From festive holiday markets to summer street fairs, Ann Arbor’s event calendar is packed with can’t-miss seasonal fun!
A2’s calendar never sleeps. Each season brings its own lineup of festivals, fairs, and celebrations that turn the city’s streets into ever-changing stages. While summer’s art fairs might grab headlines, locals know every season packs its own special punch.
This guide walks you through Ann Arbor’s year-round celebrations – from spring film festivals to winter markets, autumn jazz sessions to summer food truck rallies. You’ll find events that locals circle on their calendars months in advance, plus the hidden gems that make each season unique.
Spring Events 🌸
1. Ann Arbor Film Festival
The oldest experimental film fest in North America isn’t your typical movie marathon. Picture this: 180+ avant-garde films across 40 programs, each pushing boundaries you didn’t know existed. Evening screenings pack the Michigan Theater with film buffs and curious locals alike. Grab a festival pass – it’s your golden ticket to post-screening parties where filmmakers spill their secrets.
- Key attractions: International premieres, filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, and special installations.
- Pro Tip: Buy a festival pass for best value and access to exclusive events. Evening screenings often sell out early.
2. FestiFools
Main Street transforms into a parade of giant puppets that’ll make you question reality (in the best way). Local artists spend months crafting these massive masterpieces, and you’re invited to join the creative chaos. Show up by 3:30 PM for prime viewing spots, or better yet, join the March workshops to build your own puppet. It’s organized chaos that somehow works perfectly.
- Key attractions: Street-sized puppet performances, community art participation, live music.
- Pro Tip: Arrive by 3:30 PM to secure a good viewing spot. Join the puppet-making workshops in March if you want to participate.
Summer Events
3. Ann Arbor Summer Festival
A month of free outdoor concerts, comedy shows, and movies under the stars. Top of the Park becomes everyone’s outdoor living room – complete with food trucks and that perfect summer breeze. Pack a blanket and some snacks, then claim your patch of grass for the evening festivities.
- Key attractions: Performances in Top of the Park, food trucks, local bands, and outdoor activities.
- Pro Tip: Bring a blanket and some snacks, and enjoy the outdoor movie nights for a laid-back experience.
4. Ann Arbor Art Fair
The granddaddy of local events takes over downtown each July. Streets fill with artists showing everything from traditional paintings to wild sculptures. Hit State Street first thing in the morning to beat both crowds and heat. Local tip: the food courts hidden behind Liberty Street have shorter lines and better options.
- Key attractions: Live performances, street art, and booths with local and national artists.
- Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and get the first pick of artwork.
5. Rolling Sculpture Car Show
Classic cars turn downtown into a time machine one evening each summer. More than 300 vintage beauties line the streets while their proud owners share stories. The golden hour (6-8 PM) brings perfect light for photos, especially along Liberty Street where crowds thin out.
- Key attractions: Historic vehicles, automotive demonstrations, expert talks, and family activities.
- Pro Tip: Visit during golden hour (6-8 PM) for perfect photo opportunities. The Liberty Street section tends to be less crowded.
6. African American Downtown Festival
This celebration honors the legacy of Black business leaders who shaped Ann Arbor’s historic district. Live music mixes with the smell of soul food, while the oral history booth captures stories from local elders. You’ll want to spend extra time at the community exhibitions – they’re packed with fascinating local history.
- Key attractions: Live music, cultural performances, local food vendors, and community exhibitions.
- Pro Tip: Don’t miss the oral history booth where local elders share stories about Ann Arbor’s Black heritage.
7. Ann Arbor Blues Festival
Blues legends and up-and-comers share stages for one weekend in August. The music flows from afternoon into evening, with food trucks keeping everyone fueled. Bring a lawn chair and settle in – these performances tend to run long in the best possible way.
- Key attractions: Live blues performances, food trucks, and local vendors.
- Pro Tip: Bring a lawn chair for comfortable seating during the outdoor performances.
Fall Events
8. Harvest Festival
Fall hits different at the Harvest Festival. You’ll find yourself lost in corn mazes, judging pumpkin-carving contests, and wondering why all cider doesn’t taste this good. The hayrides might seem kitschy, but they’re surprisingly fun after a glass of mulled wine.
- Key attractions: Cider pressing, fall-themed treats, and picturesque scenery.
- Pro Tip: Visit early in the season for the freshest cider, and take a scenic walk by the river afterward.
9. Dexter Cider Mill Tasting
Michigan’s oldest cider mill proves some things get better with age. The smell of fresh donuts will guide you to the door, where you can watch apples become liquid gold via their historic press. Take the river trail afterward – it’s the perfect way to walk off those extra donuts.
- Key attractions: Pumpkin carving contests, corn mazes, and live music.
- Pro Tip: Don’t miss the cider and donut stands; they’re a staple of the festival experience.
Winter Events
10. Kerrytown KindleFest
German Christmas markets inspired this cozy December tradition. Local artisans fill Kerrytown with handmade gifts while the smell of Glühwein (mulled wine) warms the air. The food trucks serve winter comfort dishes that taste even better when you’re bundled up outside.
- Key attractions: Winter produce, hand-crafted gifts, and locally sourced goods.
- Pro Tip: Grab some hot cider and baked goods while you shop to keep warm!
11. U-M Holiday Performances
The university’s music program shows off during winter months. The Handel’s Messiah performance sells out every year, while the Burton Tower carillon concerts echo across campus. Book tickets early – these shows fill up faster than a parking lot on game day.
- Key attractions: Classical music, festive performances, and candlelight services.
- Pro Tip: Check ticket availability early, as these concerts can sell out fast during the holiday season.
Your Festival Game Plan
Ann Arbor’s events calendar never really slows down – it just changes flavors with the seasons. Each festival adds its own chapter to the city’s story, and you’re invited to join in. Start with whatever’s happening this week, then start planning ahead. The best part? Most events are free or cheap; you don’t need deep pockets.
Remember to check event websites for current dates and any schedule changes. The weather might be unpredictable, but the fun is guaranteed.
