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.
What's New
Daily rentals now available for a tiny shop at the Water Street Commons!
Rent a tiny shop for the day or the weekend to try out the Water Street Commons in Downtown Alpena! Join a supportive small business collective in a prime location downtown to test out the market. Now scheduling July through October 2026.
Here are the details:
Here are the details:
- Rent a retail shop at Water Street Commons for just $25 per day.
- Open to businesses selling retail goods.
- Complete one application per calendar year to become an approved rotating vendor.
- Once approved, reserve available shop space by contacting the DDA at least 36 hours in advance.
- Reservations are based on availability and DDA approval.
- Vendors must be open during all required Water Street Commons business hours for their rental day.
- Keep your space clean, professional, and follow the Vendor Handbook.
- All displays must be freestanding—nothing may be attached to walls, floors, or other permanent structures.
- Remove all merchandise and displays at the end of your rental unless you've reserved the space for the following day.
- Rent for as little as one day, with a maximum of five days per calendar month.
- Vendors are responsible for maintaining all required business licenses, permits, and legal compliance.
- The Alpena DDA reserves the right to deny or revoke vendor privileges for failure to follow program policies.
