Looking for the best things to do in Greater Lansing, Michigan in 2026? Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime local, this roundup features 26 experiences worth checking out this year. Expect a mix of brand-new attractions, milestone celebrations, local favorites, and can’t-miss events happening across the region.

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New Things To Do

1. Explore the Renovated MSU Museum

The MSU Museum has been completely renovated with new spaces to explore and enhanced accessibility features. Don't miss the Immersive Lab and Exhibition Lab, where MSU students design exhibitions and interactive experiences for visitors. This is the perfect place to embark on a journey into arts, science, cultures, and technologies.

2. Experience U.S. Figure Skating Theatre on Ice

Gold Cup 2026 Theatre on Ice Nations Cup
April 22–26, 2026 | Munn Ice Arena at Michigan State University

This nationally recognized figure skating event brings top Theatre on Ice teams to Greater Lansing for the 2026 Gold Cup Nations Cup. Theatre on Ice combines competitive figure skating with storytelling, choreography, music, and costume to create full-scale performances on the ice. Spectators will see skaters of all ages perform themed productions that feel part sport, part live show. Tickets go on sale February 15, 2026!

3. Test Your Aim at Lansing Duckpin

Put a spin on classic bowling at Lansing Duckpin, where shorter lanes and smaller balls make for a fun and challenging twist on the traditional game. Perfect for group outings, date nights, and casual competition.

4. Explore Fish Ladder Music Park 

The historic Brenke Fish Ladder in Old Town Lansing has transformed into a new outdoor performance venue. With theater-style seating, lighting, sound system, and improved accessibility, this riverfront space is home to live music and community events, including the popular Dam Jam Music Festival. Nearby Burchard Park adds even more atmosphere with its electric forest, outdoor fireplace, and gathering spaces.

5. Visit Potter Park Zoo’s Animal Health Facility 

Potter Park Zoo's new state-of-the-art facility gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s veterinary care through viewing windows into treatment, surgery, and lab areas. It exceeds AZA standards and highlights Lansing’s commitment to animal care, education, and conservation.

6. Get Competitive at Dave & Busters

Located by Eastwood Towne Center, Dave & Busters is an all-in-one entertainment destination with arcade games, tabletop sports, large screens, and a full menu of food and drinks. It’s the perfect spot for families, sports fans, and group outings.

7. Discover What’s New and What’s Next in Greater Lansing

Greater Lansing continues to grow, and 2026 brings even more development across the region. From new shopping and dining to upcoming attractions and entertainment, there’s a lot taking shape alongside recent openings from 2025 that are already welcoming visitors. See what’s new and what’s coming next in Greater Lansing.

Brick Row Rendering by Gillespie Group

8. Play at John Smoltz Strikeout Baseball Stadium

John Smoltz Strikeout Baseball Stadium is a miniature baseball stadium offering interactive play for all ages. This downtown attraction honors the Hall of Fame pitcher while giving visitors a hands-on baseball experience.

9. Try a New Restaurant

Greater Lansing’s dining scene has expanded in recent months, and these newer additions are worth adding to your 2026 must-try list.

  • Kindred Table inside the Crowne Plaza Lansing serves fresh New American dishes with signature cocktails and a friendly bar scene. 
  • Chtoura Grill serves Lebanese and Mediterranean favorites; the beef kabob is a must-try.
  • Smash Shack food truck is worth tracking down for seriously good smash burgers and classic comfort bites.
  • D’Nulffos Seafood & Chophouse delivers an upscale dining experience with handcrafted cocktails, a speakeasy-style vibe, and a refined menu.
  • The Morning Post serves fluffy pancakes, omelets, and Southwest-inspired breakfast favorites.
  • Jollof Afro-Caribbean Lounge blends flavorful Afro-Caribbean cuisine with upbeat music and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
  • Capital City Sweets scoops up ready-to-eat cookie dough, ice cream, and other sweets.

For even more spots that have opened within the last year, check out our roundup of New Restaurants in Town.

Celebrate Milestones

10. Get Some Goodies at Quality Dairy

Celebrating 90 years, Quality Dairy (QD) is a Lansing staple is known for its legendary French Onion Chip Dip, cider, donuts, and treats. With over 20 locations, it’s easy to enjoy wherever you stay, and you can even have QD delivered right to your hotel room, event venue, or home!

11. Go Nuts with the Lansing Lugnuts 

Lansing Lugnuts professional baseball team celebrates 30 years at Jackson® Field™ with themed nights, fireworks, and fan-favorite promotions all season long.

12. Play a round at Groesbeck Golf Course

Marking 100 years, Groesbeck Golf Course, named for then-governor Alex Groesbeck, remains one of Lansing’s most beloved public courses. Groesbeck offers scenic fairways and a rich local history dating back to its opening in 1926.

13. Shop at Playmakers

For 45 years, Playmakers has been a nationally recognized, award-winning footwear and apparel store in the Greater Lansing area. As a community staple, Playmakers also works alongside the Lansing Sports Commission (LSC) to support events like the Capital City River Run, Spartan Cross-Country Invitational, Big Ten Cross-Country Championships, and more across the region.

14. Celebrate Decades of Local Dining

Some of Greater Lansing’s most beloved eateries are marking major anniversaries this year. These longtime favorites have helped shape the region’s dining identity for decades:

Discover Top Ranked Attractions

15. See why Crunchy's was Ranked #3 Best College Bars

A longtime Michigan State University (MSU) favorite, Crunchy's, was named one of the best "college bars" in the U.S. by The Athletic. Since 1982, Crunchy's has been a go-to bar near campus, loved for its buckets of beer and pizza nugs.

16. Explore the #6 Best College Town 

Recognized by RentCafe for affordability and livability, East Lansing features walkable streets, great dining, a seasonal farmers market, and vibrant campus energy just steps from MSU. Ann Street Plaza hosts events throughout the year, including the East Lansing Art Festival in spring, East Lansing Pride in summer, and the Downtown East Lansing Tree Lighting in winter, plus fun pop-ups and performances in between.

From May through August, Albert EL Fresco transforms Albert Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly space with colorful seating, public art, and lawn games. Explore downtown East Lansing and discover why it’s ranked one of the best college towns in America.

17. Try Award-Winning Old Nation Brewing Company

Just east of Lansing in Williamston, Old Nation Brewing Company takes top honors in the Detroit News Michigan Craft Brewery Bracket Challenge. Their flagship M-43 IPA continues to draw beer lovers from across the state.

18. Play All Day at Zap Zone XL

Winner of the global IAAPA Brass Ring Award, Zap Zone XL inside the Lansing Mall is the place to be for a day of fun! Find 15 attractions, ranging from multi-level laser tag, go-kart racing, trampolines, a ninja course, glo golf, a bounce house, an arcade, a full restaurant, and more.

19. Explore the Best Children's Museum in the U.S.

Recognized by Newsweek as the Best Children’s Museum in the U.S., Impression 5 Science Center continues to inspire curious minds with hands-on exhibits and interactive learning for all ages.

20. Discover Inclusive Experiences

Lansing is now an Accessibility Verified Destination with Wheel the World, where you can book hotels and find experiences with full accessibility details.

Greater Lansing values inclusion and accessibility, ensuring visitors of all abilities can fully enjoy the region’s attractions. Whether you are neurodiverse, use mobility aids, or have sight or hearing differences, there are experiences designed with you in mind. Check out our accessible travel guide here!

Must-See Entertainment

21. Go to an Annual Festival

Greater Lansing is home to more than 60 festivals, fairs, and public shows each year. New to the lineup is Oktoberfest Lansing, a free all-ages celebration featuring German beer, food, and live music.

Favorites like the Lansing Chili Cook-off bring competition and flavor to downtown Lansing, while the Olive Burger Festival honors Lansing’s iconic sandwich. St. Johns Mint Festival relocates to downtown St. Johns for a larger, more walkable experience. Milestone years include the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival turning 30 and the DeWitt Ox Roast celebrating 80 years.

Silver Bells in the City closes out the year with parades, fireworks, drone light shows, and holiday magic.

22. Experience the Wharton Center for Performing Arts

From touring Broadway shows to world-class performances, Wharton Center’s 2026–27 season delivers top-tier entertainment in the heart of East Lansing. See the lineup below:

23. Catch a Major Event at the Lansing Center

From the Lansing Tattoo Convention to Capital City Comic Con, the Lansing Center continues to host large-scale events and conventions year-round. Check out the convention calendar for upcoming public events.

24. Go Big at Lansing’s Signature Races

Greater Lansing is hosting several major running events in 2026, each drawing thousands of participants and spectators. These races offer scenic routes, energetic crowds, and a fun way to experience the community.

Run through downtown Lansing during the Capital City River Run, or show your Spartan spirit at the Izzo Legacy Run on MSU’s campus. Then get ready for back-to-back championship excitement in November when the Lansing Sports Commission (LSC) partners with Michigan State University and The University of Olivet to host the NCAA DI and DIII Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Regionals at Forest Akers East Golf Course.

25. Tailgate an MSU Football Game

GO GREEN! GO WHITE! Kick off your day with MSU Football tailgating at The Munn Tailgate area, just south of Munn Ice Arena, where you can enjoy the 517 Beer Garden with multiple bars and food options. Or check out the Meijer Fan Fest featuring live entertainment, yard games, and fan activities. Get the into game-day excitement at one of the best family-friendly tailgate spots on campus.

26. Cheer On Major Championship Events

Greater Lansing will host multiple high-profile sporting championships in 2026, thanks to the Lansing Sports Commission, making it an exciting year for sports fans. Summer brings the MHSAA Baseball, Softball, and Soccer Finals to MSU, drawing teams and supporters from across the state. And in July, don’t miss the USA High School Clay Target League National Championships in Mason, a festival-style national event that fills the region with competitors, families, and spectators.

Photography: Header image at Fish Ladder Music Park by Choose Lansing; Beige Planet Photography, Capitol City Comic Con, Choose Lansing, East Lansing Art Festival, Gillespie Group, Groesbeck Golf Course, Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing Lugnuts, Lansing Sports Commission, Melanie Heaney Photography, Playmakers, Soup Spoon Café, Tracy Padot, Adrienne Cooley, and Valeri Gill.

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