This weekend 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.

Bring your creativity to the monthly BYOP Open Craft Night at Lansing Makers Network and spend focused time on your own project. Projects might include painting, fiber work, coloring, digital art or any other craft, and there is space with chairs and internet to support what you are making. Attendance is free and membership is not required. First-time visitors should expect to sign a liability waiver upon entry.

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.