Sticky post

2025 Recap in Downtown Alpena

2025 was yet another busy year for downtown Alpena! We’ve seen lots of new businesses open up, facade work to buildings downtown, park renovations, new and old events and so much more! It was definitely a busy year for downtown Alpena, and I can’t wait to see what comes in 2026! Continue reading 2025 Recap in Downtown Alpena

Sticky post

New Years Eve 2026 in Downtown Alpena

Downtown Alpena is gearing up to ring in 2026 with its second-annual New Year’s Event, and this year’s celebration promises to be even bigger. After drawing a crowd of locals and visitors downtown last year, the event is returning with extended hours at bars and restaurants, cozy firepits to gather around, and the crowd-favorite midnight “sunrise” created by the City of Alpena’s Department of Public Works with help from the City Fire Department. Continue reading New Years Eve 2026 in Downtown Alpena

Sticky post

Christmas at the Commons this Saturday

This Saturday, December 13 from 2-7 pm, the Water Street Commons and the Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are hosting its first-ever Christmas at the Commons event. Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit for an evening filled with holiday cheer and cozy winter fun for all ages. Continue reading Christmas at the Commons this Saturday

Sticky post

Water Street Commons in Downtown Alpena

If you haven’t heard of or visited the Water Street Commons before let me give you a quick explanation! The Water Street Commons is a small business collaborative of five tiny shops, one beverage shed, food truck area, and public seating area on the corner of the 2nd Ave bridge and Water Street. It’s led by the Alpena DDA as a way to provide low-cost, low-risk commercial space for small businesses looking to try out Downtown Alpena, diversify the downtown offerings, and bring more foot traffic to the downtown. Read on to learn about our holiday vendors! Continue reading Water Street Commons in Downtown Alpena

August Events in Downtown Alpena: Check them out before summer ends!

Even though the end of summer is near, it doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty of events and things to do in downtown Alpena! Below you’ll find just some of the events happening throughout the downtown this August! Continue reading August Events in Downtown Alpena: Check them out before summer ends!

New Downtown Alpena Businesses & Expansions

Over the last few months there have been lots of businesses announcements in Downtown Alpena, with new businesses opening, expanding, or coming under new ownership. Learn more about the developments below. 123 Water St – This Memorial weekend there’s going … Continue reading New Downtown Alpena Businesses & Expansions

Upcoming Summer Events in Downtown Alpena

The first big event of the summer is the annual downtown Flower Festival! From Friday June 6 through Sunday June 8th, you can enjoy the many beautiful floral displays throughout downtown Alpena. There will also be many floral themed activities … Continue reading Upcoming Summer Events in Downtown Alpena

Help Needed to Beautify Downtown this Summer

Downtown Alpena is getting ready for another busy summer season and is looking for help to get the downtown ready for visitors and locals to enjoy. The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is working with the Friends of Alpena Gardens, the City of Alpena, and local community members to beautify the downtown by adding more flowers and cleaning up the district after the winter months. Continue reading Help Needed to Beautify Downtown this Summer

Looking for mural artists to paint in Downtown Alpena

The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is looking for artists who are interested in painting vibrant murals in Downtown Alpena, Michigan this summer as part of the Fresh Waves project. Interested artists have until Sunday, April 20, 2025 at midnight to submit their application to be considered to participate in the project this summer. Continue reading Looking for mural artists to paint in Downtown Alpena