The Ann Arbor area is home to more than a dozen Summer festivals. Whether you are searching for the best in music, food, art or culture, the Washtenaw area has you covered.
We rounded up a list of events this summer which will keep the city bustling all season long!
African American Downtown Festival: June 3
This festival takes place in Ann Arbor’s Historic Black Business District. An entertainment festival dedicated to black business leaders, this event offers kids-friendly activities at the Leslie Science Center and Hands-On Museum, with live music performances.
N. 4th Ave. & E. Ann St. Downtown Ann Arbor.
Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights: June 6-July 25
On Thursday nights, the Chelsea downtown area lights up with festival energy as musical performances, flowing artwork, and family-friendly events fill the streets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Along with a silent disco, there will also be street chalk and kid events happening throughout the town.
Downtown Chelsea Michigan
Ypsi Pride: June 7
Embrace your pride and join one of the largest gatherings in Ypsilanti. Pride brings together a fun partnership in entertainment, food and fun. These unique entertainment ventures Include a variety of musicians, DJs, burlesque dancers, drag artists and theater groups taking the main stage throughout the night. Dancing in the streets of Depot town has never been more fun.
Ypsilanti Depot Town
Ya’ssoo Greek Festival of Ann Arbor: June 7-9
Embrace Greek culture at this early June festival as the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church celebrates its culture with the community, offering traditional Greek meals, dances, music and a marketplace!
3109 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor. $5
Cinetopia Film Festival: June 13-23
In collaboration with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF), The Cinetopia Film Festival highlights an inviting and diverse range of films. Throughout this ten-day festival, movie lovers are treated to an eclectic display of cinema celebrations. From mesmerizing action adventures to joyous musicals, each film is a new story for you to see.
603 East Liberty St., Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival: June 14-30
No event better captures the Washtenaw Summer experience than attending the annual Ann Arbor Summerfest (A2SF). During this event, the city puts forth nearly four weeks of programming highlighting the best in live music, kid-friendly fun programming, and delicious food. This year, fans of the entertainment event can expect over 50 performers to take the stage.
881 N University Ave., Ann Arbor.
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Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration: June 21-23
The fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration commemorates Black culture as the summer event promotes fun, family, and filling foods with local vendors, community organizations, and live performances. Whether learning line dances or discovering a new artist in the community, Ypsilanti’s Juneteenth Celebration is a can’t-miss event.
South Huron Parking Lot, Ypsilanti.
Saline Celtic Festival: July 12-13
At this festival, you can become a Celtic for a day. While the schedule is yet to be released, previous years of this event featured everything from Corgi Races to its version of Stonehenge called “Strawhenge.” While seeing jousting matches and hearing bagpipes is the norm for the Saline Celtic Festival, guests can expect Shakespeare performances, folk dance, musical acts, a dozen workshops and a summer-fun blast.
Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds
Ann Arbor Art Fair: July 18-20
Showcasing nearly 1,000 artists, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of the city’s largest festivals. Art lines the streets over three days while businesses offer exclusive deals to attendees. Whether you’re visiting The Original Street Fair on Ingalls Mall, The Guild’s Art Fair on Main Street, or The State Street District Fair, there’s a piece of art you will appreciate.
Downtown Ann Arbor
Michigan Summer Beer Festival: July 26-27
Sample local Michigan beers from some of Michigan’s finest breweries. There will be food available for purchase inside the event. While guests sip their Michigan beer, there will be live music from several Michigan bands.
2 E Cross St , Ypsilanti. $50-$65 per day.
Ann Arbor Pride: Aug. 3
The Ann Arbor community will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community downtown Ann Arbor during Pride. This event is presented by The Jim Toy Community Center and includes all day entertainment and vendors.
Saline’s Summerfest: Aug. 9-10
Enjoy a community event of music and dancing at Saline Summerfest. There will also be a beer tent, donation opportunities to “stuff the bus,” 5k run and the crowning of Miss Saline 2024.
1901 Riversedge Drive, Saline.
Fun Fest: Aug. 10
Fundamental Sound Co. is continuing Fun Fest for a fourth year. At the event, enjoy food, music and other vendors at Frog Island Park.
699 Rice Street, Ypsilanti. $20
Ypsi Vegan Fest: Aug. 10
Presented by Stone & Spoon, Ypsi Vegan Fest will take place in Ypsilanti and intives the community to gather and embrade the plant-based lifestyle. At the event, there will be vegan food trucks, food vendors, makers and non-profit organizations.
Location TBD
Ton-Up Ypsilanti Motorcycle & Music Festival: Aug. 11
Motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to Arbor Brewing Company (Corner Brewery) to enjoy a day full of bikes, musics and vendors. This is an all ages event. There will be contests, raffles, competitions, and prizes.
720 Norris St, Ypsilanti.
Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival: Aug. 12-17
This daily Dexter Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee gives visitors and residents the opportunity to experience plein air painting up-close as artists take thier painting materials to the streets of Dexter.
3515 Broad Street, Dexter.
Antonio Cooper is a freelance journalist from Detroit, Michigan. His coverage of music festivals and interviews with local celebrities appeared in The E-Current Magazine, The Detroit Metro Times, XXL Magazine, RichMagDigital, The Ann Arbor Observer, and Pop Magazine.
