Governor Whitmer, Mayor Schor Proclaim May 17 as 517 Day in the State of Michigan and its Capital City, Recognizing Creator Melik Brown and Downtown Lansing

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor proclaimed the day 517 in the State of Michigan and the City of Lansing. Representatives from the Governor’s office, the Mayor and community leaders gathered in Michigan’s Downtown on Saturday morning to read the proclamations and announce the start of 517 Day, recognizing Melik Brown, Creator and Founder of 517 Day, and the work of community organizations, business owners and community leaders to celebrate Lansing’s culture and community.

Celebrating its eighth year, this year’s celebration convenes several community organizations and local businesses to help the community celebrate all there is to love about the 517, including the Women's Center of Greater Lansing, Downtown Lansing, Inc. (DLI), Rathburn Insurance, and other community partners.

“I want to send a special thank you to Governor Whitmer and Mayor Schor for helping us celebrate and honor the 8th annual 517 Day celebration, said Brown. “This event was created to give our community a chance to come together and appreciate the unique culture of Lansing. Since its creation, we have had so many great community organizations and leaders join in and celebrate all of the great offerings you can find in our Capital City.”

All 517-day activities will feature Michigan makers, music, art, shopping, food, and the culture of the Lansing community. While there will be activities happening all around the city, Downtown Lansing will be the epicenter of 517 Day festivities, welcoming thousands of community members to the Best of Lansing Festival and with activities all along S. Washington Square, Capitol Ave., and Lansing’s riverfront. DLI also unveiled window murals created by local artists celebrating Lansing’s culture.

“We are honored to be a part of the 517 Day celebration and have today recognized by both Governor Whitmer and Mayor Schor, a powerful acknowledgment of the energy, creativity, and momentum rooted in Lansing and its Downtown,” said Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director of DLI. “517 Day, fueled by Melik vision, is a celebration of our people, our businesses, and the spirit of Michigan’s Capital City. We’re proud to see Michigan’s Downtown shine as the heart of it all.

Other events during the 2025 517 Day celebration include Over the Edge with the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, Ignition Maker Fest at Impression 5 Science Center, The Jump Off: APPARATUS EDITION, Lansing 517 Flash Event by Devils Day Tattoo, 517 Day Celebration at Lansing Shuffle, Deadly Strings Band at Capital Hippie, and Lugnuts 517 Day with LAFCU Fireworks.

Several Downtown Lansing businesses will also be participating by hosting events, promotions, specials and more! To see a full list of participating Downtown Lansing businesses, visit https://downtownlansing.org/events/517-day-downtown-lansing.ARE