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 Sunrise Side 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

Fall Events

Witches Night Out
Friday, October 17, 2025 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 by Friendly Foodees.

Downtown Trick-or-Treating
Friday, October 24, 2025 from 5-7 pm

Trick or Treat throughout downtown. 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. Then, stop by the Haunted Museum at NOAA (500 W Fletcher St) from 5- 8 pm. 

Day of the Dead Celebration
with Mango's & Thunder Bay Arts
Saturday, November 1, 2025

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 8 , 2025

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 28, 2025
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 29, 2025

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 cottage in Culligan Plaza to get your picture taken with Santa and tell him what you'd like for Christmas. These events are free and open to all ages. Thanks to Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union and Alpena High School Key Club for providing elves this year!

Sunrise Side New Year's Eve Celebration
Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Join us in Downtown Alpena for the Sunrise Side 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

Cozy Crawl
Saturday, January 25, 2025

Get ready to embrace all things cozy in Downtown Alpena at our first-ever Cozy Crawl on Saturday, January 25th!  Spend a cozy day downtown strolling through local shops and galleries offering special promotions, sip a warm drink at your favorite downtown cafe, sample hot cocoa... and wear your PJ's for special deals!

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

Spring Events

Downtown Clean Up & Flower Planting
Saturday, May 17 from 9 am- noon

Help us plant flowers throughout the downtown at our annual Flower Planting Day!  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

Alpena Flower Festival
Friday, June 6 through
​ Sunday, June 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
Friday, August 8 &
​Saturday, August 9, 2025

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.

    Sign up for email updates!
 © 2025 Alpena Downtown Development Authority, All Rights Reserved.
Proudly powered by Weebly