EXPLORING MICHIGAN: 40 Plus Things To Do in Downtown Jackson

Downtown Jackson has been under a resurgence for the last several years. In the year 2000, you could have taken a bowling ball and rolled down W Michigan Avenue and not hit a soul. Try that same thing today, and you better have a good attorney.

The sparse downtown you visited over a decade ago is now a thriving hot spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, bar hopping, lounging, sipping, throwing, riding, and shopping. When you eavesdrop on conversations around town you won't hear someone say "Let's go down to The Dirty Bird tonight". Instead you'll hear "Let's go downtown tonight!".

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In the Spring of 2023, the downtown district was designated as a social district, meaning you can walk through the shops and to and from bars with a drink in an approved cup from an approved bar. This will come in very handy for the many events held in downtown Jackson each year, including Gus Macker Basketball Tournaments, Bright Walls Mural Festival, monthly car shows, beer fests, concerts, and more.

The Michigan Theatre has played host to Travis Tritt, Wynonna Judd, and some of the entertainment's most lively performers. Diverse entertainment is offered at other venues as well, including live music and a Vegas-level magician at Veritas.

If you're looking for a great way to spend a day, bring your family, friends, or anyone for a day in downtown Jackson, Michigan. Bring some quarters for the bar-cade, an appetite for a wide variety of food and beverages, and a few extra bills for the items you just can't live without while shopping in the many different stores.