Lunch Breaks Just Got Better:
Announcing the 2026 Out To Lunch Season
Announcing the 2026 Out to Lunch Season
Summer afternoons in Downtown Iron Mountain are about to get even better. The 2026 Out to Lunch concert series returns to the First National Bank & Trust Downtown Stage every Thursday from June 11 through August 13, bringing live music, local food vendors, and community fun to the heart of downtown.
Hosted by the Iron Mountain DDA, Out to Lunch has become one of downtown’s favorite summer traditions — giving residents, visitors, and downtown employees a chance to enjoy free live music during the lunch hour while supporting local musicians and food vendors.
Now Seeking a 2026 Out to Lunch Season Sponsor
The Iron Mountain DDA is currently seeking a business or organization interested in becoming the official 2026 Out to Lunch Season Sponsor. This premier sponsorship opportunity offers high-visibility recognition throughout the entire 10-week concert series, including promotional materials, social media, onsite signage, and community engagement opportunities throughout the summer. Businesses interested in supporting free community programming in Downtown Iron Mountain are encouraged to email events@downtownironmountain.com to learn more about sponsorship benefits and availability.
A special thank you goes to Walmart Iron Mountain for providing a Spark Good Local Grant to support the Out to Lunch Summer Concert Series program and help continue free community programming in Downtown Iron Mountain.
2026 Concert Lineup & Sponsors
- June 11: 141 North – Sponsored by Mouw & Celello, P.C.
- June 18: The Make-Believe Spurs – Sponsored by Iron Mountain Foundry
- June 25: Groove Candy (New to Out to Lunch) – Sponsored by Linnea & Kristine
- July 2: Mark Young & The Happy Enchiladas – Sponsored by First National Bank & Trust
- July 9: Kind of Blues Band – Sponsored by Blomquist Architects
- July 16: Kaleidoscope Jos (New to Out to Lunch) – Sponsored by Jim’s Music
- July 23: Datura – Sponsored by Erickson Jewelers
- July 30: Safe Sax – Sponsored by Kenneth James Salon
- August 6: Victorious (New to Out to Lunch) – Sponsored by First Bank
- August 13: The DayDreamers – Sponsored by Iron Mountain Area Tourism
Local Food Vendors
Out to Lunch also features a great lineup of local food vendors throughout the season, including:
- Crispigna’s Italian Market on June 11 & June 25
- Sliced & Stacked on June 18
- Sugar Jets and Billies (Drinks Only) on July 2, July 23, & August 6
- Millie’s Market on July 9 & August 13
- La Catrina on July 16
- Curious Pig on July 30
- 906 Pop Culture (Drinks Only) on June 11, June 18, June 25, July 9, July 16, July 30, & August 13
Join us every Thursday from 11:45 AM–1:15 PM (CST) this summer at the downtown stage at the corner of East A Street and Iron Mountain Street, across from the Dickinson County Library, for great music, delicious food, and community connection.
View the full schedule and updates on the official Out to Lunch webpage.
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The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established in 1978 with the purpose of improving and maintaining infrastructure, buildings, and public spaces within the Downtown District. Current DDA functions also include downtown beautification through gardens and public art, organizing and conducting community events, attracting and promoting businesses, and planning for continuing improvements to the Iron Mountain downtown area.
Volunteer Opportunities with Downtown Events!
Volunteer Sign-Ups are OPEN for Downtown Iron Mountain's 2025 Festivals!
Volunteering is a fun and rewarding way to get involved in the community. The DDA 2025 festival season is packed with amazing events, and YOUR help is a key element to making all Downtown Iron Mountain events a success!
This is a great opportunity for:
- Students – Earn volunteer hours & gain experience!
- Individuals – Give back and be part of the excitement!
- Businesses – Support your community & foster team building!
- Brew Fest – June 14 (21+ Volunteers ONLY)
- Italian Fest – August 9
- Oktoberfest – September 27
Preparation of Downtown Development and
Tax Increment Financing Plans Is Underway
The DDA has begun work on a downtown plan and tax increment financing plan (Downtown/TIF plan) for the Iron Mountain downtown district. The purpose of that effort is to develop goals, strategies, and projects to guide new development, redevelopment, housing, business growth, and public facilities within the downtown district over the next 25 years. Last fall, the staff and the DDA Business Development Committee came up with some preliminary goals, and we’re currently compiling data and information to guide the next steps of the process. We’ve created a Downtown/TIF plan page on this website with detailed information on downtown development authorities, downtown plans, and tax increment financing. That web page will be updated as the plan work progresses, and will serve as an information portal to keep everyone informed.
In tandem with the current work on the plan, the DDA is seeking 9 residents of the downtown district who are interested in helping to guide the planning effort. That group, referred to in Michigan law that guides the Downtown/TIF plan as the “Development Area Citizens Council” (DACC) would get together 3 or 4 times over the next 9-12 months. Letters were mailed in late March to all 205 residences within the downtown district, including single-family homes and apartment units, asking for their participation on the DACC. Please go to the DACC page on this website for more information, and please do let us know if you are interested.
Some of you may be familiar with the City of Iron Mountain Master Plan that was adopted a few years ago in 2021 by the City Council. That plan is essentially the City’s policy document to guide decisions related to land use, housing, economic development, public facilities, and environmental protection over the long term. The Master Plan also includes policies and recommendations pertaining specifically to the downtown area. The Downtown/TIF plan under preparation will take those recommendations into consideration, and when completed and adopted will serve as a refinement and update to the Master Plan.
Over the next few months and into spring/summer 2026, there will opportunities for everyone to get involved, as stakeholder participation in the planning process is crucial to the success of the Downtown/TIF plan. That means residents, property owners, business people, and other interested parties from anywhere in the area – not just downtown district residents – will be offered an opportunity to provide input and suggestions for the future of downtown. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages, and also this website for more information in the coming months.
Please contact Tim McCauley, DDA Program Coordinator, if you have questions or concerns, or if you are interested in being involved. Call 906-774-8534 or email programs@downtownironmountain.com
Our Vision, Mission & Purpose
We strive to create a flourishing, historic downtown destination in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
We promote economic growth by organizing community events, attracting new businesses and advancing the beautification and historic preservation within the Downtown District.
We exist to advocate and strengthen Iron Mountain’s entire Downtown District.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board of Directors and staff coordinate Downtown Iron Mountain programs and events, advance the organization’s vision, mission, and purpose, and promote downtown businesses through website, social media, print publications, and other channels. The DDA conducts roughly 20 events and festivals every year, coordinates planting of flower gardens and hanging baskets throughout the downtown area, and engages in other beautification activities such as placement of street banners. The DDA also continues its long-standing local grant program to assist in the renovation of downtown buildings and elimination of blight. All of these DDA functions bring about a more vibrant, fun, and diverse center of the community.
The DDA relies upon, and is grateful for, the participation of over 130 volunteers who serve on committees, assist in conducting events, and plant & water flowers / gardens. Downtown Iron Mountain festivals and events are attended by thousands of people every year, and are sponsored by many different organizations downtown and throughout the community. Sponsors can partner with the DDA to contribute to the economic vitality of Iron Mountain while enjoying unique opportunities for marketing exposure. Please browse the pages of this website to become familiar with DDA activities and events, and contact us if you have any questions or would like to get involved by volunteering, sponsoring, or serving on the Board or committees.
