In Downtown Alpena, we have a full calendar of events year-round, including our signature events the Alpena Flower Festival, Witches Night Out, and the New Year's Eve Celebration. Click the button below to view annual events in downtown or view a full calendar of events below.

Calendar of Downtown Events

Summer Events

Alpena Flower Festival
Friday, June 5- Sunday, June 7, 2026

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. 

Michigan Brown Trout Festival
July 17- July 26, 2026

The Michigan Brown Trout Festival is Michigan's oldest and continuous fishing festival! Each year, the Alpena marina and boat harbor is filled with live music, food trucks, and of course, fishing. The first weekend of the festival is also Art on the Bay, Alpena's oldest and biggest art fair that fills Bay View Park with artisan-made products and other handmade goods.

Downtown Sidewalk Sales
Friday, August 7 & ​Saturday, August 8, 2026

Join us for a weekend of shopping in Downtown Alpena at our annual Sidewalk Sales!   Enjoy special discounts, marked down merchandise, and unique finds from over 15 local businesses throughout downtown. A new back to school outfit, a new book, home decor, jewelry: you're sure to find it downtown.

Fall Events

Witches Night Out
Friday, October 16, 2026 from 4-11 pm

Join us for a bewitching bash at our annual Witches Night Out.  Enjoy spooky shopping specials, a scavenger hunt, bewitching beverages, and other festive fun throughout downtown. Get your hats and join us for an Alleyway Afterparty with a live DJ, drinks, and dancing from 8-11 pm in the Center Alley.

Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 23, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 pm

Join the Michigan State Police for Trunk-or-Treat, which is taking place behind Alpena City Hall (corner of 1st Ave & Park Place)!  Select businesses will be passing out candy afterwards throughout downtown. Please note, the 2025 Haunted Museum is cancelled during the continued federal government shutdown.

Day of the Dead Celebration
with Mango's 
2026 date coming soon

Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture and remembrance at our second-annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration!  Experience live music, stunning ofrendas on display,  a Catrina costume contest, food and drink specials, and more in Downtown Alpena.

Holiday Events

Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 7, 2026

Get a kickstart on your holiday shopping at our  annual Holiday Open House! Shop an early season selection of holiday merchandise and enjoy specials throughout the 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 27, 2026
5:30- 8:30 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 28, 2026

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, 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 and make a full day of it! 

Visit With Santa Downtown
​Fridays & Saturdays in December 

Santa Claus is coming to Downtown Alpena! Stop by his house in Culligan Plaza to get your picture taken with Santa and tell him what you'd like for Christmas. Or drop off a letter anytime during the week in his mailbox, which you can find on the front of his house!

New Year's Eve 
Thursday, December 31, 2026

Join us in Downtown Alpena for the New Year's Eve Celebration, hosted by HPC Credit Union & the Alpena DDA, to ring in the new year with live DJ's, and food and drink specials throughout the downtown. As midnight approaches, we will have a spectacular "sunrise" celebration in the parking lot behind Mango's, where downtown will be filled with light to celebrate new beginnings in the year ahead.

Winter Events

Alpena Ice Festival
Saturday, February 21, 2026

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.  New this year is the POLAR PLUNGE that will happen in Downtown Alpena on Second Ave. at 3 pm!

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