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
Business Applications for 123 Water St due May 2ndWe are looking for SIX small businesses and a variety of new food trucks to join our downtown this summer as part of our market project at 123 Water St in the heart of downtown along the Thunder Bay River.
We will have FIVE 10'x12' tiny shops and ONE 24'x12' beverage shed for rent as a summer, fall, or holiday vendor. There will be mandatory hours for each season to ensure a collaborative and consistent experience for the community. Anticipated opening is Memorial Day weekend. Learn more and apply by May 2, 2025. If you are a food truck, we have 2 hook-ups for you. Please message our page or call 989-356-6422 to schedule. |
Help Beautify DowntownHelp beautify Downtown Alpena again this summer by sponsoring a flat of flowers! For $50, businesses, organizations, or individuals can sponsor a flat of flowers that will be planted around the downtown tree boxes. A small sign will be placed near each tree acknowledging the donation of each sponsor.
This year's flowers will be a combination of native perennials and annual begonias. We will be hosting a flower planting and clean-up day on Saturday, May 17 from 9 am- noon to plant the flowers and get downtown ready for the summer season! |
The 3rd annual Alpena Flower Festival is Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8, 2025! For three days, downtown will be filled with stunning floral displays created by local florists, live music, themed cocktails, live music, and other floral-related activities! New this year, we will be previewing the festival with the Petal Pub Crawl on Thursday night, a Sunday Funday day for kids, and a bike/walk parade around the river! Learn more and plan your visit to Michigan's most creative floral festival below.
