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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.

Global Festival Nov 15

Experience the world in one day at Michigan State University! Global Festival 2026 returns in MSU’s International Center. The Global Gift Shop will open an hour earlier at noon and is located on the 3rd floor. Experience cultures from around the world at this free…

Global Festival 2026 Nov 15

A free cultural festival with exhibits, live performances, a global gift shop, interactive activities, crafts, demonstrations and food-and-culture displays from around the world. The Global Gift Shop will open an hour earlier at 12:00pm.

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…

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 3-8 p.m. 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…

Maple Syrup Festival Mar 20

Attend Fenner Nature Center's annual Maple Syrup Festival! Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, taste maple-themed treats like maple cotton candy and maple root beer, and explore the Maple Grove to learn about sap, how it's collected, and how it becomes the delicious maple syrup…

Michigan Nordic Fire Festival 2027 Mar 26

Celebrate the return of the sun and the end of winter at the Michigan Nordic Fire Festival in Charlotte, Michigan. This 3-day event transforms the Eaton County Fairgrounds into a historic Viking encampment. It's a weekend dedicated to fire, family, and the rugged spirit of the…

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…

World Migratory Bird Day May 08

Are you fascinated with birds or enjoy learning about them? Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at Fenner Nature Center! Attend guided birding walks, check out bird-themed education booths and activities, meet our animal ambassadors during Animal Encounters, and explore over four…

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…

Yankee Doodle Day Jun 26

This annual family-friendly community event includes various activities throughout the day, including a 11:00 AM parade, music*, arts and crafts show, and fireworks*. *Music at Fitzgerald Ballfield by Island Park *Fireworks at Dusk

St. Johns Mint Festival Aug 06
  • Recurring daily

The St. Johns Mint Festival was a huge success downtown for the community and for the local businesses so it will stay downtown. The Mint Fest festivities will again join the downtown car show along with live entertainment, stage events, and more! Check out our Facebook page for…

Grand Ledge Fall Festival Oct 02

There will be crafters and vendors (including pottery, wood work, candles, handmade craft items, and businesses doing outreach) around three different parks along with free pumpkins for kids, a fall photo booth, pony rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, and we even have some…

Grand Ledge Beer Fest Oct 02

This event is being held in conjunction with the Grand Ledge Fall Festival, so bring the family to Fall Fest which extends from Jaycee Park along the river trail to the Island Park, then walk across the parking lot to the Beer Fest and enjoy craft beer and cider on Fitzgerald…