Annual Events
Summer
African American Downtown Ann Arbor Festival
This celebration of the contributions of African Americans to the development of Ann Arbor is held in what was once the center of Ann Arbor’s African American Business District. Features food, art, children’s activities, and entertainment.
Ann Arbor Art Fair
This renowned event is composed of four award-winning, independently juried art fairs help simultaneously throughout the streets of Ann Arbor in mid-July. The city is transformed into one massive outdoor art gallery featuring 1,100 artists and a half-million visitors. Attracting the finest artists from across the country and an unsurpassed variety of top quality artwork in every price range, it has earned a stellar reputation nationwide.
Ann Arbor Book Festival
A celebration of the written word with a commitment to promoting reading and improving literacy in Southeastern Michigan. Held in downtown Ann Arbor each June.
Ann Arbor Restaurant Week
Held twice a year – in January and June. Diners enjoy three-course dinner menus and prix fare lunch menus at Ann Arbor’s best restaurants. It is an opportunity to experience cuisine that defines the art of dining in Ann Arbor!
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
This three-week festival beginning in June celebrates the best in theatre, dance, music, and comedy. Performances cater to audiences of all ages. Top of the Park offers a lively, casual and entertaining roster of local and regional bands, various food stands, and classic and contemporary movies screened under the stars. Ticketed concerts are held in the Power Center and Hill Auditorium.
Chelsea Community Fair
Held in August at the Chelsea Fairgrounds, this fair includes amusement rides, games, livestock, horse shows, demolition derbies, and a parade.
Michigan ElvisFest
Held in Ypsilanti’s Depot Town, this July event is sanctioned by Graceland and features professional Elvis tribute artists, merchandise, specialty foods, a social tent, and more for a weekend of family fun.
Each July, visitors sample nearly 100 beers prepared by breweries throughout Michigan. Held outdoors in Ypsilanti’s historic Depot Town.
Milan Bluegrass Festival
This event features three days of bluegrass music performed by 15 to 20 regional and national entertainers. Held in August at the KC Campground.
Rolling Sculpture Car Show
Held in July, this top-quality show features more than 400 antique, classic, concept, and art cars throughout the streets of downtown Ann Arbor.
Saline Celtic Festival
This must-see family event celebrates all things Celtic. Held in July, festival-goers enjoy a parade, Highland athletic events, pipe-band performances and competitions, Celtic entertainment on several stages, and even Celtic cows.
Saline Summerfest
Saline’s annual “Picnic in the Park” features traditional family-oriented food, music, and fun, a juried arts and crafts show, trolley tours of Saline’s historical sites, a 5k run, and much more.
Shadow Art Fair
Held at the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti, this juried event features local artists exhibiting and selling their work in a comfortable, friendly, and supportive setting. Event also includes local music, featured brews, and other special activities.
Taste of Ann Arbor
This annual community event held along Main Street allows you the opportunity to taste food from featured restaurants. Tickets for food tastes can be purchased for $.50 each. The event also includes live entertainment!
Thunder Over Michigan Air Show
The Yankee Air Museum presents this annual air show at Willow Run Airport. This 2-day event has exciting live performances of modern and vintage aircraft, battle reenactments, aviation displays, and fun for the entire family.
Ypsilanti Independence Day Parade
The Ypsilanti community salutes America in one of the oldest parades in Michigan.
Fall
Saline Community FairAttractions include a parade, livestock shows, carnival rides, tractor pulls, demolition derby, children’s activities,, food, and more. Held at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.
University of Michigan Athletics
The University of Michigan Wolverines compete in the Big Ten Conference.
Eastern Michigan Athletics
The Eastern Michigan Eagles compete in the Mid-American Conference.
Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show
The largest show of its kind in the Midwest. Held in September, this vintage automobile exhibition is a salute to automobiles, trucks, and motor scooters that are no longer manufactured. Features a drive-by narration of vehicles by automotive historians.
Winter
Ann Arbor Folk Festival
Each January for more than 33 years, folk music fans have warmed their spirits at this lively gathering. National and international acoustic performers, jazz, folk, bluegrass, and singer/songwriters take the stage.
Spring
FestiFools & FoolMoon
An Ann Arbor twist on Mardi Gras. A fusion of giant, hand-made puppets, live music, jugglers, and costumes. Held the first weekend in April.