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Discover Lansing Annual Events & Festivals

With a calendar featuring over 60 annual events spanning live music, fine arts, diverse food, and local culture, Lansing is proudly recognized as the Festival Capital of Michigan. From major multi-day music festivals to smaller community heritage celebrations, the Greater Lansing region offers a year-round lineup of events unmatched anywhere else in the state.

Why Lansing is Michigan's Festival Capital?

  • 60+ Annual Events. Lansing hosts more than 60 major festivals and large-scale community events every year, ensuring there is a celebration happening nearly every weekend. 
  • Four-Season Year-Round Calendar. Unlike other Midwest destinations, Lansing features a four-season festival calendar. Experience winter magic at Silver Bells in the City, spring art at the East Lansing Art Festival, summer vibes at JazzFest, and discover Charlotte Frontier Days in the fall.
  • Diverse Cultural & Heritage Representation. The capital city is home to Michigan's diverse array of heritage festivals. Key annual highlights include 517 Juneteenth Weekend, Hispanic Heritage Festival, and Lansing Pride. 

Take a look at the list below to see what is coming up.

Looking for more things to do? Explore our Greater Lansing Events Calendar to discover events at local attractions, weekend activities, and upcoming events. 

Note: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this calendar, no responsibility will be assumed by Choose Lansing®. All information herein is subject to change without notice.

East Main Music Fest Oct 10

A community festival with live entertainment, local artists and musicians, and special promotions from East Main eateries and businesses. The festival highlights the diversity of the East Main eateries and pairs the restaurants and businesses with local artists and musicians for…

29th and Final East Lansing Film Festival Oct 22
  • Recurring daily

East Lansing Film Festival (ELFF), the longest-running non-experimental film festival in Michigan, showcases films from around the world. We screen features, documentaries, many shorts and student films. The East Lansing Film Festival holds a contest for Audience Awards that…

Fenner's Annual Apple Butter Festival Oct 24

The sweet smoke curling through the crisp air. The crackling of the fire. The fiddle playing. The children laughing. The creaking of the copper kettle and the clanging of the stirring paddle. Please join us as we gather together to share, learn about and celebrate our Michigander…

Michigan Ave. Fall Festival Oct 24

Mark your calendars! The Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority is hosting a Fall Festival on October 24th from 12-7pm! Join us for a day full of food, music, games, and fun for everyone! ​Expect activities such as: Live Music Bounce Houses Face Painting Bubbles Hay RIdes…

Silver Bells in the City Nov 20

The entire city will glow with thousands of lights for the Silver Bells in the City celebration, bringing together family and friends from across the state of Michigan and beyond to kick-off the holiday season. Silver Bells in the City is a Lansing tradition that is loved by…

Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo Nov 21

Get Ready to Be Dazzled: Potter Park Zoo’s 34th Annual Wonderland of Lights! Experience the zoo in a whole new light! Thousands of shimmering lights transform the pathways into a winter wonderland, perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories with family and friends…

Night Lights Christmas Parade & Festivities Dec 04

Night Lights Christmas Parade & Festivities The Annual Night Lights Christmas Parade is a spectacular night time parade packed full of lots of lights and music! It starts at the Grand Ledge Fire Department at 500 North Clinton Street and then makes its way straight down…

63rd Annual MSU Winter Arts & Crafts Show Dec 05

Our show focuses on high quality "handmade" arts and crafts - no resell or wholesale - and is the perfect place to pick up a heartfelt gift for the upcoming holiday or bring some seasonal cheer to a loved one, all while supporting small business owners and MSU students. In its…

Old Town Krampusnacht Dec 05

Krampusnacht is once again coming to Old Town! Join us December 5th from 4-9pm for an evening of celebrating all things Krampus. We'll have a fantastic Krampus parade, an expanded Misfit Vendor Market, Costume Contest, Food & Drink Vendors, Games, Kid's Activities…

Mighty Uke Day Apr 30
  • Recurring daily

Now in its 17th year, Mighty Uke Day began in May 2011 when ukulele fans in the Lansing, Michigan area wanted to get together and view the recently-released documentary film, “Mighty Uke: The Amazing Comeback of a Musical Underdog.” Ben Hassenger, a local musician and one of the…

MSU Spring Arts & Crafts Show May 22
  • Recurring daily

The Annual MSU Arts and Crafts Show is a seasonal tradition and beloved community event. The Winter and Spring Arts and Crafts Shows are fundraisers for the University Activities Board (UAB). All vendor booth fees proceeds go directly to the UAB. UAB is a group of student members…