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City Guide
Annual Events
Highlights of Ann Arbor's yearly calendar. For comprehensive current events, use the Observer Daily Calendar link below.
NOTE: This listing spans two years--always check the year as well as the date.
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AACME: Ann Arbor Creativity and Making Expo
Free family-friendly showcase of local invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Exhibits include robotics, radio, rocketry, machines, tools, STEAM & STEM projects, whimsical creations, participatory activities & more. Volunteers welcome. May, 2020 date TBA. a2geeks.orgdowntown library, 343 S. 5th Ave. [map]
African American Downtown Festival
Crafts, merchandise, food, and kids' activities at N. Fourth Ave. and E. Ann St. Musical, theatrical, and dance performances. First Sat. in June 9 a.m.-8 p.m. June 6, 2020. cwpfestival@gmail.com
(734) 858-9121
Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair
Forty antiquarian book dealers sell 1st editions, old and collectible books, children's books, Americana, prints, and more. May 17, 2020 jplatt@provide.net, annarborbookfair.comMichigan Union ballroom, 530 S. State [map]
Jay Platt, (734) 995-1891
Ann Arbor Art Fair
Four independent fairs with more than 1,000 artists. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original (734-994-5260, artfair.org), is on Ingalls Mall, North University, and E. Washington. The State Street District Art Fair (734-646-1500, statestreetdistrict.org) is in the shopping districts around State and Liberty. The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair (734-662-3382, theguild.org) has a downtown section on Main and Liberty and a campus section on S. State. Ann Arbor's South University Art Fair (734-663-5300, a2southu.com) runs from State St. to the South University business district, with branches on East University and Church. Includes entertainment stages, artist demonstrations, art activities, and food and drink vendors. July 16-19, 2020, Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.Ann Arbor Film Festival
The longest-running independent and experimental film series in North America celebrates film as art with screenings of all lengths and genres over six days in March. Also panels, workshops, multimedia installations, and parties. Mar. 24-29, 2020. info@aafilmfest.org, aafilmfest.orgMichigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty; office: 230 Collingwood, #160B [map]
(734) 995-5356
Ann Arbor Folk Festival
Two concerts of roots and acoustic music to benefit The Ark. Features well-known acts along with musicians on the rise. Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 2020. feedback@theark.org, theark.orgHill Auditorium, 825 North University [map]
(734) 761-1800. Tickets: (734) 763-8587
Ann Arbor JCC Book and Arts Festival
Brings in authors and other forms of artistic expression. Movies, music, and visual arts plus author talks. Some events are off-site. Each November karenfreedland@jccfed.org, jccannarbor.orgJewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow [map]
(734) 971-0990
Ann Arbor JCC Jewish Film Festival
Films from around the world that explore Jewish culture and identity from a range of historical and modern perspectives, using every conceivable film genre. Mid May, 2020. karenfreedland@jccfed.org, jccannarbor.orgMichigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty [map]
(734) 971-0990
Ann Arbor Pride
Kerrytown District. Celebrates the diversity of gender identity, sexual orientation, and the LGBTQ community. All are welcome. Live music, dancing, food, substance-free spaces and events, family-friendly programming, resource connecting, and other events. Follow Jim Toy Center on Facebook for more information. Early August 2019 annarborpride.comAnn Arbor Summer Festival & Top of the Park
Presents 170+ events over nearly 4 weeks each summer, 90 percent of which are admission-free. The Mainstage ticketed series features performances by marquee talent in music, public radio, circus, dance, and comedy in a variety of venues. The admission-free Top of the Park series, held outdoors on Ingalls Mall at 915 E. Washington St., offers concerts, movies, kids activities, wellness classes, and open-air spectacles with local food vendors. Top of the Park takes place 6 nights a week (except Mondays) starting at 5 p.m. June 12-July 5, 2020. a2sf.org
(734) 994-5999. Tickets: (734) 764-2538
Apples and Honey & Lots, Lots More!
Annual family event celebrating the Jewish fall holidays of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simcah Torah. Hands-on crafts, games, inflatables, snacks and food for purchase, baked goods for purchase, and more. Apple and honey tasting. Open to all. Sun. Sept. 22, 2019, 3-5 p.m. jessicagillespie@jccannarbor.org, jccannarbor.orgJewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow [map]
(734) 971-0990
Benefit Concert for The Breakfast Program at St. Andrews
Local and top name musical entertainment to benefit St. Andrews daily meal program. March. breakfastatstandrews.org316 S. Main, The Ark [map]
(734) 761-1800
Cinetopia International Film Festival
Starting 2019, partnered with the Jewish Film Festival in Ann Arbor. Eleven-day festival with feature-length dramas, comedies, and documentaries from the world's top film festivals, including Sundance, Toronto, and Cannes. Screenings at the Michigan Theatre, the State Theatre, the Detroit Film Theatre, and other Detroit metro locations. 2020 May dates TBA. cinetopiafestival.org
(734) 668-8397
Dancing in the Streets
An afternoon of dancing to live music, including swing, square, contra & more, as well as concerts, performance dance groups, and children's activities. Held outdoors at the corner of Main & Washington. Sponsored by AACTMAD, the Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance. 1:30-6:30 p.m. Labor Day Sunday. info@aactmad.org, aactmad.org
(734) 786-8380
Dart for Art
This race kicks off the Townie Street Party (see below) before the Ann Arbor Art Fair (see above). Top runners compete for cash awards in the elite division, followed by local athletes, families, and anyone else who wants to enjoy a one-mile run in downtown Ann Arbor. 6 p.m. elite runners; 6:30 p.m. community race. July 15, 2019. dartforart.comState at N. University
(734) 994-5260
Dawn Farm Jamboree
Family-friendly event with activities for all ages: music and entertainment, live and silent auctions, a gift table, a children's tent and midway, hayrides, farm animals, food and beverages. All proceeds support Dawn Farm's care for people with addictions. Free admission. Sept. 8, 2019. jamboree@dawnfarm.org, dawnfarm.org6633 Stony Creek Rd. [map]
(734) 485-8725
Dawn Farm Ride for Recovery
Family fun and fitness event with four bike rides to choose from, a run/walk, and a Recovery Celebration lunch. All proceeds support Dawn Farm's care for people with addictions. April 26, 2020. info@dawnfarm.org, dawnfarm.org6633 Stony Creek Rd. [map]
(734) 485-8725
Earth Day Festival
2020 is the 50th anniversary. Celebration with environmental education displays from local-area non-profits, live music, hands-on activities, guided hikes, live-animal presentations, wind-energy demonstrations, learning presentations, and more. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes representing plants and animals. Apr. 19, 2020. Noon-4 p.m. aaearthday@gmail.com, a2earthday.orgLeslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver
Edgefest
One of North America's premier alternative music festivals, featuring jazz and experimental new music at Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., and other locations. Oct. 16-19, 2019. kch@kerrytownconcerthouse.com, kerrytownconcerthouse.com
(734) 769-2999
FestiFools
A downtown spectacle of larger-than-life puppetry and pageantry accompanied by musical entertainment which everyone is invited to help create and operate. Apr. 5, 2020. 4-5 p.m. wonderfoolproductions@gmail.com, wonderfoolproductions.orgFoolMoon
Processions carrying hand-made luminary sculptures converge on downtown. Interactive art installations, laser shows, beer tent, DJs, street dancing, and more. Begin at Washington St. and Ashley. Dusk to 10 p.m.. April 3, 2020. wonderfoolproductions@gmail.com, wonderfoolproductions.orgGreen Fair
Downtown exhibits promoting Washtenaw County nonprofits, local environmental groups, products, and sustainability issues. Clean energy, alternative fuel vehicles, energy saving appliances & green building materials. Green commute/alternative transportation, live music, organic fare, live birds of prey, and activities for children. June 12, 2020. 6-9 p.m. cschopieray@a2gov.org, a2gov.orgMain Street from William to Huron
(734) 794-6161, ext. 41602
Grillin' for Food Gatherers
This festive barbecue blowout fundraiser features live music, food from more than 50 local restaurants, beer and wine, kids' games, and a silent auction of food-related items. Rain or shine. 3-8 p.m. June 14, 2020. foodgatherers.org, (click on events)Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Saline [map]
(734) 761-2796
Huron River Day
River exhibits, discounted canoe and kayak rentals, live music, food vendors, fishing, and a children's activity tent. May 30, 2020. Noon-4 p.m. csaam@a2gov.org, a2gov.orgGallup Park, 3000 Fuller [map]
(734) 794-6240
Juneteenth
Commemorates the announcement of the end of slavery in Texas and the Southwest on June 19, 1865. Performances by local talent, games, health and nonprofit information, food concessions, vendors, cake walk and a children's area. June 20, 2020 wvhamp@comcast.net, a2naacp.orgWheeler Park [map]
(734) 761-9084
Kerrytown NashBash
Outdoor concert featuring musicians from Ann Arbor and Nashville. Beer, wine, barbecue & food truck offerings. 5-9:30 p.m. Open-mic afterparty at Braun Court, 9:30-11 p.m. Aug. 20, 2020. Always 3rd Thurs. in Aug. kerrytown.orgAnn Arbor Farmers Market
Marriage Equality Anniversary Celebration
Celebration of the "Day of Decision," when marriage equality became law. Champagne toast, family-friendly fun, including music, dancing, children's activities, treats, special guests, and more in the courtyard. Free. June 30, 2019. More on Facebook.319 Braun Ct. [map]
Michigan A Cappella Festival (MACFest)
A showcase for all 15 U-M a cappella groups. 2019 fall date TBA. maccexec.wixsite.comRackham Auditorium [map]
(734) 763-1107
Minifest
The Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival presents concerts featuring internationally known artists and new chamber ensembles. June, 2020. kch@kerrytownconcerthouse.com, kerrytownconcerthouse.comKerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave [map]
(734) 769-2999
Rolling Sculpture Car Show
More than 300 antique, classic, and concept cars on display downtown. July 10, 2020. 2-10 p.m. sandra@mainstreetannarbor.org, mainstreetannarbor.org
(734) 668-7112
Shakespeare in the Arb
University students and local actors in an alfresco production of a Shakespeare play that moves through various settings in Nichols Arboretum. 2020 dates: June 11-14; 18-21; 25-28. mbgna.umich.edu1610 Washington Hts. [map]
(734) 647-7600
Taste of Ann Arbor
Bite-sized samples from local restaurants and cafes, live music, and children's activities. Downtown. May 31, 2020. sandra@mainstreetannarbor.org, mainstreetannarbor.org
(734) 668-7112
The Ark's Storytelling Festival
International, national, and regional storytellers. Sat. 7:30 p.m. (aimed at adults) and Sun. 1 p.m. (aimed at kids). Feb. 22 & 23, 2020. feedback@theark.org, theark.org316 S. Main [map]
(734) 761-1800
Townie Street Party
Kick-off event to art fair week in Ann Arbor. Live music, food and drinks, free art activities, and the Youth Art Fair, showcasing the work of artists in grades 4-12. Also includes Community Central, the Art Activity Zone, and the annual Dart for Art. North University between Fletcher and Thayer and Ingalls Mall. July 13, 2020. 5-9:30 p.m. towniestreetparty.com
(734) 994-5260
Week After Art Fair Song Fest
25th year of this event put on by the Ann Arbor Festival of Song. Held late July, Tues.-Fri. after the annual Art Fairs at the Kerrytown Concert House. Offerings include guest artists, local favorites, and student and professional performers. rodgersjane@hotmail.com, facebook.comWine, Women, and Song
Local, notable singer-actresses perform songs from musical theater to light opera, including some original numbers. Wine included in admission. Winter 2020. kch@kerrytownconcerthouse.com, kerrytownconcerthouse.comKerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. [map]
(734) 769-2999
Ya'ssoo Greek Festival
Live Greek music, St. Nicholas Dancers, Agora Marketplace, bookstore, church presentations, raffle, homemade Greek food and pastries. June 7-9, 2019. annarborgreekfestival.orgSt. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 3109 Scio Church [map]
(734) 332-8200
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