Entertainment
8 Ball Movie Night
201 S. First St. (the Blind Pig)
Free cult and B-movie screenings around a theme every other Tuesday. Trivia, mini golf, bar, and refreshments. Ages 21+. facebook.com/8ballmovienight
A2CAF: Small + Indie Press
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
A2ZERO Week
(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
Academy of Early Music
PO Box 7694, AA 48107 • (734) 228–4338
Full concert season celebrating music from the Middle Ages to the Classical era, featuring period-instrument ensembles from around the world. Performs at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and Zion Lutheran Church, and holds lectures and outreach events with series artists. info@academyofearlymusic.org, academyofearlymusic.org V
Ann Arbor African American Festival
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
Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair
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
Ann Arbor Art Fair
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
Ann Arbor Civic Band
1300 Baldwin (Burns Park) • Gail Ferguson Stout, president, (734) 260–9828
Community band performs free concerts Wed. evenings in June and July at Burns Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. annarborcivicband@gmail.com, annarborcivicband.org
Ann Arbor Civic Theatre
322 W. Ann • (734) 971–2228
Community theater group with a focus on welcoming all members of the community to participate. Shows include musicals, plays, classics, and newer productions staged at a small studio theater and U-M’s Arthur Miller Theatre. Also offers children’s theater productions, monthly improv events, and educational opportunities. manager@a2ct.org, a2ct.org V
Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
212 S. Fourth Ave. • (734) 996–9080
Features established and rising national stars Wed.–Sat. (Thurs.–Sat. in summer). Full bar and light snacks. Ages 18+. boxoffice@aacomedy.com, aacomedy.com
Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival (A2CAF)
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
Ann Arbor Concert Band
PO Box 1843, AA 48106-1843 • (734) 478–7515
Founded in 1978, this community symphonic wind ensemble, under the baton of artistic director and conductor David Leach, performs new compositions and classic band literature 4 times per season at the Michigan Theater and Hill Auditorium. contactus@aaband.org, aaband.org
Ann Arbor Creativity and Making Expo (AACME)
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
Ann Arbor Festival of Song (formerly Art Fair Song Fest)
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
Ann Arbor Film Festival
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
Ann Arbor Folk Festival
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
Ann Arbor Jewish Book Festival
2935 Birch Hollow (Jewish Community Center) • (734) 971–0990
In-person presentations, virtual author talks, and lunch-and-learns by national and international authors on a variety of topics. Some events are off-site. Oct. 27–Nov. 21, 2024. jccannarbor.org/book-festival
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
2935 Birch Hollow (Jewish Community Center) • (734) 971–0990
Showcases films that embrace Jewish life socially, culturally, ethically, and spiritually, and that inspire engagement with legacy and heritage. 2025 dates TBA; typically held in May. jccannarbor.org/film-festival
Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival
603 E. Liberty (Michigan Theater) • 1533 Broadway
Founded in 1993, this juried competition showcases new independent Polish movies in all genres, including animation, documentaries, and short films, as well as a children’s program. Oct. 31–Nov. 2, 2024. pcfannarbor@gmail.com, annarborpolishfilmfestival.com
Ann Arbor Pride
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. Aug. 2025; exact date TBA. annarborpride.com V
Ann Arbor Society for Musical Arts (SMA)
1830 Washtenaw Ave. (Ann Arbor City Club) • (734) 995–4417
Presents 3 instrumental music concerts in the fall and 3 in the spring. Sponsors competitions of young musicians. info@annarborsma.org, annarborsma.org
Ann Arbor Summer Festival & Top of the Park
915 E. Washington • (734) 994–5999 • Tickets: (734) 764–2538
Champions performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit by presenting more than 200 events, 97 percent of which are free. Top of the Park, held outdoors on Ingalls Mall, offers free concerts, movies, kids’ activities, wellness classes, open-air spectacles, and local food vendors, starting at 5pm Tues-Sat and 4pm on Sun. The Summer Festival ticketed series features performances by marquee talent in music, public radio, circus, dance, and comedy in a variety of venues. June 13–June 29, 2025. a2sf.org V
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (A2SO)
25 Research Dr., ste. 100 • (734) 994–4801
This local professional orchestra, led by music director Earl Lee, presents a 2024–25 concert season featuring Van Cliburn–winning pianist Yekwon Sunwoo, A2SO’s return to Detroit’s Orchestra Hall, Gramophone’s 2023 Young Artist of the Year Stella Chen, John Williams and Studio Ghibli pops concerts, free learning and community programs like KinderConcerts and instrument petting zoos, and more. info@a2so.org, a2so.org V
Apples and Honey
2935 Birch Hollow (Jewish Community Center) • (734) 971–0990
Annual family event celebrating the Jewish fall holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. Hands-on crafts, games, and inflatables; snacks, food, and baked goods for purchase; and more. Apple and honey tasting. Open to all. September 15, 2024. peretzhirshbein@jccannarbor.org, jccannarbor.org
The Ark
316 S. Main • Tickets: (734) 763–8587 • Office: (734) 761–1800
This 400-seat club presents a wide range of folk and roots music by local, national, and international performers. feedback@theark.org, theark.org V
The Ark’s Storytelling Festival
316 S. Main • (734) 761–1800
International, national, and regional storytellers. Feb. 21–23, 2025. Fri. & Sat. evening (aimed at adults) and Sun. 1 p.m. (aimed at kids). feedback@theark.org, theark.org
The Blind Pig
208 S. First • (734) 996–8555
Legendary local concert venue with live music or other live entertainment many evenings. No food. Age restrictions vary; call ahead. Daily 4:30 p.m.–2 a.m. blindpigmusic.com
Blue Karaoke
3500 W. Liberty • (734) 302–3673
Karaoke club with 7 private party rooms for groups of 1–100; whole-space rentals available. 50,000+ songs to choose from with lyrics in 11 languages. Bring your own food, beverages, and party favors. Reservations only. s8200311@gmail.com, bluekaraoke.com
Blue LLama Jazz Club
314 S. Main • (734) 372–3200
Music venue and restaurant with Afro Caribbean–inspired menu and state-of-the-art sound systems that features live jazz by local and international artists. hello@bluellamaclub.com, bluellamaclub.com
Cinemark Ann Arbor 20 + IMAX
4100 Carpenter, Ypsilanti • (734) 973–8424
First-run multiplex with 20 screens, including an IMAX theater. Food court, game room. Hearing assistance devices. cinemark.com/michigan/ann-arbor-20-and-imax
Cinetopia International Film Festival (Michigan Theater Foundation)
(734) 668–8397
Founded in 2011, this 10-day festival features dozens of films, including many Michigan premieres, screened at the Michigan and State theaters. Includes narrative feature-length films and documentaries that recently premiered at international festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. In collaboration with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, presents free outdoor screenings of recent and classic films at Top of the Park. June 2025; exact dates TBA. info@marquee-arts.org, marquee-arts.org/cinetopia V
The Circ Bar
210 S. First, 2nd fl. • (734) 277–3656
Two bars, plus a seasonal outdoor bar and a rooftop deck with unobstructed sunset views. Weekly karaoke events. thecircbar.com
Club Above
215 N. Main
Live music and dancing, Country Night Thursdays, Latin Fridays, Havana Nights Latin Party on Saturdays. Bar, stage, dance floor, TVs, and a free pool table. Thurs.–Sat. 9 p.m.–2. a.m. club-above.com
Con Ja Nai
812 Washington (Modern Languages Bldg.)
Japanese animation and pop culture convention run by Animania, the U-M Japanese Animation Film Society, one of the oldest university anime clubs in the U.S. Film screenings, musical performances, panel talks, and vendors. Spring 2025; see website for exact dates. chair@conjanai.org, conjanai.org
Conor O’Neill’s
318 S. Main • (734) 665–2968
Downtown Irish pub with a patio in the summer and a fireplace in the winter. Live traditional Irish music on Sun. nights and trivia on Thurs. nights. info@conoroneills.com, conoroneills.com
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore
114 S. Main • (734) 665–9468
This recently reopened local New Age bookstore hosts live music in its upstairs Celestial Lounge, Fri. 7:30–9:30 p.m. crazywisdom.net
Dawn Farm Jamboree
6633 Stony Creek • (734) 485–8725
Family-friendly event with activities for all ages: music and entertainment, live and silent auctions, children’s games and activities, hayrides, farm animals, pumpkin patch, and local food. All proceeds support Dawn Farm’s scholarship fund for people with addictions. Free admission. Sept. 8, 2024. donation@dawnfarm.org, dawnfarm.org V
Dawn Farm Ride for Recovery
6633 Stony Creek • (734) 485–8725
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 scholarship fund for people with addictions. 2025 date TBA; typically held in April. rideforrecovery@dawnfarm.org, dawnfarmrideforrecovery.org V
The Earle
121 W. Washington • (734) 994–0211
This Italian and French restaurant has live music every night at 7 p.m.; solo piano or guitar Tues.–Thurs., and soft jazz trio Fri. & Sat. downtown@theearle.com, theearle.com
Earth Day Festival
1831 Traver (Leslie Science & Nature Center) • (734) 995–5439
Free, family-friendly environmental celebration with displays from local nonprofits; live entertainment; hands-on activities; presentations on wind energy, water, green building, and sustainable agriculture; and more. Participants are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to this zero-waste event. April 2025; exact date TBA. V
Edgefest
415 N. Fourth Ave. (Kerrytown Concert House) and other locations • (734) 769–2999
One of North America’s premier festivals for avant-garde and improvisational music, featuring jazz and experimental new music. Oct. 16–19, 2024. kch@kerrytownconcerthouse.com, kerrytownconcerthouse.com/edgefest
El Limōn
2709 Plymouth Rd. • (734) 780–7088
Mexican and Mediterranean fusion restaurant featuring music by local musicians in a variety of genres every Mon. and occasionally on other days.
The Encore Musical Theatre Company
7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter • (734) 268–6200
Professional, nonprofit musical theater company showcases national and top regional talent in an intimate setting. Produces musicals, cabarets, and tribute concerts year-round. Summer musical theater camps. info@theencoretheatre.org, theencoretheatre.org V
FestiFools and FoolMoon
FoolMoon, a community-created public art celebration featuring hand-made luminary sculptures. FestiFools, a public art parade down Main St. featuring huge papier-mâché puppets around an annual theme. FoolMoon: April 4, 2025, dusk–midnight. FestiFools: April 6, 2025, 4 p.m. joolie@umich.edu V
German Park Picnic
5549 Pontiac Tr. • (734) 769–0048
Old-fashioned German dinner served à la carte (approximately $10–$15) with wine, beer, pop, water, and coffee for sale. Kid-friendly options (hot dogs, hamburgers) also available. Dancing to live German polkas and other European dance music. Last Sat. June–Aug. germanpark.org
Green Fair
(734) 794–6430, ext. 43725
Activities and exhibitors with a focus on sustainability and climate action. Sept. 20, 2024, 5–8 p.m. sustainability@a2gov.org, a2gov.org/greenfair V
Green Wood Coffee House
3150 Glazier Way (Grace Church) • (734) 645–1350
Folk and acoustic music on many Fri. nights. Sept.–May. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org V
The Habitat Lounge
3050 Jackson Rd. (Weber’s Restaurant) • (734) 665–3636
Cocktail bar with live jazz Fri. & Sat. thehabitatannarbor.com
Hash Bash
U-M Diag
An Ann Arbor tradition since 1972, a celebration of cannabis and advocacy for reform of marijuana laws. The simultaneous Monroe St. Fair features live music, vendors, food, and more. First weekend of April. hash-bash.com
Hear.Say Brewing & Theater
2350 W. Liberty • (734) 506–8441
Weekly improv comedy shows featuring a house troupe, Sat. 7:30 p.m., with improv classes, games, and other events throughout the week. heardotsay.com
Huron River Day
3000 Fuller (Gallup Park) • (734) 794–6240
Free, family-friendly river activities, including exhibits, live music, food vendors, fishing, nature walks, live animals from Leslie Science & Nature Center, and a children’s scavenger hunt. Also discounted canoe and kayak rentals ($5, or free if you bike to the event). May 2025; exact date TBA. a2gov.org/hrd V
Japan Week
Free Japan-related events at venues throughout downtown, including performances, art demonstrations, film screenings, cooking workshops, and more. Kid- and family-friendly. Sponsored by the U-M Center for Japanese Studies. 2025 dates TBA; typically held in June. ii.umich.edu/cjs/news-events/events/ann-arbor-japan-week.html
John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Concert Series
9075 S. Huron River Dr., Ypsilanti • (734) 635–5446
Free outdoor performances by national and area jazz standouts. Veteran local jazz guitarist Lawrence opens each night by playing a piece with the featured artist. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Fri. evenings, July–Aug. johnelaw@sbcglobal.net, johnelawrencejazz.com
Juneteenth
200 Depot (Wheeler Park) • (734) 761–9084
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, a children’s area, and free bicycle repairs. June 2025; exact date TBA. wvhamp@comcast.net, a2naacp.org V
Kerrytown Chime
407 N. Fifth Ave., 2nd fl. (Kerrytown Market and Shops)
Everyone welcome to play this 17-bell chime; more than 200 songs written out by number to choose from. Free. Open Wed. & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m., Sat. 10:30–11 a.m., other times with advance reservation. ofglobal@aol.com, kerrytown.com/about
Kerrytown Concert House
415 N. Fourth Ave. • (734) 769–2999
An intimate performing arts venue and visual arts gallery in a historic home, offering performances in classical, jazz, experimental, cabaret, world, and experimental music. kch@kerrytownconcerthouse.com, kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Kreft Arts Program
4090 Geddes (Concordia University Kreft Arts Center) • (734) 995–7537
Concerts, theater performances, art exhibits, and lectures presented by renowned artists and Concordia students and faculty. amanda.williams@cuaa.edu, cuaa.edu/kreftarts
The Last Word
301 W. Huron St. • (734) 585–5691
Cocktail bar with live jazz some nights. Reservations (2 hours maximum) recommended. thelastwordbar@gmail.com, thelastwordbar.com
LIVE
102 S. First • (734) 623–1443
High-energy dance club with DJs and 2 full-service bars. Biweekly Thurs. Pride Bar. Ages 21+: Fri. & Sat. Ages 18+: Thurs. livea2.com
Lo-Fi Bar
220 S. Main, lower level • (734) 662–4419
Cocktail bar and music venue that features local DJs and bands Fri. & Sat. and karaoke Thurs. info@lofiannarbor.com, lofiannarbor.com
Mash
211 E. Washington • (734) 222–4095
Basement lounge and whiskey bar with live music. Thurs.–Sat., open mic Wed., and Sat. acoustic set on patio. mashbar.net
Michigan A Cappella Festival (MACFest)
A showcase for all 15 U-M a cappella groups. Tickets $10 at the door. November 2024; see Facebook page for updates. facebook.com/michiganacappella
Michigan Celtic
5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd
This summer celebration of Saline’s sister city, Brecon, Wales, features food, beer, and clan tents, kids activities, and Celtic music and dance on several stages by visiting and local performers. July 2025; exact dates TBA. mi-celtic.org V
Michigan Theater
603 E. Liberty • (734) 668–8397
Contemporary and classic films in two rooms: the 1,600-seat 1928 historic restored Main Theater and the 200-seat Screening Room. Live organ introduction for most films in the Main Theater. Advance tickets are encouraged and available online. info@marquee-arts.org, marquee-arts.org V
Michigan Theater
603 E. Liberty • (734) 668–8397
Ann Arbor’s 1920s movie palace. A nonprofit center for fine film and the performing arts, open 365 days a year. Hosts the Cinetopia International Film Festival (see above), the Not Just For Kids professional live theater series, Young Filmmakers Camp, and films daily (see Films, below). Membership: $35/year and up. hfeuka@marquee-arts.org, marquee-arts.org V
Necto
516 E. Liberty • (734) 994–5835
Dance club, music, and show venue. Three floors, with outdoor patio and VIP lounges (21+). Goth-industrial Mondays, Pride Fridays, and Frequency Saturdays. No food. Ages 18+. Mon. & Thurs.–Sat. info@necto.com, necto.com
North Star Lounge
301 N. Fifth Ave.
Music venue and vegan bar with theme days Wed.–Sat., monthly open mics, Thurs. LGBTQ+ events, Fri. bluegrass and free happy hour sets, Sat. rotating artists. Free jukebox and board/card games. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and the full menu from Detroit Street Filling Station. Some events are ticketed; some have covers. northstarloungea2@gmail.com, nstarlounge.com
Oz’s Music Environment
1920 Packard • (734) 662–8283
Musical instrument store hosts live music, community events, and free, online-only open mics on 1st and 2nd. Tues. at 7:30 p.m. Sign up for open mics at meetup.com/ozs-music-songwriters-open-mic. ozmusic@ozmusic.com, ozmusic.com
The Penny Seats Theatre Company
1917 Washtenaw Ave. (Stone Chalet Event Center) • (734) 926–5346
Low-cost shows at Ann Arbor city parks in the summer and at Stone Chalet during the rest of the year. Dramas and comedies, musicals and original adaptations, classics and works by up-and-coming playwrights, cabaret shows, improv evenings, and acting classes. thepennyseats@gmail.com, pennyseats.org
Rabbit Hole
210 S. First St., basement • (734) 277–3656
A speakeasy-turned-nightclub in century-old underground vaults. Live music every weekend. Thurs. 5 p.m.–1 a.m., Fri. 5 p.m.–2 a.m., & Sat. 8 p.m.–2 a.m. rabbitholeannarbor.com
The Ravens Club
207 S. Main • (734) 214–0400
This bar with scratch-made food and craft cocktails hosts Jazz Sundays every week; check Instagram (@theravensclub) for upcoming performances. pawlicki@theravensclub.com, theravensclub.com
Rick’s American Cafe
611 Church • (734) 996–2747
Longstanding college bar with DJ & dancing Mon.–Sat. Ages 21+. ricksamericancafe.com
Rolling Sculpture Car Show
More than 300 antique, classic, and concept cars on display downtown. July 11, 2025. 2–10 p.m. Registration required. director@mainstreetannarbor.org, mainstreetannarbor.org/rolling-sculpture
Sam Hill
5827 Jackson Rd. • (877) 325–6439
Bar and restaurant hosts live music Fri. & Sat. and periodic stand-up comedy nights. samhilla2.com
Shakespeare in the Arb
1610 Washington Heights (Nichols Arboretum) • (734) 647–7600
University students and local actors in an alfresco production of a Shakespeare play that moves through various settings in the Arb. 2025 dates TBA; typically held in late June. mbgna.umich.edu/shakespeare-in-the-arb V
Sonic Lunch
310 S. Division (Liberty Plaza)
Free, all-ages summer concerts presented by the Bank of Ann Arbor. A different band performs each week; many are regional, and some are national or international. Lunch from a local vendor available for purchase. Memorial Day–Labor Day, Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. soniclunch.com
State Theatre
233 S. State • (734) 668–8397
Restored 1942 Art Deco theater with first-run, independent, repertory, and foreign films on 4 screens. Advance tickets are encouraged and available online. info@marquee-arts.org, marquee-arts.org V
Theatre NOVA
410 W. Huron • (734) 635–8450
Professional theater producing new plays year-round. The season includes 6 mainstage productions (comedies, dramas, and a holiday show for families) and the Michigan Playwrights Festival, featuring staged readings of new works in development. On-site free parking and pay-what-you-can tickets available. Also offers Build-a-Play classes for youth throughout the school year and a summer camp. a2theatrenova@gmail.com, theatrenova.org V
Third Place MusicFest
Four-day festival in multiple venues in downtown Ann Arbor featuring a diverse array of musicians, founded on the principle that concerts should be “radically welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.” May 2025; exact dates TBA. thirdplaceconcertseries@gmail.com, thirdplacemusic.org
U-M Basement Arts
1226 Murfin (Walgreen Drama Center, North Campus)
Student-run theater group presents 6–10 free classical, contemporary, or original shows each semester. umichbasementarts.com
U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series
525 S. State (U-M Museum of Art’s Stern Auditorium) • (734) 615–3710
Hosts emerging and established fiction writers, poets, essayists, and critics 10 times each year, virtually and in person. All events are free; seats are first come, first served. kimjulie@umich.edu, events.umich.edu/group/3463
U-M Film Series
Campus-based series open to the general public throughout the year, including Korean Cinema NOW, South Asian Film Series, and CHOP (China Ongoing Perspectives) Film Series. Usually held at the Michigan Theater or State Theatre. ii.umich.edu/ii/news-events
U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance
1100 Baits (E.V. Moore Bldg.) • (734) 764–0583 • Tickets: (734) 764–2538
The school’s faculty and students present more than a thousand performances every year, including solo and ensemble concerts, theater, musical theater, and dance. Performances, most free and open to the public, at various campus locations. The ticketed performance season includes numerous fully staged productions and ensemble concerts. smtdtickets@umich.edu, smtd.umich.edu
U-M University Activities Center
530 S. State (Michigan Union) • (734) 763–1107
An umbrella organization for more than a dozen U-M student organizations, including performing arts presenters Amazin’ Blue (co-ed a cappella ensemble), Big Ticket Productions (big-name entertainment), Blue Bop Jazz Orchestra, ComCo (comedy improv troupe), Groove Performance Group (musical performance using nontraditional percussion), Impact Dance (dance company performing a variety of styles), M-agination Films (student produced films), M-Flicks (free on-campus movie screenings), the student-directed Michigan Pops Orchestra, MUSIC Matters (hosts concerts with local and national talent), MUSKET (musical theater company), Photonix (glowsticking), RhythM (tap ensemble), and the Rude Mechanicals (theater group producing a contemporary and classic piece each season). Most have Facebook pages and events that are open to the public. uac.umich.edu
UMS
881 North University (Burton Memorial Tower) • (734) 764–2538
Presents top international orchestras and classical soloists, chamber ensembles, jazz and global traditional artists, international theater, contemporary events, and dance artists at Hill Auditorium, Power Center, Rackham Auditorium, and other venues. Also, dozens of free educational events. ums.org V
Venue by 4M
1919 South Industrial • (734) 800–0128
Expansive, modern coworking and event space with bar, café, and multiple food menus hosts live music Fri. & Sat. and Sun. jazz brunch. Space rentals available. experience4m.com
Washtenaw Community Concert Band
PO Box 970047, Ypsilanti 48197 • (734) 252–9221
This 80-piece volunteer adult community band led by conductor and music director William Perrine performs 5–7 free concerts each year at WCC’s Towsley Auditorium and other venues. Sponsors a concerto competition and young Michigan composer contest. wccband.org
Wine, Women, and Song
415 N. Fourth Ave. (Kerrytown Concert House) • (734) 769–2999
Local, notable singer-actresses perform Broadway show tunes, jazz standards, folk songs, and choreographed arrangements of pop favorites. Wine included in admission. Spring 2025; exact dates TBA. kch@kerrytownconcerthouse.com, kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Ya’ssoo Greek Festival
3109 Scio Church Rd. (St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church) • (734) 332–8200
Live Greek music, St. Nicholas Dancers, Agora Marketplace, Kids Zone, bookstore, church presentations, raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, and homemade Greek food and pastries. June 6–8, 2025. annarborgreekfestival.org V
Zal Gaz Grotto
2070 W. Stadium • (734) 663–1202
Masonic social club with public events: live jazz Sun., Mon., & Tues. nights; rock most Fri. & Sat. nights. Hall rental available. Also inside: Cosa Sabrosa with modern Mexican food. info@zalgaz.org, zalgaz.org
