2010

March

March 18–20 and 25–27
March Magic Hoopfest
East Lansing • (866) 449-1425 • www.marchmagichoopfest.com
The March Magic Hoopfest is an interactive basketball playground for children of all ages at MSU’s Jenison Field House during the MHSAA Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Semi-Finals and Finals. This event includes a variety of basketball skill games, displays and educational activities and is located adjacent to the Jack Breslin Student Events Center where the games are played.

April

April 23–25
Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival
Vermontville • (888) 482-8780 • www.vermontvillemaplesyrupfestival.org
Home of the original Maple Syrup Festival in Michigan. Enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup, rides, talent show, arts and crafts, flea market, two parades, petting zoo, princess pageant, displays, games and free entertainment. Syrup producers are located throughout the village selling syrup, candies, crème and the ever popular maple syrup cotton candy.

April 29–30 and May 1–2
Spring Fling
Mason • (517) 676-1046 • www.masonchamber.org
Come to Mason to experience all that Spring Fling has to offer. Includes a 5K run, craft show, pie sale, duck race and much more—there’s something for everyone.

May

May 1
Victorian Festival
Grand Ledge • (517) 627-5170 • www.victoriandays.org
Salute spring and the Victorian era with a non-motorized parade, maypole dance, teddy bear tea and high tea, Civil War encampment, quilt show, May baskets and period craft demonstrations.

May 22 & 23
Michigan State University Spring Arts and Crafts Show
East Lansing • (517) 355-3354 • www.uabevents.com/artsandcrafts.html
The 46th annual show, held on the MSU Union grounds, is one of the largest spring arts and crafts shows in the state with attendance of 60,000. Admission is free and there is ample free parking close to the show.

May 22 & 23
East Lansing Art Festival
East Lansing • (517) 319-6804 • www.elartfest.com
Fine artists from Michigan and beyond will line downtown East Lansing’s streets to exhibit and sell original works of fine art and fine crafts. Free live music, children’s performances, hands-on arts activities and more.

May 28–30
Cristo Rey Fiesta 2009
Lansing • (517) 394-4639 • www.cristoreychurch.org
This annual fiesta features authentic Mexican Folkloric dancing as well as dancing in the evenings to live Tejano and Salsa Merengue bands. Proudly serving the finest in homemade Mexican dishes.

June

June 4
The Board of Water & Light Chili Cook-Off
Lansing • (517) 702-6377 • www.bwlchilicookoff.com
Over 40 local businesses compete annually to win the hearts, palates and votes of attendees. Competitors showcase culinary skills at a riverside party with 1,500 gallons of chili, cold beer, margaritas and live bands.

June 5
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
Lansing and East Lansing • (517) 487-6800 • www.lansing.org/batyot
This one-day event treats residents and tourists alike to all the best of Greater Lansing for just $1. Come check out museums, attractions and one-day-only tours of some of the area’s coolest places. Watch as Greater Lansing opens its doors for you to explore! **Also check out the action as local dare-devils go “Over the Edge” and rappel off the Boji Tower. Want to get involved? Visit www.lansing.org for more details.

June 11–13
Gizzard Fest
Potterville • (517) 645-2313 • www.gizzardfest.com
GIZZARD FEST—with a name like that you can count on it definitely being FUN! This 11th annual festival is world renowned and includes a classic car show, 3-on-3 basketball, arts and crafts, carnival and lots more.

June 11–13
Michigan Pride Festival and Parade
Lansing • (517) 694-5344 • www.michiganpride.org
America is a melting pot, founded because people sought a place where they could live their lives as who they truly are. Join this celebration of freedom for each person to be true to their own self, and acceptance of ALL people.

June 17–19
Lansing Juneteenth Celebration
Lansing • (517) 394-6900 • www.lansingjuneteenthcelebration.org
Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community about our heritage and by promoting positive cultural interaction. This three-day event includes music, dance, film, entertainment, education and celebration.

June 17–19
Yankee Doodle Days
Grand Ledge • (517) 627-2383
This annual event features fun for the entire family, kids game tent, parade, fireworks and entertainment tent with live music.

June 18–19
Summer Solstice Jazz Festival
East Lansing • (517) 319-6927 • www.eljazzfest.com
The Summer Solstice Jazz Festival will hit the streets of downtown East Lansing with two extraordinary evenings of live jazz. This free event features a high-caliber ensemble of local and national jazz performers.

June 17–19
11th Annual Riverbank Traditional Indian Pow Wow
Lansing • (517) 393-7236 • www.riverbankpowwow.com
Experience the Woodland Indian culture of Michigan at Louis Adado Riverfront Park with programs that highlight dancing, drumming, singing, arts and crafts, food and more.

June 20–27
Red Cedar Jubilee
Williamston • (517) 655-3831
The Red Cedar Jubilee features parades as well as craft shows, a demolition derby, lawn mower races, a duck drop and a food and beverage tent with live music. While in town visit the antiques district.

June 25
Festival of the Moon
Old Town Lansing • (517) 485-4283 • www.festivalofthesun.com
Make one of the shortest nights of the year count at Festival of the Moon. Cool off on a warm summer night with a glass of cold craft-brewed beer while listening to rockin’ local and regional bands.

June 26
Festival of the Sun
Old Town Lansing • (517) 485-4283 • www.festivalofthesun.com
Celebrate the summer solstice with the Festival of the Sun, a premier beer, wine and gourmet food-tasting festival. Enjoy fine wine, craft-brewed beer and the Lansing area’s best cuisine and entertainment on two stages.

June 26
Delta Rocks! Family Festival
Delta Township • (517) 323-8555
A free family festival featuring clowns, pony rides, inflatable attractions, games, kids’ make-it and take-it crafts, music, live animals, super slingshot, face painting, turtle races, trackless train, concessions and more.

June 30
U2 360° Tour
Spartan Stadium
The Irish rockers, fronted by Bono, have scheduled a June 30 show on the Michigan State University campus, according to the band's Web site and ticket vendor Live Nation. The band's MSU show is its only scheduled Michigan stop.

July

July 12–17
Eaton County Fair
Charlotte Fairgrounds • (517) 543-4510 • www.eatoncountyfair.com
Whether you enjoy tractor and truck pulls, motor-cross races or demolition derbies, you can find it all at the Eaton County Fair.

July 12–18
Common Ground Festival
Lansing • (517) 267-1502 • www.commongroundfest.com
The Common Ground Music Festival is an annual celebration featuring an impressive array of headlining musical entertainment for seven nights! Be sure to bring a chair and enjoy the concerts under the stars!

August

August 7
Capital City African American Parade and Heritage Festival
Lansing • (517) 484-2180
The 10th annual parade will take place in downtown Lansing at 11 a.m., followed by a reunion picnic at Ferris Park. Enjoy ethnic foods, craft exhibits, games and more!

August 7
Island Art Fair
Grand Ledge • (517) 627-9843
The 37th annual Island Art Fair features 130 artists selling their works, food and live music on the Second Island in downtown Grand Ledge.

August 2–7
Ingham County Fair
Mason • (517) 676-2428 • www.inghamfair.org
Celebrating 156 years, the fair offers something for every-one including hundreds of exhibits, the excitement of the grandstand events, large midway, a petting zoo and more!

August 6-7
Lansing JazzFest
Old Town Lansing • (517) 371-4600 • www.jazzlansing.com
Lansing JazzFest is a two-day free festival bringing over 20 regional and national jazz acts to an audience of over 15,000. Located in Lansing’s historic Old Town, offering galleries, shops and vendors of ethnic food, arts and crafts.

August 13-15
MSU Museum’s Great Lakes Folk Festival
East Lansing • (517) 432-GLFF (4533) • www.greatlakesfolkfest.net
The MSU Museum presents this three-day celebration of culture, tradition and community. Find music, dance, food and more with the roots, the rhythms and the richness of cultures across America and around the world.

August 14
Car Capital Celebration
Downtown Lansing • (517) 372-0529 • www.reoldsmuseum.org
This free car show celebrates Lansing’s automotive history and will feature historic and collectible vehicles, dash plaques, live music, beer tent, and a “Taste of the Eastside.”

TBA
DeWitt Ox Roast
Downtown DeWitt • (517) 669-3413
For over 60 years DeWitt has celebrated on the banks of the Looking Glass River with an arts and crafts show, food and beverage tents, a parade, classic car show, entertainment, fireworks at dusk and more!

August 13–15
St. Johns Mint Festival
St. Johns • (989) 224-7248 • www.clintoncountychamber.org/mint
Each year the mint farming heritage is celebrated at the St. Johns Mint Festival. Arts and crafts, flea market, food concessions, parade, five sports tournaments, free entertainment, quilt show, car show and tons of activities for kids.

August 24–29
Old 27 Tour
(517) 394-7344 • www.old27tour.com
View hundreds of classic cars as they tour nostalgic old US 27 from Coldwater to Cheboygan on a five-day tour, stopping in Lansing mid-tour (Aug. 25). This is one of the premier classic car events.

August 28
Caribbean Festival
Downtown Lansing • (517) 483-1287
Lansing will sound, taste and feel like the Caribbean when Lansing Community College’s Student Life and Leadership Office brings the Caribbean Festival to town for its annual celebration of music, culture and food.

September

September 8-12
Frontier Days
Charlotte • (517) 543-3325 • www.charlottefrontierdays.com
Pioneer-spirited guests will enjoy this annual event featuring one of mid-Michigan’s largest parades, a championship rodeo, flea market, more than 250 arts and crafts exhibits, an old-fashioned saloon and more!

September 16–19
Down Home Days
Mason • (517) 676-1046 • www.masonchamber.org
Check out fall colors and join Mason folks for an outdoor concert Thursday, family walk Friday, and Saturday’s 150-vendor craft show on the historic Ingham County Courthouse Square and so much more!

September 17–18
Old Town BluesFest
Old Town Lansing • (517) 371-4600 • www.oldtownbluesfest.com
Old Town BluesFest is a two-day free festival bringing over twenty regional and national blues acts to over 15,000 people. Located in Lansing’s historic Old Town and offering galleries, boutiques and vendors of ethnic food, arts and crafts.

October

October 1–2
Oktoberfest
Old Town Lansing • (517) 485-4283 • www.oldtownoktoberfest.com
Old Town Oktoberfest, Lansing’s only German-style festival, features all things German, including live polka, German fare and, of course, wonderful German beers in a souvenir mug to remember the event.

October 8-10
Color Cruise and Island Festival
Grand Ledge • (517) 627-2154 
Take a trip down memory lane in an old-fashioned covered wagon or glide down the scenic Grand River on a riverboat. Pioneer demonstrations include black kettle caramel corn, folk music, fur traders and more.

October 16–17
Apple Butter Festival
Lansing/Fenner Nature Center • (517) 483-4224
Treat yourself to old-fashioned family fun. Help to stir the enormous kettle of apple butter, crank the cider press, taste different apple varieties and observe heritage craftspeople demonstrating their skills.

October 24–25
Boo at the Zoo
Lansing • (517) 342-2710 • www.potterparkzoo.org
All little goblins and ghosts welcome as we celebrate Halloween at the zoo! Noon to 4.p.m. Featuring our animals, mascots, activities, and for a dollar our Boo Tunnel, hayride, tattoo and trebuchet! Also some yummies!

November

November 10–18
East Lansing Film Festival
East Lansing • (517) 980-5802 • www.elff.com
A world-class film festival offering independent features, documentaries and shorts as well as tributes, seminars, premieres and parties.

November 19
Silver Bells in the City
Downtown Lansing • (517) 372-4636 • www.silverbellsinthecity.org
Celebrate the season in downtown Lansing as we watch the annual electric light parade, light Michigan’s official Christmas tree and experience a beautiful fireworks display cascading over the Capitol dome.

November 26–December 26
Wonderland of Lights
Lansing • (517) 342-2710 • www.potterparkzoo.org
Potter Park Zoo is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of holiday lights and extraordinary displays Thursday–Sunday only!

December

December 4–5
Old Town Dickens Village
Old Town Lansing • (517) 485-4283 • www.oldtownfestivals.com
This free event starts the holiday season by celebrating Old Town’s Victorian heritage. Enjoy family-friendly activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, puppet shows, a holiday market, carolers and more.

December 4–5
MSU Arts & Crafts Holiday Show
East Lansing • (517) 355-3354 • www.uabevents.com/artsandcrafts.html
The 47th annual show will be held at the MSU Union on the corner of Grand River Avenue and Abbot Road in East Lansing. Four floors of booths make this show one of the largest holiday arts and crafts shows in the state.

December 4–5
Holiday Traditions Tour
Grand Ledge • (517) 627-5170 • www.gdledgehistsoc.org
Travel to holidays past as you visit historic Victorian homes, festive tables and decorated trees. Also stop by and see the 1928 Barton Theater organ, the Holiday Market at the Opera House and the Museum.

December 5
East Lansing Winter Bowl and Soup & Chili Cook-off
East Lansing • (517) 319-6888 • www.cityofeastlansing.com
A serving of hot chili, a seat on Santa’s lap and a warm and fuzzy encounter with furry reindeer friends are just a few of the many things in store for visitors to the East Lansing Winter Bowl.
(All dates and information are subject to change.)

Dance to the Music

Throughout the summer months you can find numerous free music events in the evenings
Tuesdays: Eastwood Towne Center’s Summer Music Series
Wednesdays: Lansing’s Concerts in the Park
Thursdays: Blues on the Square-Lansing
Fridays & Saturdays: East Lansing Summer Concert Series
Sundays & Mondays: Rest your dancing shoes

We’ve Got Sports

March 18–20 – MHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament
March 18–20 – March Magic Hoopfest
March 25–27 – MHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament
March 25–27 – March Magic Hoopfest
April 6–11 – USA Girls Tier II Hockey National Championships
May 30 – Hawk Island Triathlon
September 26 – Capital City River Run

June 5th

Be A Tourist In Your Own Town – an event where Lansing and East Lansing opens their doors to showcase all there is to see and do. For residents and visitors alike!

Team Lansing Foundation wants to know if you dare to go Over the Edge on June 5th. Rappel from the top of the Boji Tower.


(All dates and information are subject to change.)