In Downtown Alpena, we have a full calendar of events year round. From shopping events to our Chili Chowder Cook-off, from our Flower Festival to Visits with Santa, there are  events each season to enjoy. Click the button below to view annual events in downtown.

Check out our calendar of all events happening downtown. Whether you're traveling from around the block or around the country, there's sure to be an event to check out during your visit!

Calendar of Downtown Events

Fall Events

Witches Night Out
Friday, October 18, 2024 from 5-10 pm

Prepare to be enchanted at our annual Witches Night Out.  Enjoy spooky shopping specials, live music, bewitching beverages, and other festive fun throughout downtown. NEW this year is an Alleyway Afterparty with a live DJ, drinks, and dancing from 8-10 pm in the Center Alley by Friendly Foodees.

Downtown Trick-or-Treating
Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5-7 pm

Trick or Treat throughout downtown on Friday, October 25 from 5-7 pm! Downtown businesses will be passing out candy for all the little goblins and ghouls. This is the same evening as Trunk-or-Treat, which is taking place being Alpena City Hall.

Day of the Dead Celebration
with Mango's & Thunder Bay Arts
Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 12-8 pm

Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture and remembrance at our first-ever Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration! 🏵️💀🌹 Experience live music, stunning ofrendas on display, delicious food, and more in Downtown Alpena.

Join us for:
  •  Kids activities
  •  Ofrendas on display in the alleyway
  •  Skull painting workshop at PIF Cider
  •  Live music in the alleyway 
  •  La Catrina costume contest 
And more!

Holiday Events

Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 9, 2024 

The holiday season kicks off with our annual Holiday Open House each November!  Do some early holiday shopping, enjoy windows decorated for the season, and celebrate the beginning of the magical holiday months downtown. With over 30 shops downtown, you're sure to find something for everyone on your list. 

Bolenz Jewelry Holiday Parade + Downtown Tree Lighting 
Friday, November 29, 2024 at 5:30 pm

Is there anything more magical than the Bolenz Holiday Parade and tree lighting in Downtown Alpena? The parade begins at 5:30 pm and moves down Chisholm St. onto Second Ave. The tree lighting ceremony and arrival of Santa in Culligan Plaza follows the parade. 

Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 30, 2024

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, shop small to help keep our business strong and downtown vibrant. From a bag of locally roasted coffee to a new piece of artwork, from a cozy sweater to a gift certificate for a night out, there's something for everyone on your holiday list in Downtown Alpena. This year, stop by two special holiday markets, enjoy live music in the evening, and make a full day of it! 

Visit With Santa Downtown
​2024 Dates Coming Soon

Each year, Santa visits his house in Culligan Plaza! Stop by and get our photo taken with Santa and drop off your Christmas wish list. 

Winter Events

Cocoa Crawl
2025 Date Coming Soon

Cozy up and enjoy a day of downtown shopping. Downtown businesses will have cocoa treats including hot cocoa, chocolates, and "sweet" deals. 
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Alpena Ice Festival
Save the date! February 14 & 15, 2025

Alpena Ice Fest is a celebration of all things winter! Enjoy sculptures on display by Ice Creations of Napolean, Ohio throughout the downtown and at Mich-e-kewis Park, a huge bonfire by Alpena Fire Department, demonstrations, food trucks, horse drawn wagon rides and more. 

Spring Events

Downtown Clean Up & Flower Planting

Help us plant flowers throughout the downtown at our annual Flower Planting Day on Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 9 am- noon. Please meet in Culligan Plaza, where you can pick up a flat of flowers and instructions on where to plant. Please bring your own garden gloves and small shovels.

We are looking for sponsors to donate $50 that will be used to purchase a flat of flowers. This year, we will be adding in native perennials around the tree bases with the help of Huron Pines and Friends of Alpena Area Gardens. Each sponsor will get a sign posted in one of the tree bases to recognize their support. You can donate online at the link below!

Summer Events

Sunrise Side Co-Op Market
Every Saturday 10 am- 2 pm
August through October

We are thrilled to welcome the Sunrise Side Farm Co-Op to Downtown Alpena! Join over 25 vendors and farmers at an outdoor market every Saturday from 10 am- 2 pm in the parking lot on the corner of 3rd Ave & River St (behind the Center Building/ Mango's).

Alpena Flower Festival
Save the date! June 6-8, 2025

Each year, petals paint the city streets as downtown is filled with stunning floral displays created by local florists. Join us for Michigan's most flower-filled festival featuring creative floral installations throughout the downtown, floral photo ops, live music, themed cocktails, and more. 

Downtown Sidewalk Sales
August 9-10, 2024

Join us for a weekend of shopping in Downtown Alpena at our annual Sidewalk Sales!  On Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, enjoy special discounts, marked down merchandise, and unique finds from over 20 local businesses throughout downtown. A new back to school outfit, a new book, home decor, jewelry: you're sure to find it downtown.

Fresh Waves: The Downtown Mural Project

In 2019, the DDA launched a new arts initiative to bring vibrant murals and public art downtown. Over five years, the project has commissioned a diverse set of vibrant pieces of public art. Each year, our DDA Promotions & Marketing Committee reviews artist and location applications to determine the scope of the year's project.

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