Beyond the Bus

Ghosts, goblins and giggles — oh my! Halloween season is rolling through the Capital City region, and CATA is here to make sure you don’t miss a single moment of fall fun. Skip the parking nightmares and ride with us to events packed with treats, costumes and community cheer. After all, why drive when you can ride and shine to every pumpkin party on your list?

Boo at the Zoo — Potter Park Zoo

📍 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing
 🗓️ Every Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 – 26 | 12 – 5 p.m. | Route 8

(Photo Credit: Potter Park Zoo)

No tricks here — just a treat for the whole family! Potter Park Zoo is transforming into a Halloween wonderland full of costumes, candy and creatures. Tickets are $5 for children and $8 for adults for Ingham County residents.

Hop on route 8 to avoid parking headaches and roll straight into the fun. You’ll arrive with plenty of time to meet the animals, take photos and explore the fall magic without missing a roar — or a bus!

CATA tip: Smart riders plan ahead. Use the Trip Planner to plan your journey.

Trick or Treat on the Square — Downtown Lansing

📍 100–300 blocks of Washington Square, Lansing
🗓️ Friday, Oct. 24 | 5 – 7 p.m. | Any of 16 routes to the CATA Transportation Center

Downtown Lansing is the place to be for a classic community trick-or-treat. Visit more than 30 local vendors, including CATA and our bus, for candy, games and surprises galore. Instead of circling the block for parking, hop on any route that connects to the CATA Transportation Center — it’s just steps away from all the excitement.

CATA tip: Let the bus carry your candy haul — there’s plenty of room for sweet treats on board!

ArachnoBROADia! — MSU Broad Art Museum

📍 547 E. Circle Drive, East Lansing
🗓️ Sunday, Oct. 26 | 1 – 4 p.m. | Routes 1, 20, 22, 24, or 26

(Photo Credit: The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU)

Creepy, crawly and totally creative! The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU is hosting ArachnoBROADia!, a spooky afternoon of eight-legged fun for all ages. Make your own Halloween crafts inspired by the museum’s collection, then hop on route 24 or 26 to visit the MSU Bug House and meet some real-life crawlers.

Take your pick of CATA routes and let us spin the web to campus — no need to get tangled in traffic.

CATA tip: Make sure to register for free, so bring your curiosity (and maybe your courage) for this family-friendly fright!

Halloween Spooktacular — Marketplace on the Green

📍 1995 Central Park Drive, Okemos
🗓️ Thursday, Oct. 30 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Route 1, 22, 23

(Photo Credit: Meridian Township)

Get ready for music, crafts and candy that’ll make everyone smile! Hop aboard route 1 to reach the Marketplace on the Green in Okemos, where live tunes, games and pumpkin fun await. Children must pre-register for $8 per child. Save your energy for the dance floor instead of finding parking.

CATA tip: Don’t forget to check your route times before heading out — no one wants to miss the last bus or the last candy bar!

Wherever your Halloween adventures take you, CATA’s ready to drive the fun. From art nights to zoo frights, we’ll get you there safely, easily and without a single parking scare. Plan your trip, grab your costume and let the ride do the rest — because the only thing spooky about this season should be the decorations.

Plan your trip today and let the Halloween fun roll!

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As we approach Juneteenth, we reflect on its historical weight and the progress it represents. The holiday marks the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that the journey toward equality has never been swift, and it continues today.

At CATA, Juneteenth calls us to consider not only how far we’ve come as a nation but also the role public transportation plays in that progress. We know that transportation is about more than moving people from place to place. It is about access — to jobs, education, healthcare and opportunity. And historically, transit has often intersected with the fight for civil rights and social justice.

Public Transit and the Road to Civil Rights

The connection between transit and the civil rights movement is deeply rooted in American history. One of the most pivotal moments came in 1955, when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her quiet act of resistance helped launch the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a 13-month protest that galvanized a community and fueled a national movement for racial justice.

Public transit, in that moment and many others since, became a stage for progress. It has shown us that the vehicles we ride daily can also carry ideas and change.

Today, buses and transit systems serve as places of connection and inclusion, shaped in part by those courageous voices who came before us.

CATA’s Commitment to Equity and Access

At CATA, we’re all about moving forward and making sure everyone is on the same route toward fairness and equality. We are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the values of Equity and Access. We believe that when people feel welcomed, valued, and respected, our team can truly thrive.

We understand that the journey to inclusion doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s why we’re constantly looking for ways to improve. From ensuring that our services are accessible to people from all walks of life to hiring a diverse team that reflects our community, we are determined to create a space where everyone feels like they belong. Whether it’s through training, open discussions, or leadership that encourages diversity, we’re committed to making sure we provide a safe, inclusive environment for both our staff and our riders.

Our goal is simple: to ensure that everyone in our community has equal access to the opportunities public transit provides. We’re focused on creating services that remove barriers and provide a smooth ride for everyone—regardless of race, ability, or background.

Looking Ahead on the Road to Progress

Juneteenth invites us to pause, remember and recommit. At CATA, we view this moment as a chance to reflect on the work still ahead — both in transit and in society. The road to justice is long, but we believe every mile matters. And every step we take toward inclusivity helps us move as a community.

Transit has always been about connection. On this Juneteenth, we honor the power of those connections — and the strength that comes from ensuring no one is left behind.

Our journey continues. And we are proud to be riding forward together.

Spring is ready to pull into its final stop, but there’s still time to squeeze in some fun before summer takes the wheel. From art festivals and rock concerts to carnival rides and community celebrations, the Capital City region is packed with events you won’t want to miss.

So, ride into the last days of spring with these unforgettable events around the Capital City Region by hopping on the CATA bus to take you to all the action.

First stop: Spring Carnival at Meridian Mall

Location: Meridian Mall
Dates:  Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 11, times vary

The Spring Carnival is rolling into town with rides, games and snacks for everyone. From tilt-a-whirls to elephant ears, there’s plenty to do and taste. It’s a perfect outing for families, friends or anyone looking to add a little excitement to their week.

Travel tip: Route 1 will take you straight to the mall — no parking required.

Second stop: Rock Lansing

Location: Adado Riverfront Park
Date: Saturday, May 10, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Rock Lansing brings the energy with an all-day outdoor music festival featuring national and regional rock bands. With multiple stages, food trucks and great vibes, it’s the ultimate way to spend a Saturday in the city.

Travel tip: Ride one of our 13 routes to Adado Riverfront Park — we’ll handle the traffic, you just enjoy the show.

Pre-party at Grewal Hall
Date: Friday, May 9, 7 p.m.
The celebration kicks off a day early with a high-energy pre-party at Grewal Hall. The lineup features Of Virtue, Let It Rot, Black Note Graffiti and Accuser of the Brethren. It’s the perfect way to start your rock-filled weekend.

Travel tip: Use any of our 13 routes to downtown Lansing and get dropped off near the venue.

Third stop: East Lansing Art Festival / MSU Arts and Crafts Show

Location: Downtown East Lansing
Dates: Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and  Sunday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For 62 years, the East Lansing Art Festival has brought high-quality art, live entertainment and creative expression to the streets of East Lansing. Whether you’re browsing or buying, it’s a celebration of culture and community.

Travel tip: Route 1 is available to take you to the festival. Park in Lot 89 on Michigan State University’s campus and hop on the shuttle to the festival. Learn more about the shuttle by visiting the Art Shuttle webpage. 

Final stop: Best of Capital City Region Festival

Location: Downtown Lansing, Michigan Capitol Lawn
Date: Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This free community celebration takes over the Capitol lawn with more than 100 vendors, inflatables, obstacle courses and performances. It’s all about highlighting the people, places and businesses that make the Capital City region special.

Travel tip: Any of our 13 routes will take you to the Capitol. Pick your stop and leave the driving to us.

These events are the perfect way to close out spring and welcome the warmer months ahead. Avoid letting traffic or parking frustrations hold you back. Let CATA do the work while you enjoy the ride and make the most of your weekend.

Spring is going fast, and you don’t want to miss your stop. Plan your trip today and catch a ride to fun by using the Transit App or visiting the Trip Planner.

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