FEBRUARY 2025

The Manistee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) applied for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program. The City of Manistee and Spicer Group played a key role in applying for the grant. This program offers communities up to $1 million in match grant funding for placemaking/public infrastructure projects.

The DDA has been working on Streetscape for several years and has phased the project out to make it more feasible. The first phase of the streetscape redesign will take place on River Street between Oak Street and Spruce Street. A big part of the project is to convert the area of River Street by the fountain into a four-season event space.

The Riverwalk project, funded in part by an EDA grant, is officially underway.

Crews have begun the removal/replacement of old wood boards in January and are making quick work of the riverwalk as they progress East. Following the replacement of wood boards, there are a number of other project elements that will be conducted once the weather warms up, such as refinishing existing railings and reconstructing ADA switchbacks. 

This project is made possible in part by a grant from the Manistee County Community Foundation - Minger Family Endowment Fund. Photos provided by the City of Manistee.

International Fly Fishing Film Festival

Returns to Manistee

March 1 & March 2, 2025, The Vogue Theatre

Let's come together! You have the opportunity to host an event or special to go along with this international festival returning to Manistee for another year.

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival will be shown at The Vogue Theatre.

Local businesses are getting into the spirit. Whether you would like to have a fish special on your menu, a Social District drink, or are offering a fly fishing related product, we would love to have you participate in the festivities.

If your business would like to put together an event or special around fly fishing, please contact the Manistee County Tourism Authority at (231) 398-9355 to be included on their calendar.

Manistee National Forest Festival:

Now Accepting Parade Applications & Event Submissions

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the Manistee National Forest Festival... and YOU are invited to get involved!

Businesses across Manistee are encouraged to start thinking now about fun events/specials you will hold during this 5-day festival; fill out the Event Submission Form to be included on the festival website (and the easily-shareable brochure if you submit your event by June 6).

You are also invited to consider your entry to the Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4th. Let's get into the spirit of the forest this year: floats of all kinds are STRONGLY encouraged. Get $25 off your entry fee when you sign up before 10:00 AM on May 1. (Please note that applications will only begin being reviewed in mid-March.)

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.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at 8:30 AM located at 400 River Street, Manistee MI - Classroom A.

The next meeting will feature a presentation by the 10th Cohort of the Manistee Area Leadership Program on their community project.

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 AGENDAS

December 11, 2024 Agenda

January 8, 2025 Agenda

February 12, 2025 Agenda

UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS

March 12, 2025

April 9, 2025

May 14, 2025

Open 7 days a week

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS

1. The Outsider
2. Fricano's Manistee River
3. North Channel Brewing Co.
4. The Ramsdell Inn & TJ's Pub
5. The Historic Vogue Theatre
6. El Catrin Mexican Bar
7. Taco 'Bout It Mexican Bar
8. The Golden Stag
9. Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar
10. American Legion 10
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.



For any questions regarding the Social District, please contact Director@ManisteeDowntown.com

If you need more Social District stickers, please contact Nicole Kaminski at Programs@ManisteeChamber.com

SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS

The owner or occupant of any occupied or unoccupied business, building, or vacant lot within the Central Business District, as defined in this section, shall keep sidewalks adjacent to his or her property clear of snow and ice and not allow the same to accumulate for more than 24 hours.

Read the Full Ordinance HERE