Open house culminates with multiple bands Friday
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ESCANABA -- A joint event between Race-Driven Powersports and Cat-Man-Do’s will bring two bands to downtown Escanaba on Friday.
The activity marks the conclusion of Race-Driven’s week-long open house, which has been running since Monday to offer special pricing and giveaways to shoppers.
This year’s open house is a larger celebration than in prior seasons, largely because of the recent reopening of Ludington Street. The partnership with Cat-Man-Do’s enables more extensive festivities on Friday night.
The Grand Design Band is scheduled to perform at the Escanaba Marketplace -- on the 15th block, directly across from Race-Driven to the west -- from 6 to 8 p.m. The City of Escanaba agreed to close down a small portion of 15th Street to traffic during that time, in order to allow pedestrians to safely walk back and forth between the marketplace music and the powersports shop, which will be open extra late (until 8 p.m.).
After, the action relocates a couple blocks east. The band Singe is planning on playing a set outside of Cat-Man-Do’s. A section of 13th Street -- just south of Ludington Street to the alley north of First Avenue -- will be closed to traffic to give space to the band and audience members.
Though the initial request from organizers was to close the 13th block of Ludington Street to set up a stage on the main street, city council was reluctant to agree to close the road so soon after its reopening. The decision was made to instead close the side streets, just south of Ludington to the alleys.
Beginning yesterday and continuing today and Friday, Race-Driven is grilling at lunchtime and offering burgers to people who stop by. The whole week is meant to be fun as well as profitable.
“We are excited to have this event right in the midst of our busiest season where people are inquiring about new UTVs and ATVs,” said Brian Heiting, owner and CEO of Race-Driven Powersports. He said the business is showcasing Polaris ORVs, with 2026 models currently on factory-authorized clearance sale. Visitors will also be able to see the stock of 2027 models and the new line-up of CanAm ORVs.
At Cat’s, located at 1223 Ludington St., a slider special is to be offered Friday evening.
As both businesses and stages are located within Escanaba’s social district perimeter, people are allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from any participating establishment in the district and carry them outside to enjoy alongside the musical performances.