DOWNTOWN ALPENA
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vibrant. artsy. growing.

Downtown Alpena: a year-round cultural destination in Northern Michigan, blending historic charm with authenticity and unique waterfront experiences.

Located on the shores of the Thunder Bay River and beautiful Lake Huron, Downtown Alpena has been the economic hub of Northeast Michigan since the city was settled in the 1870's. Our downtown is home to a diverse and vibrant set of over 200 businesses, including art galleries, three theaters, a winery, brewery, and cidery, the first National Marine Sanctuary on the Great Lakes, and a variety of offices, restaurants, bars, non-profits and shops. Walk through downtown and you'll find over 30 pieces of public art and a variety of architectural styles including Italianate, modernist, and more! Alpena is the third largest city in Northern Michigan, and our downtown is proud to be the commercial and cultural heart of our community.

Plan your visit

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Upcoming Events
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TOP ACTIVITIES
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Fresh Waves Murals

What's New

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Downtown Dollars make great holiday gifts! 

Looking for that perfect gift that helps keep downtown strong? Buy Downtown Dollars! These paper gift certificates can be used at over 50 downtown shops, restaurants, and businesses. From a special dinner out to a new book, to movie tickets to a car repair, Downtown Dollars are truly the perfect gift for anyone!

Purchase them online at the link below (shipping available) or in person at:
Alpena DDA Office (124 E Chisholm St)
Bolenz Jewelry (131 W Chisholm St)
Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce (235 W Chisholm St)
Buy online
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Santa's Visting Hours
in Culligan Plaza

Santa Claus is coming to Downtown Alpena! Stop by his house in Culligan Plaza to get your picture taken with Santa and tell him what you'd like for Christmas. Or drop off a letter anytime during the week in his mailbox, which you can find on the front of his house!

Santa's house is located behind the Christmas tree in Culligan Plaza; enter through the parking lot.
These events are free and open to all ages.
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FULL SCHEDULE:
Friday, December 5 from 4-7 pm
Saturday, December 6 from 2-7 pm*
*special extended hours for the Jingle Jamboree!
Friday, December 12 from 4-7 pm
Saturday, December 13 from 4-7 pm
Friday, December 19 from 4-7 pm
Saturday, December 20 from 4-7 pm
Learn More
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New Year's Eve
in Downtown Alpena

Join us in Downtown Alpena for our second-annual New Year's Eve Celebration, hosted by HPC Credit Union & the Alpena DDA!   Come ring in 2026 and celebrate new beginnings. New this year is a firework display at midnight, thanks to Mango's Tequila Bar!

Enjoy food and drink specials throughout the downtown at restaurants, taprooms and bars starting at 5 pm. Dance the night away with a lineup of music from 8 pm- 1 am in the parking lot on the corner of 3rd Ave & River (behind Mango's). Warm up at our cozy warming stations throughout the parking lot and Center Alley with a Social District Drink.
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As midnight approaches, we will have a spectacular "sunrise" celebration in the parking lot behind Mango's, followed by a firework display! 
Learn More

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Holiday Market @
​Water Street Commons

Friday, November 28, kicks off the Grand Holiday opening of Water Street Commons, located at the corner of Water & 2nd Ave!  Stroll among twinkling lights and savor seasonal treats. Discover one of a kind gifts from your favorite local vendors.

Our holiday market will be open Saturdays 11 to 6 and Sundays 11 to 4 through Christmas perfect for cozy weekend shopping warm drinks and a little festive magic


Vendors:
Briar Hill Bakehouse
Falls Creek Produce & Flowers
Knaebe’s at Water Street Commons Alpena
Sunrise Side Co-Op Market
The Art Nook
Choucas Hats
Birch Hill Grocery


Upcoming Meetings

The December DDA Board Meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, December 9 at 3:00 pm at City Hall Council Chambers, with the option to join virtually. A link to attend is found on the agenda below which will be posted the week before the meeting.

The DDA will be hosting two informational meetings being held this December, pursuant to Public Act 57 of 2018. The meetings will be held to inform the public of the goals and direction of the authority, including projects to be undertaken in the coming year. There will be no action or discussion by the DDA Board of Directors.
 
Members are the public are invited to attend either in person at City Hall Council Chambers or virtually via phone or video.
 
The meeting dates will be:
• Tuesday Dec 9 at 2:00 pm
• Tuesday, Dec 11 at 5:30 pm


View Agenda

Calendar of Events

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124 E. Chisholm St.
Alpena, MI  49707
(989) 356-6422
Our Downtown
Plan a Visit
Arts & Culture
Food & Drink
Shopping
Events
In the Media
Testimonials
Alpena DDA
About Us
Downtown Dollars
 Street Performers
Facade Grants
Fresh Waves
Social District


Grow Your Business
Available Properties
Business Resources
For Merchants

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  • Our Downtown
    • Water St Commons
    • Our History
    • Downtown News
    • Business Directory
    • Visit Our Blog
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Holidays
    • Things to Do
    • Shopping
    • Food + Drink
    • Events >
      • Day of the Dead
      • Alpena Ice Festival
      • Flower Festival
      • Witches Night Out
    • Arts + Culture
    • Venues
  • Grow Your Business
    • Available Properties
    • Grants + Incentives
    • For Merchants
  • DDA Info
    • BOUNDARY EXPANSION
    • Programs + Projects >
      • Downtown Beautification
      • Downtown Dollars >
        • Downtown Dollars Online
      • Downtown Street Performers
      • Facade Grants
      • Fresh Waves Mural Project
      • Social District
    • Press
    • Contact Us
  • Parking