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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Water Street Commons
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Grow your Business
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Where to Shop
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Fresh Waves Murals

What's New

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Water Street Commons
Now open daily 11 am- 6pm

Our five new tiny shops are OPEN DAILY from 11 am- 6 pm on the corner of Water and 2nd Ave, right near the drawbridge! Stop by and see the new vendors who will be here through Labor Day, including: Alpena Sourdough & Health Store, Birch Hill Grocery, Blu Blends Smoothies & Acai, Calia's Empurrium, and Mana Wellness. Knaebe's will be joining us SOON in the bigger shed that is currently under construction! Learn more below. 
Learn More
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Thank you to everyone who made our 2025 Flower Festival a success! 

Thank you to everyone who made our third annual Alpena Flower Festival a success! Whether you sponsored an installation, enjoyed the flowers, listened to live music, ate at a downtown restaurant- it was magical seeing downtown so alive! 

Save the date for the fourth annual Alpena Flower Festival on Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7, 2026!

Alpena Flower Festival

Upcoming Meetings

The May DDA Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3rd 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.
View Agenda

Calendar of Events

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124 E. Chisholm St.
Alpena, MI  49707
(989) 356-6422
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  • Our Downtown
    • Water St Commons
    • Our History
    • Downtown News
    • Business Directory
    • Visit Our Blog
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Things to Do
    • Shopping
    • Food + Drink
    • Events >
      • Flower Festival
      • Day of the Dead
      • Alpena Ice Festival
    • 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