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.

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What's New

Holiday Sneak Peek
​Saturday, November 8

Get ready to kick off the holiday season in Downtown Alpena!  Join us for a festive day of early holiday shopping, special deals, and a sneak peek of all downtown has to offer during the most magical time of the year!
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During the event, we will also running a special holiday promotion on Downtown Dollars- gift certificates that can be used at over fifty downtown businesses. Purchase $75 get $25 FREE until we give away $2500 of bonus dollars! Limit $100 bonus dollars per customer. Purchase at Parallel 45 Books & Gifts (106 N 2nd Ave) to take advantage of this one-day only special!

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A Very Merry Weekend
Friday, November 28 &
Saturday, November 29

Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Alpena with a weekend full of local traditions, holiday markets, and small-town holiday vibes. On Friday evening, the Bolenz Jewelry Holiday Parade fills downtown with festive floats, twinkling lights, and the lighting of the tree in Culligan Plaza. On Saturday, shop small at over 30 small shops, galleries, and businesses, enjoy two holiday markets, and celebrate the grand opening of the Holiday Market at Water Street Commons!
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Learn More

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Holiday Market @
​Water Street Commons

November is here at the Water Street Commons, and we have new hours!

Over the next several Saturdays, holiday vendors will start moving in as we prepare for our Holiday Market Grand Opening the weekend after Thanksgiving.

We can't wait to welcome our holiday vendors to the Commons:
Briar Hill Bakehouse
Falls Creek Produce & Flowers
Knaebe’s at Water Street Commons Alpena
The Art Nook
Choucas Hats
Birch Hill Grocery

December hours will then be Saturdays 11-6pm and Sundays 11-4pm for all your local shopping needs.

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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

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Calendar of Events