EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Moonlight ExtravaGRANDza will be returning to downtown East Lansing on Monday, Aug. 29 from 8-11 p.m. as a part of Michigan State University’s (MSU) Fall Welcome.
This special event was hosted for the first time last year, bringing East Lansing business owners and community members together to welcome new and returning MSU students to East Lansing. The event showcases the downtown East Lansing area and all it has to offer on and around Grand River Avenue.
During the event, participating downtown East Lansing businesses will line the sidewalks, offering student deals, giveaways and entertainment. There will also be live music in various spots throughout the downtown, inflatable jousting in the Albert EL Fresco, Zeke the Wonderdog in William B. Sharp Park, a succulent giveaway at the East Lansing Marriott plaza and various artists throughout the downtown, including a caricaturist, body paint artist and cyr wheel spinner. Pretty Jane & the Magazines will be headlining the live music lineup, with a free show from 8-11 p.m. in Ann Street Plaza (corner of Albert and M.A.C. avenues).
Additionally, students can get to know the businesses in downtown East Lansing by participating in the ExtravaGavenger Hunt. Those that complete the hunt will receive a free event t-shirt and will be entered into a drawing to win AirPods Pro or a 43” Smart TV. The East Lansing City Clerk’s Office will also be downtown providing information on East Lansing elections and voting during the event.
Sponsors of the Moonlight ExtravaGRANDza include the East Lansing Downtown Management Board (DMB), the East Lansing Downtown Development Authority, the Associated Students of Michigan State University, the MSU Residence Halls Association and UniServices.
“Last year’s event was a big success and we’re hoping to see an even larger turnout this year,” said East Lansing Community & Economic Development Specialist Matt Apostle. “The event provides a great opportunity for students to get to know their downtown, while also providing our businesses and community with an opportunity to welcome students to East Lansing and showcase all that downtown East Lansing has to offer.”
“When Spartans join us on campus, they're choosing to make MSU and East Lansing their home,” said MSU Senior Vice President for Student Life and Engagement Vennie Gore. “We are thrilled to partner with the City to make their welcome a warm, engaging and diverse experience.”
“This is one of many events the East Lansing Downtown Management Board and its partners are providing to highlight the downtown district, promote downtown businesses and welcome community members of all ages and backgrounds to East Lansing,” said DMB Chair Chanelle Crouch. “We are also providing economic opportunities for entrepreneurs by working with local and regional artists and vendors for entertainment and other services being offered at the Moonlight ExtravaGRANDza.”
MSU students can learn about additional MSU Fall Welcome events here: https://studentlife.msu.edu/fall-welcome/events-fall-welcome/index.html.