Every June, hundreds of people roam downtown Ann Arbor with drink tickets in hand, hopping from bar to bar in search of the night’s most inventive cocktail. Artini might look like just another summer party — a buzzing cocktail crawl with friends, laughter and creative drinks. But behind the clink of glasses is something much more lasting.
At its core, Artini serves as one of the Ann Arbor Art Center’s (A2AC) biggest fundraisers of the year, supporting its mission to make art accessible across the community through education, exhibitions, and public art. As Jenn Queen, A2AC’s executive director, puts it, “…while an awesome night out on the town, Artini is also a meaningful way to support art in our community.”
A fun night out
Now in its 16th year, Artini has become a choose-your-own-adventure fundraiser. Unlike traditional benefit galas, there are no speeches, auctions, or formal sit-down dinners. Instead, guests flow through downtown, discovering restaurants they may have never tried and sampling cocktails specially designed for the event. Each participating bar hopes to win the highly coveted People’s Choice award, a serious point of pride among Ann Arbor’s hospitality scene.
The bars don’t compete because they have to — they volunteer. Queen explained that A2AC invites the downtown establishments to take part, reflecting the event’s deep roots in the neighborhood. “It is really meaningful for the A2AC to host Artini and attract people to our neighborhood and play a small part in shining a light on the incredible hospitality businesses we have here in Ann Arbor,” she shared.
That spirit of collaboration hasn’t dulled the competitive edge. Last year, West End went all out, making hundreds of balloon dogs to accompany their pink coyote drinks — a creative flourish that got plenty of attention from other venues and guests alike. According to Queen, “Other participating bars wanted to know where our guests got them, what the drink was, etc, so believe me when I say they’re always paying attention to the competition!”
RELATED: A Conversation with A2AC Executive Director Jenn Queen
Cultural connection
Beyond the drinks, Artini ties directly into A2AC’s broader role in Ann Arbor. The center is one of the few downtown destinations that isn’t retail or hospitality, adding a cultural thread to the city’s urban core.
As Queen described, “We are Ann Arbor’s community art center, but we also play a vital role in the vibrancy of downtown.”
Come as you are
Artini also stands apart from many other fundraisers in its approachability. There’s no dress code or expectation beyond simply enjoying yourself and supporting a good cause.
“Artini is come as you are,” Queen said, contrasting it with many themed or black-tie benefit events. And unlike most fundraisers, there’s no secondary ask during the event — just one ticket purchase supports both the experience and the mission.
A2AC
For first-timers, the hope is that the night opens the door to A2AC’s broader offerings. “I hope that someone attending Artini for the first time walks away from the event thinking, ‘Wow, what a cool event. I wonder what else the A2AC does that’s as much fun,’” Queen said. From art classes to public installations, the center works year-round to engage people who may not see themselves as artists but still want to participate in creative community experiences.
By the end of the night, guests leave with more than a few standout cocktails under their belts. They walk away with a deeper connection to the role art plays in Ann Arbor — one sip at a time.
Artini 2025. Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 6–10pm. Downtown Ann Arbor (multiple venues). $100 per person (includes 7 drink tickets, map & tasting guide). Must be 21+ to attend. Mocktail options available at most venues.
