Demystifying Marketing Workshop

With the US-31 Project ahead, now is the time to make sure your business knows how to stay visible and connected with customers. Join the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and Venture North for a free, practical workshop focused on simple marketing strategies you can actually use.

When: September 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Where: WSCC - Manistee Downtown Education Center,

400 River Street, Classroom B, Manistee, MI 49660

Cost: FREE! Please RSVP at ManisteeChamber.com

Sidewalk Sales Brings

The Community Downtown

This year’s Sidewalk Sales brought plenty of activity to Downtown Manistee, with shoppers enjoying the opportunity to explore local businesses and take advantage of special summer offerings. The weekend was also a great reminder of the continued support our downtown businesses receive from the local community.



“After a busy tourist season, it’s nice to see the locals come out and support all of downtown,” said Carrie Mosher, owner of The Outpost of Manistee.

The energy throughout the weekend reflects what makes Downtown Manistee such a special place to shop, dine, and spend time. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make Sidewalk Sales a great weekend downtown and look forward to more opportunities to bring the community together.

The Manistee Downtown Development Authority’s primary priority is supporting the continued revitalization and economic strength of downtown Manistee.



The DDA’s 2026–2027 focus is the River Street Streetscape redesign, while continuing to support downtown businesses through facade improvements, placemaking, and business development initiatives.

Ready to take your business to the next level?

Ignite Manistee gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their business ideas, gain valuable exposure, connect with other entrepreneurs, and compete for $5,000 to help move their business forward.


Whether you're launching a new venture, growing an existing business, or have a vision for what's next, Ignite Manistee provides an opportunity to put your business in the spotlight and compete for funding to support your next step.


Applications are now open!



• Application Deadline: September 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM

• Final Pitch Event: December 10, 2026

• Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts

Facade Restoration Grant:

Own a property or business in the Manistee Downtown District? Apply for a Manistee DDA Façade Grant, which helps fund exterior renovations and restorations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; any time is a great time to enhance your downtown property!

Plan Ahead: Business Funding Available

As planning continues for the upcoming MDOT 2027 - 2028 US-31 Construction Project, now is the time for businesses to start thinking ahead about ways to prepare and strengthen their operations. Funding support may be available to help address key needs and position your business for what’s ahead.

If your Manistee County business needs help to fill gaps, from signage to equipment, renovations or more, a fund managed by Venture North Funding and Development may be what you need.

To learn more, contact Steve Brower at steve@venturenorthfunding.org or 231-499-3854.

Paint the Town Pink in Manistee



Paint the Town Pink returns to Manistee this October to support breast cancer awareness, education, and patient resources. Join the community for Empowerment Night on October 1, the Run the Town Pink 5K, and Remembrance Walk on October 3.

The community is invited to participate, show support, and help turn Downtown Manistee pink throughout the month. Businesses can get involved by displaying the Paint the Town Pink logo, sharing event information, and wearing pink to show their support.

Manistee Fall Festival

October 31, 2026

MDOT 2027 - 2028

US-31 Construction Project

Project Timeline:

• Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027 and is expected to be fully completed by Fall 2028.

• 2027: Work will occur on the portion from Stronach Road to River Street.

• 2028: Work will occur on the portion from the US-31 bridge near River Street to the M-55 intersection, divided into two phases.

• Phase 1: The half closer to M-55



• Phase 2: The half closer to River Street

For up-to-date information, visit ManisteeChamber.com

Business Feedback Requested: US-31 Project Preparation

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking feedback from businesses regarding the upcoming US-31 construction project (2027–2028) to better understand how this work may impact your business and how support can be provided.

Feedback can be shared by contacting Kaylie Jensen, Engagement Specialist with the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, at engagement@manisteechamber.com.

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS CONNECTION MEETINGS

We invite and welcome everyone to participate in the monthly Downtown Business meetings which are held in person, typically on the third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 AM, located at 400 River Street, Manistee MI.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, August 18, 8:30 AM

DDA BOARD MEETINGS

The Downtown Development Authority Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 8:30 AM, located at 400 River Street, Manistee MI.

PREVIOUS BOARD MEETING MINUTES:

May 13, 2026

June 10, 2026

July 8, 2026

UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS:

September 9, 2026

October 14, 2026 

November 11, 2026

The 'Stee SOCIAL DISTRICT

Open 7 days a week

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS

1. The Outsider
2. Fricano's Manistee River
3. Manistee Wine Studio
4. TJ's Pub
5. The Vogue Theatre
6. Don Tequila Mexican Restaurant
7. Taco 'Bout It Mexican Fusion
8. The Golden Stag
9. Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar
10. Scooby's Snack Shack
11. Third Life Brewing

Please be following the social district rules so that we can all enjoy the district safely.

View the Social District Rules & FAQs here.

PLEASE NOTE: All State of Michigan and City of Manistee laws apply, including but not limited to those prohibiting public intoxication, impaired driving, and serving alcohol to minors.



If you are interesting in learning more about the Social District, please contact director@manisteedowntown.com

REMINDER: DOWNTOWN PARKING

Just a friendly reminder that on-street parallel parking in Downtown Manistee is intended for customers visiting local shops, restaurants, and businesses. To help keep these convenient spaces available for visitors, we encourage downtown business owners and employees to utilize municipal parking lots for longer-term parking needs, including work shifts and meetings.

Thank you for helping keep downtown accessible, welcoming, and easy to enjoy for everyone!