Downtown East Lansing's biggest welcome-back party for Michigan State University students returns Saturday, Aug. 29, with free food, live music, inflatables and more than $3,000 in prizes up for grabs.

The ExtravaGRANDza, the city's signature "Welcome to State" block party, runs from 5 to 8 p.m. along Albert Avenue between Charles Street and Division Street, according to the city of East Lansing's event page. Admission is free. The city says the event is open to MSU students, families and the broader community.

The centerpiece is the ExtravaGavenger Hunt, a scavenger hunt that sends participants into downtown East Lansing businesses. Anyone who finishes earns a free t-shirt (while supplies last) and a shot at the $3,000-plus prize pool.

Dave's Hot Chicken, the presenting sponsor located at 194 Albert Ave. on the same block as the event footprint, is putting on an eating contest and handing out free chicken at select times during the evening. MSU Student Affairs lists the ExtravaGRANDza as part of the university's official fall welcome schedule and notes Zeke the Wonder Dog is also expected to appear.

The event is part of MSU's broader Welcome to State programming that kicks off the fall semester. The following day, Sparticipation brings more than 500 student organizations and 30 university departments to IM East Field for the annual involvement fair.

Additional ExtravaGRANDza sponsors include the Associated Students of Michigan State University, Cron Management, the MSU Residence Halls Association, Raising Cane's, Playa Bowls and the State News.

Event updates are posted on the Downtown East Lansing Facebook and Instagram pages.