
July 31: Slick Jimmy (‘80s rock)
Aug. 7: Garage Sale Band (pop/rock)
Aug. 14: Global Village (rock/funk/R&B)
HYPERLINK "https://www.globalvillageband.com/"Aug. 21: Frog & the Beeftones (blues rock)
Aug. 28: Don Middlebrook (trop rock)
Sept. 4: Steve Spees (variety)
Sept. 11: Joe Wright (country)
Sept. 18: Life Support (variety)
Sept. 25: Justin Holcomb (singer-songwriter)
Charlotte Summer Concert Series
June 6-Aug. 22
6:30 p.m. Thursdays
1885 Eaton County Courthouse lawn
100 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte
FREE
(517) 543-0400
facebook.com/charlottechamberofcommerce
June 6: Sea Cruisers (‘50s-’70s hits)
June 13: Charlotte Community Band
June 20: DeWayne Spaw (country)
June 27: Acoustic Liberty (folk)
July 4: Jimmy & the Mortals (‘60s and ‘70s rock)
July 11: Homespun (country)
July 18: The Outsiders (classic rock/blues)
July 25: Mixed Flavors (variety)
Aug. 1: Kathleen and the Bridge Street Band (blues)
Aug. 8: Detroit Social Club (blues)
Aug. 15: Charlotte Acoustic Project (folk)
Aug. 22: Blind Ambition (classic rock/country)
Sounds of Summer
June 7-Aug. 30
7 p.m. Fridays
Lake Lansing Park South Bandshell
1621 Pike St., Haslett
FREE
pk.ingham.org/parks/friday_night_concert_series.php
June 7: Atomic Annie (rock/pop)
June 14: Oxymorons (variety)
June 21: Last One Out (variety)
June 28: Meridian Community Band
July 5: Lansing Concert Band Big Band (jazz)
July 12: Glen Erin Pipe Band/Leprecons (Irish)
July 19: Roadside Attraction (variety)
July 26: Stone Street Revival (‘70s hits)
Aug. 2: Mixed Flavors (variety)
Aug. 9: Shakedown (Bob Seger tribute)
Aug. 16: Black Barn Band (classic rock)
Aug. 23: Global Village (rock/funk/R&B)
Aug. 30: Showdown (classic rock)
Lansing Fiesta
4 p.m.-midnight June 7
Noon-midnight June 8
Adado Riverfront Park
201 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing
The inaugural Lansing Fiesta will be a celebration of Hispanic culture and community, featuring live music by the Corzo Effect, La Corporacion and Tejano Sound, plus DJs, food vendors, a taco eating contest, a beer tent, games like cornhole and more.
Lansing Beer Fest
4-8 p.m. June 8
Washington Avenue, REO Town
The 10th annual Lansing Beer Fest, on Washington Avenue between South and Elm streets in REO Town, will feature more than 100 craft beers and ciders from more than 30 Michigan breweries, plus food trucks, live music, vendors and games like giant checkers and cornhole.
General admission tickets are $35 until June 1 or $40 the week of the event and include a logo souvenir glass, a commemorative keychain and 10 sampling tickets. VIP tickets are $45 until June 1 or $50 the week of the event and include early entry at 3 p.m., a dated souvenir glass, a commemorative keychain and 15 sampling tickets. Non-drinking tickets are available for $10, but attendees must be 21 or older. Proceeds benefit the REO Town Commercial Association.
Each sampling ticket will be redeemable for a 3-ounce pour of beer or cider. Additional sampling tickets will be available at the festival for $1 each.
Lansing Juneteenth Celebration
June 8, 13-15
lansingjuneteenthcelebration.org
This year’s Lansing Juneteenth Celebration will kick off with the annual community softball game in honor of old Negro baseball leagues from 2 to 4 p.m. June 8 at Gier Park. Attendees can also shop from a variety of Juneteenth vendors.
The awards ceremony for the festival’s annual essay contest and scholarship program will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 13 at Lansing Community College’s Gannon Building.
Events on June 15 will begin with a 5K run/walk/roll at 8:30 a.m., followed by the annual African American Parade at 11 a.m., both beginning at Sexton High School. Visit lansingjuneteenthcelebration.org/parade to view the full parade route.
Finally, the annual Freedom Festival, running from 4 to 8 p.m. June 14 and noon to dusk June 15 at St. Joseph Park, will feature live music, a DJ, dance performances, line dancing, vendors, food and games like chess and checkers. A job and community resource fair, hosted in partnership with the NAACP’s Lansing branch, will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 15 at the park.
The majority of the events are free, but registration for the 5K is $35 until June 5, $40 from June 6 through 14 and $45 on race day.
Lansing Concerts in the Park
June 12-Aug. 7
7 p.m. Wednesdays
Lansing parks
FREE
lansingmi.gov/994/Concerts-in-the-Park
June 12: Root Doctor (blues) - Moores Park
June 19: Black Rock 101 - Fenner Nature Center
June 26: Blue Avenue Delegates (blues) - Bancroft Park
July 10: Frog & the Beeftones (blues rock) - Fulton Park
July 17: Sea Cruisers (‘50s-’70s hits) - Turner-Dodge House
July 24: Kathy Ford Band (variety) - Durant Park
July 31: Global Village (rock/funk/R&B) - Riverfront Salt Shed
Aug. 7: Tejano Sound - Frances Park
St. Johns Concerts in the Park
June 12-Aug. 28
7 p.m. Wednesdays
St. Johns City Park
801 W. Park St., St. Johns
FREE
facebook.com/StJohnsCityParkPerformanceShell
June 12: Jack Clarkson Band (variety)
June 19: Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic (youth fiddle band)
June 26: Detroit Retro Society (sounds of Detroit)
July 3: Full Cord (bluegrass)
July 10: Capitol City Chordsmen (barbershop chorus)
July 17: Fly2K (‘90s-2000s hits)
July 24: Toppermost (Beatles tribute)
July 31: Dave Bennett Quartet (variety)
Aug. 7: The Schrock Bros (Americana/blues)
Aug. 14: Surf Zup (‘60s surf rock)
Aug. 21: The Blueflowers (Americana/indie rock)
Aug. 28: Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations (variety)
517 Juneteenth Weekend
June 13-16
Ourspace (517) will kick off its annual Juneteenth celebration in REO Town with the annual Black History. Black Future. seminar from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 13 at the Cadillac Room. The seminar’s theme is “Empowering Black Wellness,” and it will be followed by a mixer with complimentary refreshments and DJ sets by Ozay Moore. Tickets are donation-based, with all proceeds going toward 517 Juneteenth Weekend programming.
A free ice cream social will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 14 at Riverview Church’s REO Town branch, offering frozen treats from RJ’s Metropolitan Ice Cream Co., inflatables, break dancing, music by All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, youth vendors, kids’ activities hosted by Impression 5 Science Center and the PNC Mobile Learning Adventure and more.
The free 517 Juneteenth Festival will run from 3:30 to 10 p.m. June 15 on South Washington Avenue between Elm and South Streets, featuring performances by Kevin Ross, MikeyyAustin, Tasha Page-Lockheart, and Caleb Robinson & Reaching as well as DJ sets, vendors, a food court and a Kidz Zone.
The weekend will end with a Father’s Day jazz concert from 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 16 at the Cadillac Room, featuring performances by Rockelle Whitaker and Michael Reed & the Revelation, plus DJ sets by DJ Dolo. Tickets are donation-based.
Grand Ledge Music in the Park
June 20-Aug. 15
7-9 p.m. Thursdays
Jaycee Park
525 E. River St., Grand Ledge
FREE
grandledgechamber.com/music_in_the_park.php
June 20: Three Men and a Tenor (a cappella pop), opener Shelby & Jake
June 27: Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience, opener The Westrins
July 11: Mixed Flavors (variety), opener Brian Bristol
July 18: The Insiders (Tom Petty tribute), opener Ricky & Nikki
July 25: Sea Cruisers (‘50s-’70s hits), opener Jen Sygit
Aug. 1: Cooper Johnson (country), opener Wild Honey Trio
Aug. 8: Global Village (rock/funk/R&B), opener School of Rock
Aug. 15: Starfarm (‘80s), opener Big L
Charlotte Bluegrass Festival
June 20-22
Eaton County Fairgrounds
1025 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte
(269) 832-5519
charlottebluegrassfestival.com
The Charlotte Bluegrass Festival returns June 20 through 22 at the Eaton County Fairgrounds, offering workshops, group jam sessions and three days of live music by Dale Ann Bradley, the Grascals, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Williamson Branch, Henhouse Prowlers, Forked Run, the David Mayfield Parade and more.
Thursday tickets are $30, Friday and Saturday tickets are $35 each, and three-day tickets are $95. Campsites will be available for $21 per night.
Fledge Fest
5-11 p.m. June 21
Noon-11 p.m. June 22
The Fledge
1300 Eureka St., Lansing
This year’s Fledge Fest, free and open to all ages, will feature performances by a host of local musicians and performers, including Abuse Repression, Crawl Spaces, J.Plantana, Jeremy Hurt, Rot Knot, Suburban Ants and more, plus local vendors and family-friendly activities such as a LEGO workshop, a bubble station and arts and crafts.
Summer Solstice Jazz Festival
5:30 p.m.-midnight June 21
2:30 p.m.-midnight June 22
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. June 23
Jazz music will fill the streets of downtown East Lansing during the annual Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, which will offer two stages with a host of to-be-announced jazz performers from 5:30 to 10 p.m. June 21 and 2:30 to 10 p.m. June 22 on Albert Avenue between M.A.C. Avenue and Abbot Road, as well as afterglow performances from 10 p.m. to midnight both days at the Graduate Hotel’s Rock Bar and a Juneteenth concert on June 23 at the East Lansing Farmers Market at Valley Court Park. All events are free and open to the public.
Lansing Pride Festival
1-10 p.m. June 22
Turner Street, Old Town
The annual Lansing Pride Festival is free and welcomes LGBTQ+ people and allies of all ages. This year’s event will feature live entertainment, including performances by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Loosey LaDuca and ‘80s cover band Starfarm; almost 200 vendors; food trucks; a beer tent; and a children’s area with with a variety of activities, including a drag queen story time.
Eaton County Fair
July 8-13
Gates open at 9 a.m. daily
Eaton County Fairgrounds
1025 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte
(517) 543-4510
The Eaton County fair will offer seven days of family-friendly fun, including carnival rides, food, animal sales, agricultural exhibits and Grandstand events like tractor and horse pulls, horse racing, motocross, a rodeo, a demolition derby and more. General admission tickets are $7 per day or $30 for a week pass. Children 5 and under receive free admission. Tickets for Grandstand events range from $5 to $25, and carnival tickets are $18 in advance, $20 to $25 at the gate and $54 for a three-day pass.
Music in the Garden
July 11-Aug. 8
7 p.m. Thursdays
Veterans Memorial Gardens
2074 Aurelius Road, Holt
FREE
July 11: Sea Cruisers (‘50s-’70s hits); Picnic food truck
July 18: Atomic Annie (rock/pop); Heaven on a Roll food truck
July 25: Global Village (rock/funk/R&B); Two Guys Nomadic Grill food truck
Aug. 1: Motor City Soul (Motown/R&B); Gravity Smokehouse food truck
Aug. 8: Stone Street Revival (‘70s hits); Hard Knocks food truck
ScrapFest
5-9 p.m. July 12
11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 13
Turner Street, Old Town
ScrapFest, a free art festival in Old Town focusing on upcycled and repurposed artwork, will include a scrap-metal sculpture competition, eco-art vendors, food vendors, live music and family activities, as well as a Refashion Show at 7 p.m. July 12, a kids’ fun run at 9:30 a.m. July 13 and an 8K run/walk at 10 a.m. July 13. To sign up for the fashion show and running events, visit the festival’s website. Registration for the 8K is $30 until June 30 and $35 from June 1 through July 12.
Lansing Taco and Tequila Fest
4-8 p.m. July 13
Adado Riverfront Park
201 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing
The second annual Lansing Taco and Tequila Fest will offer the chance to sample more than 100 tequilas, plus beer, sangria and margaritas. There will also be food trucks, live music, vendors and more.
General admission tickets are $30 until June 22, $35 until June 6 and $40 the week of the event and include a souvenir tasting glass and 10 sampling tickets. Those under 21 receive free admission with a ticket holder. VIP Tickets are $45 until June 22, $50 until June 6 and $55 the week of the event and include early entry at 3 p.m., access to a VIP area, a dated souvenir glass and 15 sampling tickets.
Most drink samples will cost one tasting ticket, but more expensive liquors will cost multiple tickets. Additional tasting tickets will be available at the festival for $2. Proceeds benefit Friends of the River, a nonprofit that works to improve the quality of and access to Michigan rivers.
Dam Jam Music Festival
6-11 p.m. July 19
11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 20
Brenke Fish Ladder
216 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing
(517) 490-2138
Lansing 5:01’s annual Dam Jam Music Festival returns July 19 and 20 at the Brenke Fish Ladder in Old Town, featuring a robust lineup of to-be-announced Michigan-based acts, according to the event’s Facebook page. The free festival will also include an assortment of vendors and food options.
Ingham County Fair
July 29-Aug. 3
Ingham County Fairgrounds
700 E. Ash St., Mason
Whether you enjoy monster trucks, demolition derbies, motocross, live music, rides, games or animals, the Ingham County Fair has something for everyone. Advance tickets are $8, with a $2 discount for kids ages 3 to 12 and seniors 62 and older. Ticket prices will increase by $2 at the gate. Tickets for Grandstand events range from $15 to $25.
JazzFest Michigan
July 31-Aug. 3
Turner Street, Old Town
(517) 371-4600
The Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art’s 30th annual JazzFest will offer more than 30 performances on four stages, and each artist or group will premiere a new song, composition or arrangement during their set. Follow facebook.com/MiJazzFest for updates on the lineup and ticket info.
Eastside Summer Fest
Noon-6 p.m. Aug. 24
Michigan Avenue
The fourth annual Eastside Summer Fest will offer vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities and live music on Michigan Avenue between Hayford and Francis avenues. The event is free and open to all ages.
Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
2-9 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 1
Adado Riverfront Park
201 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing
(517) 303-1817
michiganchickenwingfestival.com
Attendees can sample a variety of wings at the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival, which will also include wing eating contests, food trucks with non-wing offerings, live entertainment, open mics, a kids’ zone with inflatables, non-food vendors, community resource tables, a peoples’ choice wing vendor contest and more.
Admission is $5 before 4 p.m. and $15 after 4 p.m. at the gate. Kids 14 and under can enter for free with a paying adult. Cancer survivors, military members and seniors ages 65 and older can also enter for free. Tokens for eight wing samples are $10.
VIP tickets are $45 and include tokens for 12 wing samples, two drink tokens for alcoholic beverages, five drink tokens for nonalcoholic beverages, early entry, a raffle ticket and access to the VIP Tent and the VIP area near the stage. VIP beer and wine tickets are $55 and include, on top of the other VIP perks, eight drink tokens for alcoholic beverages and access to premium beverages. VIP tickets must be purchased online prior to the event.
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