Social District
East Side Placemaking
Established in 2024, the East Side Social District occupies slip lanes along East Eighth Street near the intersection of Garfield Avenue. Seasonal street closures create a shared public commons featuring outdoor seating and local food and beverages.
Through this placemaking process, the City is looking to build on that success by addressing key opportunities, enhancing accessibility, improving pedestrian safety, strengthening connectivity, and expanding programming that supports both community use and local businesses.
Social District
The East Side Social District welcome residents and visitors to its social disrict on the east end business district near the Eighth and Garfield Intersection.
The social district enables individuals 21 and older to consume alcoholic beverages sold by qualified establishments within the designated social zone. All ages are welcome in the district to enjoy food, beverages, and social connection.
What is a Social District?
A Social District includes a defined boundary that follows parcel lines and ensures no parcel is bisected. Licensed businesses within this boundary are eligible to participate. The boundary also includes non-licensed businesses interested in being part of the district for branding and marketing purposes, as well as encouraging new commercial investments in the area.
In the Social District, adults can consume alcoholic beverages in public spaces within the common area, provided the beverage is purchased from an approved licensee and served in a properly labeled container not exceeding 16 ounces.
Project for Public Spaces Grant Awarded & Public Engagement
In early 2026, the City was selected as a national recipient of a $100,000 Community Placemaking Grant from Project for Public Spaces, supported by General Motors. The award recognizes Traverse City as part of a highly competitive cohort of transformative, community-driven public space projects across the country. While the district has become a neighborhood gathering place and designated social area open to all, its temporary configuration presents challenges related to accessibility, pedestrian safety, and connectivity across the corridor.
As part of this initiative, the City is partnering with Project for Public Spaces to engage the community in shaping a shared vision for the East Side Social District, an evolving neighborhood gathering space along E. Eighth Street and Garfield Avenue corridor.
Join the Conversation
Community input is the foundation of this work, and the City is kicking off the process with an interactive, hands-on workshop:
Common Good Bakery
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Participants can expect a fast-paced, engaging session designed to gather ideas, identify opportunities, and explore how the district can continue to grow as a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming space for all.
Attendees are encouraged to bring walking shoes and dress for the weather, as a portion of the workshop will take place outdoors with on-site brainstorming.
Food and refreshments will be provided, including pizza, salad, and treats.
Take the Survey
For those unable to make the workshop, take the East Side Social District user survey, to help us get to know how people use the space. Whether or not you can attend the workshop, we invite you to take the survey!
What is the Social District?
The East Side Social District is located near the Eighth and Garfield Intersection.
Who are the qualified businesses participating in the Social District?
Currently, the qualified businesses are Oakwood Proper Burgers, Tank Space, and Common Good Bakery.
What are the hours of the Social District?
Hours of Operation: 9 am to 10 pm
May 1st - October 31st.
Can I bring or consume my own beverages in the social district?
No. Individuals cannot bring or consume outside beverages – all beverages must be purchased from participating establishments within the social district during hours of operation. Beverages will be sold in approved cups with a branded City of Traverse City social district sticker.
Can I exit the social district with a properly obtained beverage?
No. Properly obtained beverages can only be enjoyed within the social district, which will be delineated with sidewalk decals and other signage.