Events in Lansing, MI

The Meridian Township Farmers' Market operates year-round, bringing together local growers, food makers, and artisans. Shoppers will find farm fresh ingredients, specialty foods, and handmade crafts, with most items produced within the state. EBT and SNAP are accepted. The market also offers music and a welcoming community atmosphere that supports local businesses. Questions can be directed to Market Manager Tom Cary or Assistant Market Manager Mel Miles at farmersmarket@meridian.mi.us or 517.712.2395.

Recycle small appliances at a drop-off event. Call 800-977-4995 to set up an appointment. Get a $50 rebate for refrigerators or freezers and $15 for small appliances.

This year’s community festival for families has been announced. Anyone interested in taking part as a vendor or sponsoring the event is invited to reach out for participation details.

CMHA-CEI is hosting a community day at Potter Park Zoo featuring photo opportunities with superheroes from the League of Enchantment Michigan, along with complimentary giveaways and information from partner organizations and vendors. Enjoy a no-cost day exploring the zoo. For assistance with registration for individuals or groups, call 517-346-8244 or email Prevention and Outreach at prevention@ceicmh.org.

Another year brings another gathering in Lansing, a Pow Wow spanning two days and centered on culture, celebration, and community. The event returns to the city with the pulse of the drum, vibrant regalia, and the enduring strength of tradition.

At Reutter Park in downtown Lansing, volunteers come together every other week to offer bagged lunches, hot meals, and beverages. In addition to food, the distribution includes seasonal clothing, harm reduction materials, basic first aid items, and hygiene and personal care essentials.

School of Rock students from Rock 101 and the Performance Band take the stage at High Caliber in the Meridian Mall. Rock 101 musicians open the show, followed by performances from the Performance Band as part of the summer semester showcase. Food and drinks are available at the venue, creating a convenient way to enjoy refreshments while watching the sets.

Nebraska and Michigan State square off at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing in a Big Ten clash defined by battles at the line of scrimmage, territorial control, and timely adjustments. With different styles at play and the conference picture beginning to take shape, this early-season matchup carries real implications for bowl positioning and tie-break scenarios. The setting is known for quick momentum swings, making every possession matter.

Experience the museum on a guided tour led by volunteer docents or staff. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is included with regular admission. Admission is $10 for general entry, $7 for seniors 65+, $7 for youth ages 12 to 17, free for children under 12, $7 for veterans, free for active duty service members, and free for members. Details on upcoming events, membership, volunteering, and sponsorship are available on the museum website.

When September Ends, traditionally a festival amplifying the voices, projects, and perspectives of people working to overcome homelessness, shifts this edition into a Community Engagement Summit centered on a guiding question: how can community engagement strengthen our capacity to respond to homelessness? The gathering explores the roles of media, art, storytelling, workshops, education, advocacy, community organizing, lived experience, and other forms of participation in building understanding, challenging assumptions, nurturing relationships, and better equipping the community to act. Designed in a conference style without the feel of a typical conference, the summit creates space to exchange ideas, learn from one another, ask difficult questions, and make meaningful connections. It brings together people with lived experience, creators and media makers, organizers and volunteers, project leads, business owners, faith leaders, community leaders, and anyone interested in learning and contributing. Registration is required. Attendance is limited, and organizers are intentionally assembling a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Completing the registration form is only the first step, and following the post-registration instructions is necessary to confirm a spot. There is no admission fee, but confirmed registration is required to attend. Participants can expect opportunities to listen, share, and imagine what could be possible when more people take part in this work.

All of the Above Hip Hop Academy hosts The Corner, a monthly hip hop showcase and open mic that celebrates artistry, community, and culture. Each edition spotlights six local performers, with two original songs from each artist, followed by a live Q&A that explores creative process, influences, and personal journeys. After the showcase, the AOTA House Band keeps the energy flowing with a live open mic, inviting emcees, poets, and vocalists to step up, collaborate, and create in real time. Expect curated sets from emerging talent, thoughtful artist conversations, a live band cypher atmosphere, and a welcoming multigenerational space focused on the craft. Performers should bring radio-friendly, PG-13 material and can claim a spot on the stage through the registration link. Hosted by The Player Music and D. Jones, with 5AM as the house DJ.

The call of the sirens returns as Red Pyramid After Dark takes over Henry's Place in Okemos, delivering an immersive monster drag production inspired by Silent Hill. Look for tones of rust and ruin, an industrial sense of dread, and an undercurrent of sinister beauty as the venue transforms into a realm of eerie elegance and decay.

This party features a high-energy mix of favorite hits spanning the 1960s through the 2000s. Familiar jams across the decades create an upbeat, feel-good vibe.

Race day at Potter Park in Lansing features a half marathon, 10k, 5k, a 1 mile option, and a kids dash. Packet pickup takes place before the start. The kids dash meets at the start line and participants are guided to their starting area. The national anthem leads into the race start, and live results with awards are available at the registration tent as soon as you finish. Registration perks include a designer shirt, a custom finisher medal, free photos, and free snacks at the finish. Timed events feature chip timing with live results and awards. Youth-based pricing is offered for the 5k and 10k at 17 dollars for ages 12 and under. The 1 mile is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and finisher medal. The kids dash is an untimed experience for ages 10 and under with a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a special medal, and children may participate without swag at no cost. The atmosphere is family friendly and inclusive, welcoming every pace so you can run your race your way.

Take part in a One Piece tournament that welcomes both experienced players and newcomers. Play with the community or learn the basics if you are just getting started. Entry fee is $5.

Compete in a Gundam card game tournament focused on fun and friendly competition. The entry fee is $10, and prizes will be awarded to top performers.

World Ballet Company brings Swan Lake to the stage with the power of a live orchestra, revealing a sweeping story where fate and enchantment meet in a classic struggle between good and evil. A cast of 50 international dancers performs amid hand crafted sets and more than 150 hand sewn costumes, showcasing beloved highlights from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés. Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score is performed live, surrounding the audience as scenes of dreams, heartbreak, and hope unfold. The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission, and is suitable for ages 5 and up. World Ballet Company has toured to more than 300 cities, sharing performances with over 500,000 audience members.

The Poetry Room Open Mic offers a welcoming space at The Robin Theatre for both first-time performers and seasoned poets to share original work in an inclusive setting. Hosted by Masaki Takahashi and Claire Donohoe, the optional theme invites a poem addressed to a younger self. All forms are embraced, from traditional verse and spoken word to haiku and free verse. Sign-ups happen upon arrival for a performance slot, and guests are welcome to read a poem, sing a song, or listen to a range of voices and perspectives. The focus is on connection, creativity, and storytelling. Donations are appreciated via Venmo at ThePoetryRoom or Cash App at $ThePoetryRoom.

BSB will be in Okemos for an upcoming event. Additional details will be announced soon.

First Friday Groove at The Comfort Zone Cigar Lounge & Bistro keeps the night alive with smooth tunes, thoughtfully crafted beverages, and premium-quality cigars. Whether you are capping off earlier plans or just getting started, this late-night lounge experience offers a refined social setting and a stylish crowd that celebrates with class. Settle in for elevated energy, easy conversation, and an atmosphere perfect for carrying the festivities well into the night.

The 12th annual How-To Halloween celebrates the 60th anniversary of Star Trek with a free outdoor festival at Impression 5 Science Center in the Riverside Parking Lot. Highlights include interactive attractions, a Starship Bridge Experience, trick-or-treating, creative vendors, live entertainment, character appearances, make and take activities, a zombie walk, a killer car show, and costume contests. The crew of the USS Tecumseh will be part of the festivities, and The Shake Ups, an award winning power pop band known for cartoon inspired hits, perform live. Inside Impression 5 Science Center, special programming is available with regular admission, featuring celebrity guest Rob Miller, a creature designer, master sculptor and FX makeup artist from the SyFy series Face Off.

Punk Olympics channels the carefree spirit of school field day into a playful team competition created in collaboration with Jackson Field. The day features field games and activities, plus food and plenty of fun, with every dollar raised directed toward providing essential items for the most underserved and underrepresented members of the community. Teams can include four to ten people, and each participant purchases an individual ticket. After purchase, organizers help create or add participants to a team and share a unique link that tracks donations toward that team’s total. Awards will recognize both top fundraisers ahead of the event and the champions crowned during the games. Ticket options include Olympian admission at $50 and a full ten person team registration for $450, with optional team shirts available for $6. Spectator admission is $10 for ages 10 and up, and free for children under 10. Funds support Punks With Lunch, a grassroots harm reduction nonprofit that provides food, hygiene supplies, naloxone, and other vital resources to people affected by homelessness and substance use. Contributions have a direct impact. A gift of $5 covers two sack lunches with a PB and J sandwich, chips, and fruit. $10 supplies a sleeping bag for someone staying outside. $15 provides a backpack to carry belongings. $20 supports a single dose of life saving Narcan. $50 purchases a tent for someone with no other home.

Enjoy a spooky themed craft and vendor show at Meridian Mall. Browse a variety of crafts and vendor offerings with a fun, eerie twist.

Purse Bingo returns after a sold-out first year with an afternoon of 20 lively bingo rounds, chances to win designer handbags and specialty bags, plus raffles and other prizes. Every ticket supports Lansing Catholic’s Cougar Care Fund, which provides student support and helps ensure students have essential resources. Ticket details will be shared soon. Tickets are sold only through Lansing Catholic High School using the official registration page, not through Facebook comments or private messages, and offers from individuals should be treated as scams. Look for purse previews, sponsor highlights, and raffle announcements on the event page leading up to the big day.

Support the Capital Area Humane Society with a family-friendly visit featuring lovable animals to meet and tasty food to enjoy. Kids are welcome, and animal lovers of all ages can spend time together while supporting the organization.

Tony Award winning actress, singer, and dancer Sutton Foster takes the stage for an evening of songs. Her Broadway career includes starring turns in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes, The Music Man, Once Upon a Mattress, Sweeney Todd, Shrek, Young Frankenstein, Little Women, and Les Misérables. On television, she led the series Younger and Bunheads and appeared in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She has toured with a solo concert and released multiple recordings. A Michigan native, this concert brings her back to her home state.

Meet at Okemos Park And Ride to carpool to Detroit, where parking is planned near the pedestrian and bike entrance to the Gordie Howe Bridge on Jefferson Avenue across from Old Fort Wayne. The ride crosses the bridge into Windsor for a scenic tour of local streets, trails, and riverfront paths, including time on Windsor’s Riverfront Trail with sweeping views of downtown Detroit across the Detroit River. After visiting one or two breweries and having dinner, the group will pedal back over the bridge to the vehicles and return to Okemos. If the new bridge is not yet open, the day will pivot to a ride within Detroit. Participants must bring the right documents for the border crossings. Options include a passport, a passport card, a NEXUS or FAST card, or an enhanced driver license. A regular driver license is also acceptable when paired with an original birth certificate, meaning a certified copy with a raised seal issued by the appropriate state or county vital records office.

The sixth annual Miles for Mentorship is an outdoor 5K that welcomes both walkers and runners at Hawk Island, with the route beginning and ending at the Red Tail Shelter. The event benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region and its work to spark the potential of young people through one to one mentoring, with proceeds helping more youth pursue their full potential. Chip timing is provided by the Michigan Running Foundation, and results will be available during the event and online. Children 12 and under can take part in the Spooky Sprint Kids Run, where costumes are encouraged and every participant receives a treat bag and a finisher medal. The kids run is free.

The 2026 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk at Lansing Lugnuts features a third of a mile walk around the concourse in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Activities for all ages will be available, and concessions will be offered for purchase. More information about the event and registration will be shared.

A relaxed evening for fiber artists of all kinds to work on personal projects and connect with others. Bring your own project and enjoy unstructured time to create and chat. This gathering is open to the public, and no membership is required to attend. First-time visitors to Lansing Makers Network should expect to sign a liability waiver upon entry.

The Peoples Church is hosting a flu shot clinic in the Robertson Room. This clinic is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact the church office.

Set aside time for a gentle, book-focused gathering that encourages conversation and mutual support for those coping with loss. Expect a calm, welcoming atmosphere with light refreshments. Gorsline Runciman’s LIFT group offers a community where participants share their experiences, support one another, form new friendships, and find social connection during a challenging period. LIFT provides social support for widows and widowers by bringing together people with similar feelings and experiences. Activities include luncheons, sporting events, holiday gatherings, day trips, and educational seminars. There are no fees or dues to take part in LIFT, and members are responsible only for their meals or personal costs. Participation is open beyond those previously served by Gorsline Runciman. For questions about programs, contact Life’s Landscapes at (517) 482-1692.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of games in a calm, welcoming setting with people who understand life following loss. Choose from cards, board games, puzzles, or try something new. Participate as much or as little as feels comfortable. Friends are welcome, and snacks to share are appreciated. This is an easygoing way to connect, enjoy kind company, and find caring support.

Get into the October spirit with the MSU Herbarium on a Beal Botanical Garden Tour that highlights some of the garden’s unusual plants and the ways people have used them through history. The speaker is Jennifer Apland, MSU Herbarium Collections Coordinator. This tour is part of the Beal Botanical Garden Tour series, offered in partnership with the MSU Libraries.

Share photos from the day with the hashtag #HotCiderHustle and tag @michiganruns_com on Instagram. This public page welcomes participant posts and conversation. Please note that the schedule, location, and other details may change before the event. For the most accurate and current information, refer to the official event website.

Lesbian writers in Lansing gather at LC Library for a monthly meetup centered on sharing current projects. Expect time to write together or talk craft with peers, with space for feedback and conversation. Attendees are encouraged to bring works in progress.

Superintendent's Revenge is a four-person scramble that includes eighteen holes, use of a cart, and a lunch featuring hot dogs. The entry fee is $240 per team. More information will be shared soon.

A spooky rally match features a Master walkthrough followed by runs. Doors open prior to the walkthrough, offering a chance to get settled before activities begin.

This spooky, October-themed obedience match focuses on obedience activities and includes runs in a seasonal atmosphere.

The Lansing Collectable Toy, Comic, and Record Show returns to the Okemos Conference Center with 135 vendor tables spread across two floors. Explore vintage and newer toys, thousands of albums, rock shirts, posters, and other nostalgic treasures. Dealers from five states will be on hand with a broad selection. Admission is free. Costumes are encouraged, and the only rule is to have fun.

This is a 5k race that supports St Louis Center. Participation benefits the organization.

Shayne Smith performs a live stand-up comedy set at Grewal Hall.

Step into the elegance of the Regency era at a themed ball filled with period ambiance and lively dancing. Taking place at Lansing Central United Methodist Church in Lansing, Michigan, this celebration offers an evening on the dance floor inspired by a bygone age. Tickets are available for purchase.

Enjoy a festive running experience with packet pickup before the start, a kids dash that gathers at the main start line before being guided to its own starting spot, and the National Anthem preceding the main race. Results and awards will be available at the registration tent as soon as participants finish. Each entry includes a designer race shirt, a custom medal, chip timing with live results and awards, complimentary photos, snacks at the finish, and plenty of fun. Youth pricing is offered for the 5K and 10K, with ages 12 and under at $17. Register by the noted deadline to guarantee a shirt. Choose the distance that fits your goals. 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon registrations include a custom bib, the event shirt, and a finisher medal. The 1 Mile option is untimed and also includes a custom bib, shirt, and medal. The kids dash is an untimed run for ages 10 and under and comes with a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a medal created for young participants, and children may take part in the kids dash at no cost if they prefer to skip the included swag. This family friendly event welcomes every pace and fitness level, whether aiming for a personal best or simply enjoying a day of running together.

The original Brad Majors, Barry Bostwick, will appear for a screening of the movie presented in a new 4k restoration, featuring a live shadow cast and interactive audience involvement. A display of memorabilia will showcase items and a real costume from the film, and a costume contest is planned.

At Wharton Ctr in East Lansing, experience The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Barry Bostwick, the original Brad Majors. The movie screens in a new 4K restoration, accompanied by a shadow cast performing alongside the film and interactive moments for the audience. A memorabilia exhibit features artifacts and a real costume from the movie. A costume contest is part of the festivities, followed by an immersive after party. Exclusive tickets are available for a VIP Meet and Greet with Barry Bostwick that includes a personal photo and an autograph.

Brooklyn Charmers perform music by Steely Dan at Grewal Hall in a concert dedicated to the band's catalog. This live performance highlights the songs that defined Steely Dan, presented on stage by Brooklyn Charmers.

In Her Own Words and Every Avenue share the stage for a co-headlining show at Grewal Hall. Fluorescents joins as special guest.

Returning to the Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University with Halloween fun, this show features APHA, futurity, and all-breed classes. Judges scheduled include Clint Fullerton, Mark Smith, and Kathy Boggetta, with an additional judge to be announced. The Nick Kooiker Memorial Leadline Class awards buckles to all exhibitors who pre-enter, with a pre-entry form to follow soon. A showbill is available, and a stall and camping form is offered, while futurity entry and APHA and all-breed pre-entry forms will be posted soon.

Trick or Treat on the Square brings family-friendly Halloween fun to downtown Lansing with a stroll along historic Washington Square. Children can trick-or-treat at neighborhood businesses and organizations, pick up free candy, and take part in games, crafts, and other activities, with spooky surprises along the way. This year’s edition is bigger, with portions of the street closed to vehicle traffic to create more space for entertainment and activities and to make it easier to spread out. Sponsors include Lake Trust Credit Union, MSUFCU, CATA, and Capital City Market.

This MCBA preliminary contest at Grand Ledge High School highlights Flight 1 and Flight 4.

Waterhole Wednesday brings ABC Greater Michigan Chapter members and their teams together at Reno's North for a networking social with ABC staff. Drinks and appetizers are available while attendees connect with co-workers and fellow members. The event is sponsored by AIS Construction Equip. Corp. RSVP is requested.

A Foreigners Journey to Boston brings a live performance to the stage at Grewal Hall.

The Eleventh Annual Houseplant & Succulent Sale supports the gardens and offers a chance to grow an indoor collection. As the gardens wind down for the season, the sale features houseplants and succulents that add warmth and fresh color to interior spaces. Options suit both newcomers and experienced collectors, and knowledgeable staff along with friendly volunteers are available to answer questions and guide browsing. Members of the gardens receive early shopping perks through a VIP sale.

Cedric and Romane lead a zouk-focused weekender in East Lansing, Michigan that centers on connection, musicality, and the craft of dancing with the person in front of you. Their approach turns foundational steps into expressive, memorable moments, with a program designed to offer high-level instruction and plenty of social floor time in a warm, small-group setting. The schedule features 6 hours of group training, 8 hours of social dancing, and an additional afternoon practica for those able to stay, and attendance is limited to 40 participants to keep the atmosphere personal. Pass options include a Believer Pass at $125 for the first five leads and the first five follows, an Early Bird Pass at $145 for the next five leads and follows, and a Regular Pass at $165 for the remaining spots. Private lessons can be arranged by coordinating with Justin Scott or speaking directly with the instructors. Travelers can fly into Detroit, Lansing, or Grand Rapids, with public transit options from Detroit and Grand Rapids and plans to help coordinate rideshares or carpools through the event’s sign up survey. Lodging suggestions include nearby Airbnbs within about fifteen minutes of the venue, with choices to fit a range of budgets, including many under $100 per person for the weekend and some under $75, as well as several hotel options near Hannah Plaza. Guidance is also provided for parking near downtown East Lansing, including campus lots close to the Broad Art Museum, and a curated list of local dining spots highlights coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert with notes on cuisine and dietary options. Tickets are non-refundable, but they may be transferred to another person, or the value can be applied to a future event if the request is made up to two weeks before the event.

Ax And The Hatchetmen take the stage for a live performance at Grewal Hall. Experience the band in person at this venue.

Hosted by the Lansing chapter of One of Many VMC, this annual party is dedicated to supporting the veteran community, with a focus on those in need. Guests can enjoy food and take part in a silent auction featuring assorted goods, with additional activities available.

The largest model train show in Michigan fills the Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University with more than 500 tables of new models, toy trains, tools, artwork, collectibles, DVDs, books, railroad artifacts, postcards, and more. Vendors travel from across the Midwest, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, to showcase and sell their finds. Operating layouts in a variety of scales run throughout the venue, and knowledgeable hobbyists are on hand to share tips for building and expanding a model railroad at home. Admission is $8, with free entry for children 12 and under and for Scouts in uniform. Tickets are sold on site at the Farm Bureau Pavilion ticket office, and both cash and credit cards are accepted. Bringing exact change allows use of an express lane during busy periods for quicker entry. The nonprofit Lansing Model Railroad Club hosts the event, and proceeds support preservation of the Grand Trunk Western Millet Depot, restoration of the Michigan Avenue Tower, and promotion of the hobby.

A family-friendly Puzzle Party at the Foster Community Center features team competition where up to six participants work to complete a 250, 500, or 1000 piece puzzle within two hours. Prizes are given for first, second, and third place. There is no age limit, and pre-registration is required. For questions, call 517-483-6685. Register online using Activity #116850.

The City of Lansing sparkles with thousands of lights during the 42nd annual Silver Bells in the City, presented by the Lansing Board of Water and Light and the City of Lansing. Family and friends from across the state and beyond come together to welcome the holiday season with the Electric Light Parade, the lighting of the State of Michigan Christmas tree, and a festive Community Sing. A Firefly Drone Light Show illuminates the sky, and fireworks over the capitol building bring the night to a spectacular close.

Created as a tribute to cowgirls and cowboys of color, the Michigan Heritage Rodeo connects multiple generations through a full experience, from in-arena thrills to the celebrations that follow. It spotlights the legacy and the future of Black cowboy and equestrian traditions in Michigan. After a year marked by record turnout, milestone firsts, and impact across the state, the foundation is set for something even bigger in 2026.

Now in its 14th year, the Silver Bells 5K Race, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, features a run or walk on a clearly marked 5K route through downtown Lansing in celebration of Silver Bells in the City. Every finisher receives a medal, a commemorative bib, and a long sleeve tee, with items available at packet pick up at Playmakers. A costume contest is included, with prizes and awards for top finishers.

Oregon visits Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing for a late-season showdown. The matchup features contrasting styles and in-game coaching adjustments, with both programs looking to assert their identity in a loud Big Ten setting. With the conference race in focus, the result has the potential to shape the broader picture as the season nears its end.

Celebrate the season with a November Rally Match held just ahead of the December Rally Trial. Doors will open, followed by a walkthrough for the Master level and then runs.

Holiday fun is the focus of the November Obedience Match. The event features a series of runs and leads right into the December Obedience Trial.

Come enjoy gaming with friends in the after-school Chromebook lab. Teens who want to use a Chromebook need to have an active library card. Staff will be available to help you open one.

The event features two rally trials run consecutively on Friday, with obedience scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The hospitality team will offer lunches to exhibitors for a small donation. A festive photo opportunity will be available. The premium will be posted on the event website and on the AKC event calendar.

Horn and Holland bring a live performance to Grewal Hall. Tickets purchased for the previously scheduled date will be accepted for the new date.

The Meridian Area Business Association membership meeting takes place at MSUFCU and opens with informal networking before moving into the member session. Spotlight Speaker Paul Schmidt of UnoDeuce Multimedia will share insights about the company’s work and its contributions within the community. The gathering offers an opportunity for current members and local business professionals to make connections, exchange opportunities, and stay engaged with the Meridian area business community.