Story courtesy of Reinhart Realtors
Summer is ramping up here in Ann Arbor, and we have plenty of community events coming up to maximize the season! This June, we’re looking forward to a number of exciting festivities, including art fairs, plant events, a kite festival, triathlons, food tastings, and much more.
Make sure you don’t miss out by adding a couple of these summery Ann Arbor area events to your calendar!
Arts + Culture
Ann Arbor Summer Festival | Ann Arbor
Where: Various Locations
When: All Summer
As the can’t-miss, arts-centered event of the summer, the 2022 Ann Arbor Summer Festival will include world-class entertainment in comedy, cinema, food, jazz, pop and rock, acoustic, spoken word, public radio, and so much more — all summer long. This year, Top of the Park events are back! Check out the full lineup of events and buy your tickets in advance.
Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti | Ypsilanti
Where: Riverside Arts Center
When: June 2–4, 2022
Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti (iFFY) is an annual event that draws and develops diverse audiences for independently made movies in downtown Ypsi. This three-night festival features some of the best local and international films from around the world. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
Chelsea Painters Art Fair | Chelsea
Where: Chelsea Community Fairgrounds
When: June 11 + 12, 2022
From humble beginnings in 1973, the Annual Chelsea Painters Art Fair has become one of the area’s best fine arts celebrations. This Chelsea event is celebrating 47 years in 2022 with more than 20 highly accomplished artists exhibiting works in watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil, pastels and mixed media. For more details, click here.
Westside Art Hop | Ann Arbor
Where: Old West Side Neighborhood
When: June 11 + 12, 2022
A cross between an art walk and an art fair, the Westside Art Hop invites you to experience art in a personal and immersive way. Local, national and international artists (upwards of 90 total!) will set up in open studios, homes, porches, garages and yards throughout the charming historic Westside neighborhood of Ann Arbor. During the festival, you’ll be able to purchase high-quality art and handmade crafts from artists and creators. Click here for more information, including a detailed map of the event!
Community Celebrations
Ann Arbor African American Downtown Festival | Ann Arbor
Where: Downtown Ann Arbor
When: June 4, 2022
The African American Downtown Festival was founded by Lucille Hall Porter with the intention of remembering and honoring the contributions of Black business leaders. Today, the festival is organized by the Ann Arbor Cultural and Community Events Coalition and is held in Ann Arbor’s Historic Black Business District. Expect street and stage performances, dancing, local vendors and information booths, kid-friendly activities and more. Click here for more details about the festival, including the full lineup of events!
Native Plant Expo & Marketplace | Chelsea
Where: Chelsea Community Fairgrounds
When: June 4, 2022
The Native Plant Expo & Marketplace offers residents a convenient location to shop for Michigan native plants from several Michigan native plant growers, learn how to establish and maintain native landscapes, and connect with companies specializing in planning native landscapes. This free event is taking place at the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday, June 4.
U-M Peony Garden Centennial Celebration | Ann Arbor
Where: Nichols Arboretum
When: June 4, 2022
The U-M Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden is celebrating its 100th year this year! Celebrate this monumental anniversary at 100 Years in Bloom, featuring performances of Korean choral works and a commissioned arrangement by composer-in-residence, Alexis Lamb. Plus, there will be special remarks from Nichols Arboretum director Tony Kolenic and others. Admission to this event is completely free!
Green Fair | Ann Arbor
Where: Main Street
When: June 10, 2022
Green Fair is coming to Main Street on June 10! In celebration of our community’s environmental leadership, this eco-centered event will close down the street so pedestrians can explore a multitude of exhibits showcasing local green businesses and nonprofits, along with A2ZERO collaborators. Check out energy-saving appliances, learn from interactive solar displays, find out about green commuting options, and much more! Plus, there will be plenty of live music and other activities.
Yankee Air Museum Wings & Wheels | Ypsilanti
Where: Yankee Air Museum
When: June 12, 2022
Join Yankee Air Museum for an up-close experience with dozens of stunning classic vehicles interspersed with historic aircrafts on the airport ramp at Willow Run! Advanced ticket purchases for individuals 15 years old and older are $30 while day-of tickets are $35. Click here to get yours!
Sixth Annual Kite Festival | Ann Arbor
Where: Lillie Park
When: June 18, 2022
This year, GrieveWell is hosting their 6th Annual Kite Festival at Lillie Park. This free community event shares the joy of the outdoors and the whimsy of kites, while remembering and honoring lost loved ones. Attendees include a mixture of community members, kite enthusiasts, GrieveWell supporters, and family members sharing the joy of the outdoors. Enjoy professional kite shows, a kite coloring contest, kite building and flying, and more. Register for the event in advance to ensure a parking spot and expedited entry!
Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration 2022 | Ypsilanti
Where: Parking Lot Behind Puffer Reds
When: June 17–19, 2022
Don’t miss the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Ypsilanti, a weekend-long event designed to uplift and honor the Black community, past and present. The weekend kicks off with a Juneteenth Dance Jubilee on Friday night, followed by a festival celebration on Saturday and a worship celebration on Sunday! Visit the Facebook event page for more information and updates as the weekend draws closer.
Sports
Island Lake Triathlon | Brighton
Where: Island Lake State Recreation Area
When: June 4, 2022
Island Lake State Recreation Area in Brighton is the home of the Island Lake Triathlon and is an epic training destination. Those participating in this multi-sport event will swim the waters of Kent Lake, bike the park’s rolling hills, and run the final leg to the lakeside finish line. After the race, stick around for post-race festivities, which include a recovery meal and beer tent! Register to participate in this exciting race.
Dexter-Ann Arbor Run | Dexter
Where: Various Locations
When: June 5, 2022
A Michigan staple since 1974, the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run draws thousands of runners from around the region each June to participate in its scenic point-to-point Dexter to Ann Arbor Half Marathon course, 10K and 5K. The half marathon begins in the picturesque town of Dexter and ends in historic downtown Ann Arbor. The out-and-back 10K course starts and finishes in downtown Ann Arbor, featuring a beautiful stretch along scenic Huron River Drive in both directions. And the 5K is a point-to-point route featuring scenic views of the Huron River and downtown Ann Arbor. Click here for more details and to register for one of these races!
Tri Goddess Tri Multisport Festival | Grass Lake
Where: Waterloo State Recreation Area
When: June 25, 2022
The first-ever all-women triathlon in Michigan, the Tri Goddess Tri is an event organized by women to celebrate women of all abilities, inspiring them to reach new heights of health and set new fitness goals by training for and completing a triathlon. The event is held at the Portage Lake Unit of Waterloo State Recreation Area and includes several different distances, post-race snacks, an epic finisher’s medal and more. And when you register, a portion of proceeds benefit The Sparrow Freedom Project, The Childhood Ovarian Cancer Association, and Lost Voices.
Food + Drink
Taste of Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor
Where: Main Street
When: June 5, 2022
This beloved annual event brings together dozens of local restaurants and vendors to show off their food and their talents on the two blocks of Main Street between William and Washington. Each vendor will offer bite-sized foods, ranging in price from $1 (1 ticket) to $6 (6 tickets), with nothing priced over $6! Visit the Community Activity area for kid-friendly activities hosted by the Ann Arbor District Library and Grievewell Kite Festival. Tickets will be sold on East Liberty between Main and Fourth — and parking is free on Sundays in downtown. Click here for more details about the event, including a lineup of participating restaurants.
Happy June!
