Summer in East Lansing brings more than sunshine and a break from school — it ushers in a number of outdoor events as well.
For those interested in taking advantage of what the Lansing and East Lansing areas have to offer during the warm weather months, the following festivities might be just what you’ve been looking for to help your summer hit a high note.
Summer Solstice Jazz Festival
June 18-20
This three-day festival gives residents and students the opportunity to see local jazz talent showcased in the streets of downtown East Lansing, said Ami Van Antwerp, East Lansing communications coordinator.
However, jazz isn’t the only thing the festival has to offer, and many people are just as excited about the atmosphere the festival brings to the downtown area as the festival itself, Van Antwerp said.
“Some people come down and focus on the music, and some come down and focus on the food and community,” Van Antwerp said.
In addition to the traditional activities the festival offers, this year will also feature an “After Glow” event at Mumbai, 340 Albert Ave., where people can have food and drinks while watching an additional jazz performance.
The festival takes place 4:30-10 p.m. on June 18, 3-10:30 p.m. on June 19, and a 2 p.m. Joe Lovano performance June 20 at Wharton Center.
Conan O’Brien/U2
May 21/June 30
Big names in entertainment are flocking to East Lansing this summer, beginning with former “Tonight Show” host Conan O’Brien’s, “The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour” 7:30 p.m. Friday at Breslin Center.
Multiple Grammy Award-winning musical group U2 also will stop by campus on their U2 360º tour at 7 p.m. June 30 at Spartan Stadium.
Tickets still are available for both shows. For more information on ticket sales for each event, visit statenews.com.
East Lansing Art Festival *May 22-23 *
As the first festival to hit the streets of downtown East Lansing during the summer months, the art festival will offer more than 200 vendors lining the sidewalks.
In addition to original artwork, the festival offers a variety of live music to participants, several different food venues and activities for children of all ages.
The festival takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Great Lakes Folk Festival
August 13-15
With almost 50 performances taking place on multiple stages throughout the streets of downtown East Lansing, MSU Museum Communications Manager Lora Helou said music is not all the folk festival has to offer attendees.
The festival takes place 6 to 10:30 p.m., August 13, noon to 10:30 p.m., August 14, and noon to 6 p.m. August 15.
Common Ground Music Festival
July 12-18
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For the die-hard music lover looking for a week-long mix of national acts, food, outdoor activities and an all-ages friendly events.
In its 11th consecutive year at Adado Riverfront Park, 300 N. Grand Ave., in Lansing, Common Ground’s headlining acts include such performers as Adam Lambert and Alice Cooper.
Those interested in attending the event can do so by purchasing individual day passes starting at $26 and $93 for week-long passes.
“UnCommon Club” tickets allows concertgoers VIP treatment with access to private areas, a special entrance, reduced drink prices and other perks, and are available at $125 per day and $350 for the entire week.
For a more detailed schedule of performances and activities happening at this year’s Common Ground, visit statenews.com.
Phantom of the Opera
May 19-June 6
The Phantom of the Opera is returning at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall for the final 24 performances of its latest tour.
As the most successful entertainment venture of all-time, surpassing the earnings of such major motion pictures as “Titanic,” “Star Wars” and “Avatar,” the show is one those with the opportunity shouldn’t miss, said Bob Hoffman, Wharton Center’s public relations manager.
For a schedule of performances, visit statenews.com.
Lansing Board of Water and Light Chili Cook-off
June 4
Those with a strong stomach can treat themselves to as much chili as they can eat at this annual cook-off event from 5-9 p.m at Adado Riverfront Park, in Lansing.
For an advanced entry fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children, attendees are able to sample all the chili they want, listen to live music, watch a duck race and support local charities.
Summer Concert Series
June 11-August 15, every Friday and Saturday
Focusing on local musical talent, this annual concert series brings live music to Fountain Square, on the corner of Albert Street and MAC Avenue, on Fridays, and Ann Street Plaza, on the corner of Ann and Charles streets, on Saturdays.
The event, which on average brings in more than 250 audience members each night, is free to the public and open to all ages.
Click here to view an interactive timeline of events occurring in Lansing and East Lansing during the summer.
