Free, community celebration brings together veterans, first responders, families and supporters for a day of connection, resources and fun
LANSING, Mich. — A day dedicated to celebrating veterans and first responders who serve our country and communities is coming to Lansing this fall.
The Lansing Area Veterans Coalition (LAVC) will host HeroFest 2026 on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alfreda Schmidt Community Center, 5825 Wise Rd. in Lansing. The free, family-friendly event invites the community to come together to celebrate veterans and first responders while connecting them and their families with local resources and support.
HeroFest will bring together local organizations, vendors and community partners for an afternoon focused on appreciation, connection and fun. Veterans, first responders and their families will have the chance to meet directly with organizations offering information, programs, services and other resources available in the community.
But HeroFest isn’t just about connecting people with resources – it’s’ also a celebration.
Families can enjoy inflatables, face painting and activities for kids, while a live DJ keeps the energy going throughout the afternoon. A free lunch has also been generously donated by VFW for all who attend.
At its heart, HeroFest is about making sure the veterans and first responders who have stepped up to serve others know their community is standing behind them. It creates a space to connect with one another, discover resources available to them and simply enjoy an afternoon surrounded by family, friends and neighbors who appreciate all they do.
“This event is about more than resources – it’s about building connections and ensuring our veterans, and their families, feel supported by the community they served,” said Inetta Smith, chair of the Lansing Area Veterans Coalition and recipient of the Community Outreach and Engagement (CORE) award. “We want every veteran who walks through the door to leave with tools, knowledge, and a renewed sense of belonging.”
Veterans, first responders, their families, supporters and community members of all ages are invited to attend.
Whether you have served in the military, serve your community as a first responder, support someone who does or simply want to show your appreciation, HeroFest is a chance to celebrate service, strengthen connections and come together as a community.
Click here for free tickets available through the HeroFest 2026 Eventbrite page.
ABOUT LAVC
The Lansing Area Veterans Coalition is a nonprofit organization serving Michigan’s Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties by connecting the community to veterans and veterans to the community. By fostering collaboration among local partners, LAVC helps ensure veterans and their families have access to the benefits, services, and support they have earned. The coalition serves as a vital resource hub and advocate for those who have served our nation
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For more information, please contact King Media at 517-333-2048
