Ann Arbor Community Events

The Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area promises an exciting visit at any time of the year. From world-class performing artists to country fairs, there’s something for every taste. Take your pick...and enjoy!

For a complete and up-to-the-minute listing of area events, call the Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (734) 995-7281, or visit their web site.

Winter

Ann Arbor Folk Festival

Each January, for more than 29 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.

Annual Children’s Holiday Parade

A family fun event where children of all ages can march in a parade. Music provided by area high school bands. Live reindeer pull Santa and Mrs. Claus in a sleigh. Sponsored by the Main Street Area Association.

Chelsea Hometown Holiday & Light Parade

Held in December, this weekend-long celebration transforms the city into a holiday wonderland. The event is complete with visits from Santa Claus, artists’ exhibitions, children’s activities, musical performances, merchants’ events and more. Sponsored by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dexter’s Home for the Holidays Festival

The charming town of Dexter turns into a Holiday Wonderland with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn sleigh rides, strolling carolers and musicians, ice sculpture exhibit, light parade, and more. Sponsored by the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.

Holiday Week in Saline

In December, the entire town comes alive with holiday splendor. The week includes a variety of activities including a parade, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, juried craft show, museum tours, and more. Sponsored by the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.

Milan Holiday Parade

Enjoy this annual favorite complete with floats, music, costumes, classic cars, a visit from Santa, and lights galore. Sponsored by the Milan Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ypsilanti Heritage Holidays & Home Tour

Enjoy touring turn-of-the-century homes that have been lovingly restored and preserved and decorated for the holidays. Held in December

Spring

Ann Arbor Antiques Market

For over 36 years, the Ann Arbor Antiques Market has offered quality antiques and select collectibles. Items range from early Americana to Art Deco to every type of antique imaginable. Held at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, it features over 300 dealers. All items guaranteed as represented. Held select weekends from April to November.

Ann Arbor Book Festival

This festival is a celebration of the written word with a commitment to promoting reading, improving literacy in Southeastern Michigan, and showcasing the rich culture of the written word in our community. Held in downtown Ann Arbor each May.

Ann Arbor Film Festival

This internationally recognized festival features the latest in experimental and independent 16mm films. It is the oldest event of its kind held each March at the Michigan Theater.

FestiFools

An Ann Arbor twist on Mardi Gras. A fusion of giant, hand-made puppets, live music, jugglers, and costumes. Held during the first weekend in April.

Show & Shine Street Rod Show

Each May, over 400 cars – antique, custom, and hot rod – fill Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park. Sponsored by the Ypsilanti Area Street Rods, this show is fun for the novice to the serious auto buff.

Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow

Each spring, more than 12,000 visitors flock to this colorful gathering of Native Americans from the Great Lakes area, the United States, and Canada. More than 1,000 champion singers, dancers, and artisans demonstrate their skills.

Summer

Ann Arbor Art Fairs

This renowned event is comprised of four award-winning, independently juried art fairs held simultaneously throughout the streets of Ann Arbor in mid-July. It transforms the charming city into one massive outdoor art gallery featuring 1,100 artists and a half-million visitors from all over America. 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 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.

Antique Fire Truck Muster

Dozens of vintage fire trucks on display in Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park.

Chelsea Community Fair

Held in August at the Chelsea Fairgrounds (Old US-12), this fair includes amusement rides, games, livestock, horse shows, demolition derbies, and a parade.

Chelsea Painters Art Fair

Enjoy strolling the picturesque park setting of the Chelsea Hospital campus in early June and shopping for fine art by award-winning artists in a wide variety of media. Also includes entertainment and children’s art activities. Held rain or shine.

Chelsea Summer Fest

This community-wide celebration held in July features a wide array of family activities, live entertainment, arts and crafts, specialty foods, merchant sales, children’s entertainment, and more.

Dexter Daze

Held in August, this celebration bring the community together for fun and free entertainment and includes arts and crafts booths, a parade, children’s activities, a social tent, specialty foods, and more.

Manchester Chicken Broil

Each July brings the Midwest’s oldest and largest single-day Chicken Broil to Alumni Field in Manchester. Entertainment is provided while you dine on broiled chicken and secret-recipe German Cole Slaw. Carriage rides round out your evening’s fun.

Fall

Antique Truck Show

Trucks of every kind on display in Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park. Hosted by the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the Antique Truck Historical Society.

Apple Daze

Join us in downtown Dexter in early October for a fun-filled day of children’s rides, games, food, and of course, apples! Other attractions include entertainment, craft booths, bake sale, petting farm, pie-eating contest, and more. Sponsored by the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.

Saline Community Fair

This fair features a parade, livestock shows, carnival rides, tractor pulls, demolition derby, children’s activities, food, and more. Held at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.

Saline High School Craft Show

One of the area’s finest craft shows, this juried show held in November, features over 230 crafters from Michigan and the United States. Sponsored by Saline Community Education Department and organized by Hoeft Promotions.

University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University Athletics

These two Division I schools feature some of the premier athletic teams and venues in the country. Consult Michigan Wolverines or Eastern Michigan Eagels for schedules.

Webster Fall Festival

This annual event offers pioneer craft demonstrations, giant rummage/antique sale, country crafts, live country music, and antique cars and tractors. Kid’s activities include a children’s zoo, hayrides, crafts, and games. Held in September.

Wiard’s Orchards and Country Fair

Located in Ypsilanti, this orchard, operating for over 150 years, boasts some of the best apples. Fall weekends offer u-pick apples, pumpkins, wagon rides, pony rides, cider mill, donut shop, and more. October brings the howls of Night Terrors and kid-friendly Halloween fun.

YEAR ROUND!

Ann Arbor Farmers Market
315 Detroit Street
734-794-6255
May-December, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
January – April, Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.