5 things to do in Ann Arbor this summer

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Summer is nearly upon us and that means your summer activity list needs some ideas.

Ann Arbor is one of the busiest areas in Michigan, with several events, festivals and things to do year-round.

Here are just five things to do in Ann Arbor this summer:

Ann Arbor Summer Festival (June 6 - July 4): Today, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival produces two concurrent programs, one indoor and one outdoor, at various venues and spaces across the University of Michigan campus and in downtown Ann Arbor. The indoor Mainstage series includes ticketed performances of world-class music, dance, theater, and comedy. The outdoor program, Top of the Park, is held along a beautiful campus green and offers admission-free concerts, movies under the stars, open-air spectacles, and unique family attractions. In addition to our indoor and outdoor series, the festival’s Beyond series includes large-scale outdoor special attractions and unique pop-up events throughout the city of Ann Arbor. Within the Mainstage, Top of the Park, and Beyond series, be sure to check out all the additional activities and opportunities listed below for festival-goers every summer.

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair (July 20-23): The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization who's mission is to increase public knowledge and appreciation for contemporary fine arts and fine crafts by creating opportunities that connect artists, the Ann Arbor community and the general public to their mutual benefit, including a top quality juried street art fair.

37th Annual Huron River Day (July 9): Enjoy the beautiful Huron River with free family-friendly river activities during the Huron River Day celebration at Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Road in Ann Arbor, on Sunday, July 9, noon-4 p.m. More than 30 years ago, the Huron River Day celebration began as a way to encourage partnerships among government, private and non-profit organizations and to educate citizens about the importance of water quality and Huron River preservation. Each year, this event draws approximately 2,500 people from the Ann Arbor community to celebrate the Huron River.  

Townie Street Party (July 17): The Townie Street Party, now in its 13th year, is a kick-off to Art Fair week in Ann Arbor. Taking place on Monday, July, 17th from 5:00 – 9:30 p.m., the Townie Party celebrates all things local and is our way of thanking Ann Arbor residents for so graciously hosting the Ann Arbor Art Fair each year.

Rolling Sculpture Car Show (July 14): Taking place in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, the Rolling Sculpture Car Show is a one of kind experience for the car enthusiast. All cars are welcome to exhibit at the Show. All exhibitors register in advance, fee is $20. The event itself is free and open to the public. Spectators enjoy the energy of more than 300 exotic, antique, classic, and one of a kind cars on Main, Liberty, and Washington streets in downtown Ann Arbor. Plenty of public parking is available in all structures and surface lots.