ANN ARBOR — Did you know? Ann Arbor’s actual anniversary is this month, May 25 to be exact! Check out the Ann Arbor Bicentennial (A200) events taking place on anniversary day as well as the entire month of May. And the celebrations don’t stop in May so be sure to visit A200 online to keep up with news, project updates and happenings throughout the summer.
Opening Reception for 200 Exhibition
Friday, May 17
4-7 p.m.
Gutman Gallery (118 North Fourth Ave.)
All are welcome to celebrate Ann Arbor’s bicentennial with an opening reception for the 200 Exhibition, an all-media exhibition showcasing work that celebrates Ann Arbor’s bicentennial year. The exhibition, juried by local landscape artist, Nancy Flangan, features artwork that represents Ann Arbor’s past, present, and future, with subjects that include Ann Arbor landmarks, community, icons, and more. Experience the exhibition firsthand, enjoy light refreshments, and listen to live music. The exhibition runs May 17 – June 29.
Bicentennial Bikeapalooza
Saturday, May 25
12-2 p.m.
Surface parking lot across the street from the Ann Arbor Downtown Library at the corner of E. William St. and S. 5th Ave.
Bikeapalooza is an annual free, family friendly educational event celebrating downtown Ann Arbor’s protected bikeway network! Hosted by the Ann Arbor DDA, Urban Rider Cargo Bikes and Bicycle Alliance of Washtenaw, this year’s event will be held on the city’s 200th birthday, May 25th. There will be cargo bike demos, giveaways, face painting, fun activities and more!
Picnic at Liberty Plaza
Saturday, May 25
11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Liberty Street between Division and Fifth Ave. will be closed to celebrate Ann Arbor’s 200th birthday! Join the celebration and enjoy music, special guests speaking, cake, water and bicentennial trivia. Tables, chairs, water and cake will be provided, and carry-out meals will be available from local restaurants or bring your own picnic lunch.
Would you like to collaborate with A2 Bicentennial on your event or have an event to add to the calendar? Please email info@a2bicentennial.org.
Goals for Trees: Bicentennial oaks
AFC Ann Arbor has joined the effort to commemorate the Ann Arbor Bicentennial. The soccer club has incorporated the bicentennial A200 logo into its home and away kits and is also funding a Bicentennial Legacy Project. AFC Ann Arbor has pledged to donate three trees to the City of Ann Arbor for every goal its teams make during the 2024 season! The tress will then be planted at Bicentennial Park. This demonstrates the club’s commitment to A2ZERO and preserving and enhancing public spaces for generations to come.
Fundraising Projects
Opportunities are available to support the following projects:
- The James L. Crawford Elks Lodge: https://aaacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2188
- The Kathy Kozachenko statue at City Hall: https://jewishfederationannarbor.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/jewishfederationannarbor/donation.jsp?campaign=282&&test=true
- New amenities at Bicentennial Park (formerly known as Southeast Area Park): https://artrain.org/a200-bicentennial-park-campaign/
