Annual Events
During Covid-19: Some of these events are canceled. Please see websites.
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.
343 S. Fifth Ave. (Downtown Library)
Free, one-day celebration of small press comics publishing. Exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and signings. Note: Due to the content of many independently published books, this event is intended for a teen and adult audience. Offshoot of Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival (A2CAF; see below). Oct. 5, 2024. aadl.org/a2cafsip V
(734) 794–6430, ext. 43725
Celebrates the City of Ann Arbor’s plan to achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030 with classes, open houses, and celebrations. Early June 2025; exact dates TBA. sustainability@a2gov.org, a2gov.org/a2zeroweek V
N. Fourth Ave. & E. Ann • (734) 858–9121
Crafts, merchandise, food, and kids activities, with musical, theatrical, and dance performances. June 7, 2025, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; always held the first Sat. in June. a2eventscoalition@gmail.com, a2festival.org V
530 S. State (Michigan Union ballroom) • Jay Platt, (734) 995–1891
30 book dealers sell first editions, old and collectible books, children’s books, Americana, prints, and more. Oct. 13, 2024. jplatt@provide.net, annarborbookfair.com V
Three concurrent, independently juried art fairs with almost 1,000 artists, entertainment stages, artist demonstrations, art activities, and food & drink vendors. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original (734–994–5260, artfair.org), is on Ingalls Mall, North University, and E. Washington. Ann Arbor’s State Street District Art Fair (734–646–1500, statestreetdistrict.org) is in the business district around State and Liberty. The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair (734–662–3382, theguild.org) has a downtown section on Main and Liberty and campus sections on S. State and South University. Always held during the third week of July. July 17–19, 2025, Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. V
343 S. Fifth Ave. (Downtown Library)
Free, two-day celebration of comics and graphic novels and their fandoms. Workshops, art activities, live music, and panel discussions. June 2025; exact dates TBA. aadl.org/a2caf V
343 S. Fifth Ave. (Downtown Library)
Free family-friendly showcase of local invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Exhibits include robotics, radio, rocketry, machines, tools, STEAM & STEM projects, whimsical creations, participatory activities, and more. May 2025; exact date TBA. aadl.org/aacme V
415 N. Fourth Ave. (Kerrytown Concert House)
Performances of art song and vocal chamber music, typically held around the same time as Art Fair. July 2025; exact dates TBA. janesro@bgsu.edu, a2fos.org
603 E. Liberty (Michigan Theater) • PO Box 8232, AA 48107 • (734) 995–5356
Founded in 1963, the longest-running independent and experimental film series in North America celebrates film as art with screenings of more than 180 films of all lengths and genres. Also juried competitions, panels, workshops, and multimedia installations. Occurs virtually as well as in person at the Michigan Theater and U-M’s North Quad Space 2435. Mar. 25–30, 2025. info@aafilmfest.org, aafilmfest.org V
825 North University (Hill Auditorium) • (734) 761–1800 • Tickets: (734) 763–8587
Two evenings of concerts of roots and acoustic music to benefit the Ark (see Live Music). Features well-known acts along with musicians on the rise. Jan. 24 & 25, 2025. feedback@theark.org, theark.org/folk-festival V
