WELCOME TO ARTS NIGHT OUT!OLD TOWN LANSING

2020 ARTS NIGHT OUT CALENDAR

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It’s Friday night. You’re looking for something fun to do – the perfect mix of creative people and ideas – street art, local music, exhibits, dance and so much more. You want to wander and gather in small shops, galleries, and coffee shops, dense with diverse people, culture and ideas. This is Arts Night Out, and you don’t want to miss it.

Presented by the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, this bi-monthly walkable event offers free entertainment for all ages.

January 10 | March 6 | May 1

July 10 | Sept 11 | Nov 6

MyArtsNightOut.com

@MyArtsNightOut

#MyArtsNightOut

FENNER MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVALMarch 14mynaturecenter.orgCelebrate nature’s own “Liquid Gold” at Fenner Nature Center’s Maple Syrup Festival. Participate in demonstrations in the Sugar Bush,

try your hand at tapping a tree, and treat your taste buds to sweet treats like maple creme and maple cotton candy!

CAPITAL CITY FILM FESTIVALApril 9 - 18capitalcityfilmfest.comThe Capital City Film Festival (CCFF) celebrates artists from around the world by curating outstanding multimedia experiences for the community. The festival showcases a

dynamic mix of independent films, live music, interactive media and more in Michigan’s capital city. Don’t miss the 10th annual festival this year!

MSU SCIENCE FESTIVALApril 1 - 30sciencefestival.msu.eduThis statewide free festival has something for everyone and includes more than 250 events and activities highlighting the wonders of science and other STEAM fields. Events

include: hands-on Expo Days, talks with the experts, demonstrations, tours and open houses, Statewide Astronomy Night, Nights at the Museums events, and Science Cafe Nights.

CHOCOLATE WALKFebruary 9iloveoldtown.orgOld Town will welcome 250+ attendees to the neighborhood to gather more than two pounds of chocolate and treats from Old Town

businesses. Participants pick up their chocolate box and map from the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA) office and then walk through the historic neighborhood, gathering a special chocolate or treat from participating businesses.

MSU LATINX FILM FESTIVALFebruary 12 - 16msulatinxfilmfestival.comThe MSU Latinx Film Festival (LxFF) features five days of thought-provoking cinema from Latin America and the United States at venues on

campus and across town. Join us for panel discussions and Q&As with invited directors after the films, as well as live music and multiple receptions. Most events are free & open to the public!

BRRS, BEARDS & BREWS: A LUMBERJACK FESTIVAL

February 29iloveoldtown.orgCome join the OTCA for the 3rd annual Brrs, Beards and Brews: A Lumberjack Festival! Turner

St. will be closed down for this old-school event, featuring feats of strength, outdoor vendors, beard and mustache competitions, beer, whiskey and hearty food!

OLD TOWN TASTE & TOURApril 25iloveoldtown.orgEver wonder what it would be like to live in Old Town? If so, Taste & Tour is for you! This unique event allows participants to sample delicious food from Old Town restaurants and food

retailers, while getting the chance to tour some homes in Old Town. You get to eat amazing food, explore some killer lofts and commercial spaces and meet new people.

FORKS & CORKSMarch 24forksandcorkslansing.orgForks & Corks is an evening of unparalleled wine and food pairings, showcasing wines from around the globe and culinary treats from the Lansing region’s top dining spots, in

the suites of Cooley Law School Stadium in the Stadium District of Downtown Lansing.

MARGARITA FESTMay 29facebook.com/MargaritaFest-LansingLEPFA and City Pulse proudly present the 3rd annual Margarita Fest! Come to the Lansing Center’s riverfront

plaza and sample up to 15 signature margaritas from Lansing area bars and restaurants! Enjoy a full-service bar and a variety of Lansing’s best food vendors. Dress up in your wildest tropical attire for a chance to win a prize! 21+ with valid ID.

June - Septemberfacebook.com/GrandConcert-SeriesThe annual Grand Concert Series offers weeknight concerts from a variety of genres along the Lansing Center’s beautiful riverfront.

Seating is provided, but guests may bring their own camping chairs. Admission is free. A cash bar is available for those 21+ with a valid ID.

GRAND CONCERT SERIES

grandconcertseries

SUMMER STAGE UNDER THE STARSJune 17 - July 31

Lansing Community College’s annual performing arts festival presents free plays, music anddance concerts for the entire

family. Enjoy delightful summer entertainment at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater on LCC’s campus!

lcc.edu/showinfo

CHALK OF THE TOWNJune 6

Held in conjunction with Be a Tourist in Your Own Town, which welcomes thousands of people from Greater Lansing, this free,

family-friendly event features artists from around Michigan, creating amazing drawings on Old Town’s sidewalks. Kids of all ages are encouraged to create their own art in select areas, as well as vote for their favorite chalk drawing. In the afternoon, judges choose the final winners.

iloveoldtown.org

June 6lansing.org/batyotVisitors and residents alike can explore a world of possibilities in the Greater Lansing area from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Purchase

a $1 passport for admission to over 90 attractions. Collect stamps in your “passport” to win great prizes!

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN

EAST LANSING ART FESTIVALMay 16 & 17elartfest.comIn its 57th year, the East Lansing Art Festival is an annual two-day outdoor celebration of the arts in downtown East Lansing. It

features nearly 180 juried fine-art exhibitors, free live-music performances, an artist demonstration area, poetry reading, theatrical teasers and hands-on arts activities for children of all ages.

MIGHTY UKE DAY 10May 8 - 10mightyukeday.comNow in its 10th year, Mighty Uke Day in Old Town Lansing is the largest ukulele festival in the Midwest, featuring concerts, workshops, group strums, children’s activities and more. Proceeds benefit Music is the

Foundation programs in Michigan classrooms and communities.

WILLIAMSTON TOWNSHIP ARTISTS’ FINE ART SALE & STUDIO TOUR

May 1 - 2williamstowntownship.comIn it’s 11th year, this event presents the works of fine artists, traditional fine-craft artisans, and their guest

artists. Enjoy viewing and purchasing original art on the tour and at the Williamston Township Parks playground equipment.

CAR CAPITAL AUTO SHOWJuly 18carcapitalautoshow.orgThe R.E. Olds Transportation Museum’s 27th annual car show is open to all makes of cars and trucks. See vehicles from the 1900s to present. Free family fun with a live DJ and vendors on the streets of

Downtown Lansing in front of the Michigan State Capitol. Celebrate Lansing’s rich automotive heritage!

RENEGADE THEATRE FESTIVALAugust 13 - 15renegadetheatrefestival.orgExciting free theatre presented in Old Town Lansing venues showcasing new, original plays submitted from across the world! Plays featured at the

festival have never been staged and are given a world premiere reading or production by Lansing area actors, deisngers and directors.

MICHIGAN JAZZFESTAugust 6 - 8jazzlansing.comThe 26th annual Lansing JazzFest will fill the streets of Old Town with music, food, TurnAround Lounge beverage

tent, vendors, kids activities and more! Tour the best of the Capital City’s art galleries as well as unique retail stores and grand architecture. This year promises an impressive lineup!

PHIL DENNY’S ARMORY SMOOTH JAZZ FETE

August 8smoothjazzfete.comAnnual all-day, outdoor smooth jazz and R&B music event, featuring national and international cross-genre

instrumental and vocal artists. Engaging and entertaining music performances, art, food trucks, beer, wine and more. This is a 21+ ticketed live-music experience.

DELTA ROCKS! FAMILY FESTIVALJune 27

This day-long event at Sharp Park will feature activities for the entire family. Come and enjoy the many attractions,

including inflatables, games, trackless train, petting zoo, business expo, super slingshot, make-it take-it crafts and much more! Admission, parking and most activities are free.

deltami.gov

SUMMER SOLSTICE JAZZ FESTIVALJune 19 - 20eljazzfest.comA free, two-day festival in the heart of downtown East Lansing, featuring the best in local, regional and national talent, including children’s activites and more. Presented by the City of East Lansing

and the MSU College of Music, with artistic direction by Rodney Whitaker.

TASTE OF DOWNTOWNJuly 18

Come experience an afternoon of all that the Capital City has to offer from local cuisine, wines from around the world,

pop-up shops and so much more! Downtown Lansing is waiting for you to come shop, dine and experience!

tasteofdowntown.org

WASHINGTON SQUARETO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THIS

BROCHURE, GO TO

WWW.LANSINGFESTIVAL.ORG

VISIT US ONLINE...

OLD TOWN BLOCKTOBER PARTYOctober 2 - 3iloveoldtown.orgThis two-day fun festival includes food, games, music, contests, local breweries and much more! Self-proclaimed the BIGGEST Block Party in Michigan. Come celebrate all

the fun that can be had in Lansing’s Old Town district.

THE CRACKED POT STUDIO TOURSeptember 19 - 20crackedpotstudiotour.comCome and experience our 10 unique clay studios with over 50 talented Michigan artists. These studios, and their guest artists, show the full range

of what the ceramic arts has to offer, from beautiful handcrafted pottery to large-scale sculptural pieces. Meet the artists, watch demonstrations and enjoy touring the fall countryside.

THREADBARE MITTEN FILM FESTIVALSeptember 3 - 5threadbarefilmfest.comAn eclectic and eccentric two-night-and-all-of-a-day film festival in Lansing’s REO Town. Our curated programming highlights the best and oddest

of films from around the Mitten and the world, engaging casual movie fans and the most serious cinephiles alike.

September 17 - 19oldtownbluesfest.comThis lively outdoor fall festival has thrilled audiences from near and far! Enjoy great music, ethnic food, beverage tent, a variety of vendors

and children’s activities. Get the full experience with Old Town’s restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, historic buildings and more.

MICHIGAN BLUESFEST

MICHIGAN CHICKEN WING FESTIVALSeptember 5 - 6

This two-day festival in Adado Riverfront Park includes 10 bands and performers, both Midwest and national, on

two stages. Enjoy a plethora of different flavored wings from food vendors, food trucks, beer, wine and spirits, a kids zone, cornhole tournament, craft and merchandise vendors, community resource and entrepreneur zone and more.

michiganchickenwingfestival.com

LANSING BLESS FEST WEEKENDAugust 28 - 29

A two-day variety music festival held at Lansing’s beautiful Adado Riverfront Park. Enjoy free concerts, free

food, free fun kids area, free raffles, free giveaways and more! People need a blessing and that’s what Bless Fest is all about!

mediamessengers.org

ARTFEASTAugust 22

Join nearly 100 artists as they display their uniquely beautiful creations for sale. There will be artisans covering a broad

range of media, including painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, metal sculpting and more. Pair this with food from local delicious food trucks and spend a great day in Old Town!

iloveoldtown.org

TO LEARN ABOUT OTHER

FESTIVALS, EVENTS AND

ATTRACTIONS IN GREATER

LANSING, VISIT

WWW.LANSING.ORG/EVENTS

LEARN MORE...

MORE THAN 100 LOCAL FESTIVALS

AND EVENTS TAKE PLACE IN

GREATER LANSING EACH YEAR!

DID YOU KNOW...

FESTIVAL OF TREESDecember 5 - January 1, 2021lansingmi.gov/938/Turner-Dodge-HouseThe Friends of Turner-Dodge House and Lansing Parks and Recreation present the 9th

annual Festival of Trees. The historic mansion will have 50+ holiday trees on all three floors. Trees are decorated by various businesses, organizations and individuals. Celebrate the holidays with this family-friendly festival.

SCROOGE SCRAMBLEDecember 5

Ring in the holiday season on the Lansing River Trail! The OTCA will host its annual Scrooge Scramble 5K Run/Walk on the trail to benefit

our mission of continued revitalization of Lansing’s Old Town district.

iloveoldtown.org

SILVER BELLS IN THE CITYNovember 20

The city will be aglow with thousands of lights for 36th Annual Silver Bells in the City, bringing together family and

friends from across Michigan and beyond to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The Electric Light Parade, lighting of the state Christmas tree, fireworks over the Capitol dome, musical entertainment and so much more are all part of this Lansing tradition.

silverbellsinthecity.org

WOMEN IN THE ARTS FESTIVALNovember 13 - 14witafestival.comThis two-day, 35th annual celebration of regional women artists takes place at Edgewood United Church in East Lansing. The volunteer-run festival

features a large artist market of over 50 vendors, music and poetry performances, food, workshops and more, as a symbol of our commitment to support women in the creative pursuits.

GLOBAL FESTIVALNovember 15

See the world in one day! This free family event highlights international students and scholars at Michigan State

University with cultural exhibits, live performances, children’s activities and a gift shop of souvenirs from around the world.

oiss.isp.msu.edu/about/feature/globalfestival

TRICK-OR-TREAT ON THE SQUAREOctober 26

trickortreatonthesquare.orgA family-friendly affair filled with spook-tacular fall fun! This free event held in Downtown Lansing on the Capitol Square

celebrates Halloween in a safe environment, featuring trick-or-treating, donuts and cider and fun entertainment for all!

(Raindate: October 27)

FENNER APPLE BUTTER FESTIVALOctober 17 - 18mynaturecenter.orgCelebrate the fall season and Michigander heritage at Fenner Nature Center’s Apple Butter Festival. Gather around the giant copper kettle to help stir the apple butter as it cooks over the fire. Try your hand

at pressing cider, walking with old-fashioned stilts or crosscut sawing, as you enjoy live music and sweet fall treats.

FEBRUARY

[ 29 ] BRRS, BEARDS & BREWS: A LUMBERJACK FESTIVAL

[ 12 - 16 ] MSU LATINX FILM FESTIVAL

[ 9 ] CHOCOLATE WALK

JANUARY[ 10 ] ARTS NIGHT OUT

MARCH

[ 14 ] FENNER MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

APRIL[ 1 – 30 ] MSU SCIENCE FESTIVAL

[ 9 – 18 ] CAPITAL CITY FILM FESTIVAL

[ 25 ] OLD TOWN TASTE & TOUR

OCTOBER[ 2 - 3 ] OLD TOWN BLOCKTOBER PARTY

[ 17 - 18 ] FENNER APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL

[ 26 ] TRICK OR TREAT ON THE SQUARE

AUGUST

[ 13 - 15 ] RENEGADE THEATRE FESTIVAL

[ 8 ] PHIL DENNY’S ARMORY SMOOTH JAZZ FETE

[ 22 ] ARTFEAST

[ 28 - 29 ] LANSING BLESS FEST WEEKEND

[ 6 - 8 ] MICHIGAN JAZZFEST

2020Festivals at a glance

[ 1 ] ARTS NIGHT OUT

MAY

[ 8 - 10 ] MIGHTY UKE DAY 10

[ 16 - 17 ] EAST LANSING ART FESTIVAL

[1 - 2] WILLIAMSTON TOWNSHIP ARTISTS’ FINE ART

SALE & STUDIO TOUR

JUNE[ 1 - 30 ] GRAND CONCERT SERIES

[ 6 ] BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN

[ 6 ] CHALK OF THE TOWN

[ 17 - July 31 ] SUMMER STAGE UNDER THE STARS

[ 19 - 20 ] SUMMER SOLSTICE JAZZ FESTIVAL

[ 27 ] DELTA ROCKS! FAMILY FESTIVAL

[ 18 ] TASTE OF DOWNTOWN

DECEMBER[ 5 ] SCROOGE SCRAMBLE

[ 5 - JAN 1 ] FESTIVAL OF TREES

[ 6 ] ARTS NIGHT OUT

JULY[ 10 ] ARTS NIGHT OUT

[ 18 ] CAR CAPITAL AUTO SHOW

NOVEMBER

[ 15 ] GLOBAL FESTIVAL

[ 13 - 14 ] WOMEN IN THE ARTS

[ 6 ] ARTS NIGHT OUT

[ 20 ] SILVER BELLS IN THE CITY

SEPTEMBER

[ 19 - 20 ] THE CRACKED POT STUDIO TOUR

[ 17 - 19 ] MICHIGAN BLUES FEST

[ 5 – 6 ] MICHIGAN CHICKEN WING FESTIVAL

[ 3 - 5 ] THREADBARE MITTEN FILM FESTIVAL

[ 11 ] ARTS NIGHT OUT

[ 24 ] FORKS & CORKS

[ 29 ] MARGARITA FEST

The Greater Lansing region is home to more than 100 local festivals and annual events, attracting nearly half a million people from near and far. These popular festivals and events, some of which are nationally recognized, make Greater Lansing an attractive and vibrant place to live, work and play. Through performances, cultural activities, educational opportunities and more, these events celebrate arts and culture and traditions old and new.

The Greater Lansing Festival Alliance is a collaborative branch of the Arts Council’s membership. Comprised of nearly 40 festivals, the Festival Alliance strives to provide support and resources for organizers as they build world-class events that enhance the cultural and economic development of the Greater Lansing region. These festivals seek to engage our communities in meaningful ways, enrich residents’ lives and draw broad and diverse audiences, ultimately making the Lansing area the “Festival Capital of Michigan.”