YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local 4 News is getting out of the studio and hitting the road to be In Your Neighborhood! We’re showcasing what makes our communities great!
Ypsilanti isn’t just home to Eastern Michigan University and the first Domino’s Pizza. It’s a historic city that has charm and culture dating back more than 200 years. In addition to its parks, restaurants, theatres and Depot Town, the city has community events that showcase the community running all year.
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Below you can find a list of upcoming events in the city:
May
Visit the Ypsilanti Freighthouse in Depot Town for the Spring Artisan Market, featuring over 40 local small businesses, crafters, and nonprofit organizations. Attendees can enjoy a performance by the Professional Youth Theater of Michigan while exploring a variety of handcrafted bubble teas from Poppins Bubble Tea or indulging in delicious pizza with halal options from Issa’s Pizza and so much more.
The Ypsi Artisan Market will take place May 5. You can find more info here.
The free monthly arts and culture self-guided tour First Fridays Ypsilanti returns Friday, May 3. People are encouraged to explore local businesses, enjoy exclusive discounts and visit galleries showcasing talented artists and performers. On May 3, the annual Pushing Up Daisies Artisan Market will take place at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse and there will be a movie played at Frog Island Park after dark.
June
Ypsi Pride is an annual festival that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its culture. This gathering offers a wide range of activities and performances, including drag, burlesque, theater and music. With a focus on community building, attendees can also enjoy family-friendly activities, interactive art spaces and support from queer-owned vendors and organizations.
It takes place June 7 in Depot Town. You can read more here.
From June 21 to June 23, Ypsilanti is hosting its 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. It will feature local vendors, live performances, special giveaways and a weekend of community gathering. Taking place at the South Huron Parking Lot and surrounding areas, there will be a lineup of exciting activities, a day of live music and showcases and a Sunday Reflection with Minister David Whitfield and Whitfield Productions.
More information can be read here.
The Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run Airport will host its sixth annual Wings & Wheels event on June 22. Attendees can get up close and personal with a stunning collection of classic vehicles and get the chance to take rides in historic aircraft like the WWII B-25 Bomber, Vietnam-era Huey Helicopter and the Ford Tri-Motor. Featuring a DJ, food trucks and a cash bar, it’s a fun-filled day for the whole family.
July
Starting July 5, the John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Series will run every Friday through August 23. Residents are encouraged to bring chairs and listen to some of Metro Detroit’s finest musicians.
You can find the full Summe Jazz lineup here.
The Thunder over Michigan Air Show is back on July 20 and 21. This family-friendly event features amazing aircraft and opportunities to meet with pilots. With multiple shows per day and a variety of ticket options, including the “by the carload” pass and the luxurious Officers Club experience, there’s something for everyone at Thunder Over Michigan.
The Michigan Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti returns July 26 and 27. The 25th anniversary of the festival will feature the best of Michigan’s breweries and hundreds of local beers. Enjoy live music from Michigan bands and indulge in delicious food available for purchase.
More information can be found here.
August
Ypsi Vegan Fest will take place Aug. 10. This inclusive plant-based gathering will feature culinary creations, food trucks and food vendors. The event aims to showcase the diverse offerings of the vegan world while promoting sustainability and plant-based lifestyles.
The 14th annual Ton-Up Ypsi Bike Show and Music Festival returns to Arbor Brewing Company/Corner Brewery on Aug. 11. This free festival offers a combination of bikes, bands and vendors to people of all ages. It features contests, raffles, competitions and prizes for attendees. Even if you don’t own a bike, you can still enjoy browsing bikes, shopping vendors, listening to live music and indulging in microbrewed beer and artisanal foods from the brewery.
You can read more about The Ton-Up here.
More information on events in Ypsilanti can be found on its official website.
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