Summer Fun in Washtenaw County

During the summer there are lots of wonderful and fun things to do to! July is a great time to get outside, get moving, and try some new activities! Best of all there is plenty to do that is FREE!! Here are the a few ideas for FREE (or relatively inexpensive) activities and entertainment in Washtenaw County (and this list is only a fraction of the events happening in the county this summer):

4th of July Activities:

Hudson Mills Metropark Fireworks

Date: June 29th at 10:00pm

Where: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial Road, Dexter, MI

84th Annual Ypsilanti Independence Parade

Sponsored by the American Legion & Assisted by the Ypsilanti Area Jaycees

Date/Time: July 4th at 11:00am

Where: Depot Town, Ypsilanti, MI

• Local Parks: Ann Arbor Area

– Gallup Park, on the east side of Ann Arbor

o Canoe livery, paddle boats, kayaking, rollerblading, playgrounds, and great bike trails

– Buhr Park, south central part of town, connected to Cobblestone Farms

o Softball diamonds, tennis courts, play equipment, basketball court, open field play, picnic facilities with a grill, an outdoor pool with a family activity pool

– Arboretum Nature Area, located between Geddes Rd and the Huron River

o There are many trails winding through the hills and fields of the Arboretum, has a restored prairie, open mowed areas, and riverside access with good examples of wet loving plants.

– County Farm Park, on Ann Arbor’s east side

o Variety of trails, children’s discovery play area, and picnic pavilions.

• Local Parks: Ypsilanti Area

– Ford Lake Park, in Ypsilanti

o Half-mile shoreline on Ford Lake and features fishing, boating, handball and tennis courts.

– Frog Island Park

o Has a soccer field and an amphitheater!

– Rolling Hills Park and Water Park

o One of the most recreationally diverse parks in the County.

Washtenaw County Fairs and Festivals

• Camaro Superfest – Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, MI

July 5 – 7 – The largest and longest running ALL Camaro event in the USA!

• Saline Celtic Festival, Millpond Park, Saline, MI

July 11 – 13 – Features two days of Celtic music and dance entertainment, workshops, sporting events, and much more for the whole family! There is a minimal charge for this event.

• Rolling Sculpture Car Show, downtown Ann Arbor, MI

July 12, 2:00pm – 10:00pm – Check out cars of all shapes, sizes and makes as owners polish up the wheels and show off that fresh coat of wax.

• Michigan ElvisFest, Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, MI

July 12 – 13 – Elvis fans flock by the thousands every July to pay homage to the King of Rock & Roll and to hear the most award-winning professional Elvis Tribute Artists in North America, as well as other talented Legend Tribute Artists.

• Huron River Day, Gallup Park, Ann Arbor, MI

July 14, 8:30am – 4:00pm – River exhibits, discounted canoe and kayak rentals, live music, food vendors, fishing, and a children’s activity tent.

• Townie Street Party, at Ingalls Mall between North University and W. Washington

July 15, 5:00pm – 9:30pm – Live music, food and drinks, free art activities, and the Kids’ Art Fair

• Ann Arbor Art Fairs: July 17 – 20

– Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original held around the Burton Carillon Tower Features almost 200 artists, along with a number of other hands-on activities and performances.

– Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair transforms Ann Arbor’s Main Street Area into an impressive outdoor art festival showcasing the best in fine art and fine crafts.

– State Street Area Art Fair a host of merchant displays along the vibrant streets of Ann Arbor’s campus area.

– Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair Great ethnic restaurants, hip and quirky stores, and plenty of easy access parking at the Forest Parking Deck make South U. The best possible starting place for your Art Fair adventure

• Manchester Chicken Broil, Alumni Memorial Field, Manchester, MI

July 18, 4:00pm – 8:00pm – There is a minimal charge for this event. Net proceeds from this event benefit a variety of causes in the Manchester area.

• Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival, downtown Chelsea, MI

July 25 – 27 – Two-day, three-night event features live music and social tent, children’s entertainment and activities, a classic car show, open-air art market, and much more.

• Dexter Daze, downtown Dexter, MI

August 9 – 10 – Enthusiasm for Dexter Daze, as well as community growth, resulted in an event that includes over 100 booths of artisans and crafters, free family entertainment, and a strong sense of community.

• Ypsilanti Heritage Festival, Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, MI

August 16 – 18 – The Ypsilanti Heritage Festival celebrates the rich historical significance of Ypsilanti while offering contemporary events and activities for families.

Washtenaw County Museums

• University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History

Open Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm

1109 Geddes Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

(734) 764-0478

• African American Cultural & Historical Museum of Washtenaw County

The African American Cultural and Historical Museum was founded in 1993 to house, catalogue, preserve, display, and maintain a collection of artifacts, art, papers, books, photographs and other materials pertaining to the history and culture of African Americans in Washtenaw County. We now have the opportunity to secure a permanent home for the AACHM at 1528 Pontiac Trail, where future generations will come to know the history and impact of this community.

(734) 761-1717 or aachmuseum@gmail.com

Performances

• Ann Arbor Civic Band, performing in West Park, Ann Arbor

– Free Concerts Wednesday evenings from 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Have a wonderful summer!