The following was compiled with the basic guidelines as follows: The places had to be within walking distance of the Pride Festival, and the businesses or places had to be LBGT-friendly, if not LBGT-owned and -operated.
Theater
'The All Night Strut' at the BoarsHead Theatre. BoarsHead is a professional regional theater located at the Center for the Arts, 525 Grand Ave., only a few blocks south of the Pride Festival. This is a musical revue brought back by popular demand. Last year the show sold out nearly every night, so make sure to reserve tickets in advance. Shows are Thursday through Sunday. Tickets by calling the BoarsHead ticket office at 517-484-7805.
'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Sunsets with Shakespeare. Sunsets with Shakespeare is Between The Lines Wilde Awards' Community Pride Award-winning community theater based in Lansing. During the summer the company performs in the Riverfront Park on the east bank (across the river from the Pride Festival and just a little south). The company's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is free, with a suggested minimum donation of $2 per person. The show is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with an encore production on July 4. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on.
Food
Kelly's Downtown, 203 S. Washington Ave., downtown Lansing. This Irish pub features homemade meals and a full-service bar. Only three blocks from the state Capitol, and often the lunchtime and dinner haunt of legislators.
Clara's Station, 637 E. Michigan Ave., downtown Lansing. This beautiful stop is a remodeled train station. It is a no-smoking establishment and features 20 pages of delicious meals and food. Don't miss their cheddar broccoli soup.
Pablo's Panderia, 311 E. Grand River Ave., Old Town Lansing. Authentic Mexican food in the heart of Lansing's arts and cultural district.
Club 505, 505 Shiawassee St., downtown Lansing. A local LBGT bar and grill, serving a variety of burgers and appetizers.
Tavern on the Square, 206 S. Washington Ave., downtown Lansing. This brand-new eatery boasts a fine selection of high-end appetizers and drinks and is just blocks from the state Capitol.
Something Cool
Preuss Pets, 1127 North Cedar St., Old Town Lansing. Here you'll find 10,000 square feet of exotic pets – from hand-raised birds to coral reefs to reptiles and amphibians – all housed in a Caribbean-themed store.
Impression 5 Science Museum, 200 Museum Drive, downtown Lansing. A hands-on science discovery center located just a few blocks down the river trail from the Pride Festival.
Riverfront Park. This is one of Lansing's largest parks and stretches from north Lansing all the way to east Lansing, with branches delving to the south side of Lansing as well. This paved path follows the Grand River and takes you to Potter Park Zoo and the Brenke Fish Ladder in Old Town.
