our story
Historic Downtown Alpena is the food, arts, and regional hub of Northeast Michigan, located on the shores of the Thunder Bay River and beautiful Lake Huron. As a major port of the lumber era, Downtown Alpena is home to a significant amount of historic buildings from the turn of the 19th century that have been preserved & renovated over the years.
Now Downtown Alpena is home to a diverse and vibrant set of nearly 200 businesses, including art galleries, a year-round professional live theater, a winery, the only Marine Sanctuary located on the Great Lakes, and a variety of offices, restaurants, bars, non-profits and shops. Alpena is the second largest city in Northern Michigan, second only to Traverse City, and our downtown is proud to be the commercial and cultural heart of our community.
If you haven’t taken a stroll through Downtown Alpena in a while, you’ll find that a lot has changed. There are so many new spots of growth, with new retail businesses opening their doors, new restaurants serving delicious meals, year-round festivities and events, and your old favorite shops and spaces waiting to welcome you with a smile.
Downtown Alpena is vibrant, artsy, and growing. Come join us!
Now Downtown Alpena is home to a diverse and vibrant set of nearly 200 businesses, including art galleries, a year-round professional live theater, a winery, the only Marine Sanctuary located on the Great Lakes, and a variety of offices, restaurants, bars, non-profits and shops. Alpena is the second largest city in Northern Michigan, second only to Traverse City, and our downtown is proud to be the commercial and cultural heart of our community.
If you haven’t taken a stroll through Downtown Alpena in a while, you’ll find that a lot has changed. There are so many new spots of growth, with new retail businesses opening their doors, new restaurants serving delicious meals, year-round festivities and events, and your old favorite shops and spaces waiting to welcome you with a smile.
Downtown Alpena is vibrant, artsy, and growing. Come join us!
what's new
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VISIT WITH SANTA IN CULLIGAN PLAZA!
Santa Claus is coming to Downtown Alpena! Stop by to visit him in his house in Culligan Plaza, tell him what your wishes for Christmas, and get a photo taken with his festive set up. His elves will be on hand to help out. A special thank you to the team at Alpena Area Credit Union, the Alpena High School Key Club, and Mollie & Baillie from Cabin Creek/Sweet Baby James/Local Basket Case for being our elves this year! VISITING DATES: Friday December 1 from 5-7 pm Friday December 8 from 5-7 pm Friday December 15 from 5-7 pm Friday December 22 from 5- 7 pm Saturday December 23 from 12-4 pm |
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WANDERING CAROLERS WITH THE ALPENA STREET PERFORMERS
This December, the Alpena Street Performers will be wandering throughout downtown spreading musical Christmas cheer! Join the Wandering Carolers from 6-8 pm the two weekends leading up to Christmas on Friday 12/15, Saturday 12/16, Friday 12/22, and Saturday 12/23. They will be visiting Downtown Alpena eating establishments and open businesses between 6-8 pm. Just remember. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. See you downtown! |
announcements
upcoming meetingsThe Alpena Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors is having an upcoming meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 3:00 pm. The meeting will take place at City Hall Council Chambers (208 N. First Ave). with the option for the public to join virtually. The agenda and virtual link is posted below.
The DDA is holding two upcoming Informational Meetings:
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The Alpena DDA is excited to announce its mural project, Fresh Waves won a 2021 award for Best Placemaking Project through the Michigan Downtown Association! You can learn more about the project and award by clicking here. |
