Top five things to do this weekend in Ann Arbor, Dec. 8-10

Coloring with Cats. 'Nuff said. (Credit: HSHV)

ANN ARBOR – How about those winter temperatures? If your week has been anything like ours, the walk to work from your parking structure has been bone-chilling, to say the least. As always, however, the events in Ann Arbor have the ability to lift your spirit while warming your soul, and this weekend is no exception. Embrace the weather, since wandering the streets of Ann Arbor as you shuffle from one place to the next brings with it a certain charm you won't find anywhere else. 

Friday - Sunday

Recommended Videos



Winter Art Tour

How about taking a tour of 10 art shows across Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti that will feature over 300 local artists? That sounds epic, right? The Winter Art Tour will not only present the best handcrafted art our area has to offer, but will also improve the visibility and viability of local artists. The goal is simple: to create a more vibrant arts community for everyone. The fun begins at 10 a.m. on Friday and lasts the entire weekend.

The full weekend tour stops include: Ann Arbor Art Center's Holiday Art Shop; Art on AdareBaron Glassworks' Holiday Glass Party; the Fourth Annual Holiday Pottery Sale at the Clay Work Studio; DIYpsi, Ypsilanti's handmade art fair at Riverside Arts Center; the Front Porch Textiles studioKate Tremel and Friends Art Studios Sale; Tiny Expo at the Ann Arbor District Library; the Yourist Studio Gallery Holiday Sale; and the Ypsi Alloy Studios Third Annual Holiday Market and Open House. It is almost too epic. Almost.

For full tour stop information, click here

Saturday

The State Theatre's reopening

While the ribbon-cutting for the State Theatre will occur on Friday at 3 p.m., the theater officially opens to the public on Saturday with the 1 p.m. screening of "The Square," the winner of the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, and other films, including "Human Flow," "The Disaster Artist" and "Lady Bird." The upgrades to the theater are worth mentioning. The $8.5 million transformation includes picture-perfect re-creations of the original carpet from 1942, updated movie projection and sound systems, an increase in the number of screens from two to four and, most importantly for this writer, increased legroom and comfortable seating. Another important upgrade: the brand new full-sized elevator and escalator, making the theater fully accessible. 

Aunt Agatha's Holiday Open House

Mystery lovers rejoice. Authors Patricia Abbott, Mark Bello, Judy Lee Burke, Con Lehane, Meg Macy and Sarah Zettel will visit Aunt Agatha's for this exciting event, which will be filled with treats and holiday discounts, just in time for you to finish -- or start -- your shopping. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to chat with the authors you'd like to meet and have your book signed. The Holiday Open House begins at 2 p.m. 

"A Boychoir Christmas"

At 3 p.m., the Boychoir of Ann Arbor will perform "A Boychoir Christmas," a concert that features beautiful choral music for the Christmas season, led by the recently appointed music director Dr. John Boonenberg. This year marks Boychoir's 31st annual performance of the show and will include a performance Abbie Betinis' “Carol of the Stranger,” the traditional hymms "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and much more. If you cannot make it to the Saturday performance, you can attend on Sunday at 4 p.m. 

Sunday

Coloring with Cats

We've said it before and we'll say it again: We love any excuse to write about the Humane Society of Huron Valley. This weekend is a purr-fect occasion to visit if you haven't done so yet. Why? You will be able to enjoy cat "zen," de-stress and help homeless cats from the community. Yes that's right: coloring and petting cats, two of the most relaxing things you can do. Even better is the fact that HSHV will provide the snacks, soft drinks and coloring supplies. If, however, you wish to bring in non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and coloring supplies of your own, no one will stop you. You could almost say that this event, which starts at 5:30 p.m., is too claw-some for words.

Do you have an upcoming event that you want to share with us? Should we be writing about it? Let us know in the comments below.

Search our Community Calendar for more local events.