One of the adult beverage trends that we love is the “Social Districts” in which patrons are allowed to carry their alcoholic drink out of the restaurant and walk about or enjoy it al fresco as long as they stay within certain designated boundaries of the district. This was approved in Michigan post-COVID to help boost the suffering restaurant establishments that had initially been shuttered due to COVID, and then only permitted to offer outdoor dining. Lansing now joins over 40 downtowns in Michigan with an outdoor social district. Now patrons can legally purchase and consume beverages containing alcohol in approved outdoor areas or “districts.”
In fact, Lansing has three distinct districts found in Old Town, Downtown Lansing and REO Town.
Social Districts are open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
So how does this work?
DO go to one of the established participating businesses and order a “social district beverage.” They will fix you up with a drink of your choice in a specially labeled disposable container.
DON'T assume that every bar in the district is participating. Check out the list below.
DO feel free to head out the door with your labeled drink, but stay within the boundaries of the district and enjoy your beverage.
DON'T travel between districts. That's a no-no. If you want to head to a different area, finish up your drink, then proceed.
DO note that the hours for Lansing’s social districts are Sunday thru Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to midnight.
DON'T stock up and drink outside before or after the hours.
DO enjoy the districts by ordering from only the licensed, eligible businesses . Stay up to date because new places will continue to be approved on a rolling basis by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission as their applications get in.
DON'T be a litterbug. Please drink responsibly and make sure to dispose of the container properly.
Here are the approved businesses at the date of this posting.
Old Town Lansing
Ozone's Brewhouse
Ozone's Brewhouse in Old Town is creating liquid art! IPA's, Porter's and Stout's are available. Signature beers such as the Kryptonale Cherry…
Read MoreGrand Café Sir Pizza
Offering a variety of pizzas, salads, subs and pastas as well as cappuccino, beer, wine and liquor in a family-friendly venue in beautiful Old…
Read MoreMeat. Southern B.B.Q. & Carnivore Cuisine
At Meat. Southern B.B.Q. & Carnivore Cuisine all of our meats are slow smoked for hours using a combination of woods until they are moist…
Read MoreUrbanBeat Event Center
Lansing’s newest premier urban event venue located in the heart of historic Old Town Lansing. With valet parking available, variety of package…
Read MoreDowntown Lansing
Capitol City Grille
Lansing’s hidden jewel, serving contemporary American cuisine, including everything from pancakes to filet mignon, in an upscale yet relaxed…
Read MoreCourtyard By Marriott-Lansing Downtown
The newest hotel in downtown Lansing, Courtyard by Marriott is ideally located in the heart of the Stadium District, close to the State Capitol…
Read MoreGrewal Hall at 224
Originally built in 1926, Grewal Hall at 224 has been transformed into a premiere event space like no other in Lansing. As guests enter the large…
Read MoreLansing Brewing Company
Great beer, delicious food, and incredible experiences — at Lansing Brewing Company, we’re driving the energy in Michigan’s capital city and…
Read MoreLansing Shuffle
Five restaurants. Five shuffleboard courts. Two full-service bars. A lounge. And a riverfront patio. Established in January 2023, Lansing Shuffle…
Read MoreMidtown Brewing Company
Midtown Brewing Company in Lansing, MI is your source for premium quality handcrafted beer. Our locally owned brewery uses neighborhood goods and…
Read MoreTavern + Tap
Located in Downtown Lansing on the corner of Michigan & Washington Square. Open for lunch and social hour 7 days a week. Be sure to join us for…
Read MoreTin Can Bar
With over 80 different can beers, and more than 40 being from your favorite Michigan craft breweries, you’re sure to find a flavor you’ll enjoy…
Read More
REO Town
Sleepwalker Spirits and Ale
Sleepwalker located in Lansing's REO Town Today has been open since 2019. We welcome visitors of all kinds through our doors into a unique…
Read More
“All of our downtown businesses need support as they continue to meet the needs of their customers during this pandemic. Having social districts open at the start of the summer is exciting as it gives all those 21+ another way to lift up local businesses while enjoying the capital city.” states Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director of Downtown Lansing Inc.
A Different Social Space
If you enjoy this, then check out East Lansing's Albert EL Fresco. East Lansing has blocked off Albert Street between Abbot Road and M.A.C. Avenue and put out picnic tables, conversation areas, games and has other forms of entertainment like live music, yoga and sidewalk sales. While this is not a "social district" like the ones above, you can find all kinds of patio seating outside of the restaurants like Jolly Pumpkin, HopCat, and the like that allows patrons to feel a part of this different type of social space.