Planning ahead for your summer activities in Ann Arbor? Looking for ideas of what to do when you visit this summer? Need help deciding which activities to put on your calendar?
With warm weather and long days, summer holds so much promise for adventure and excitement! But Ann Arbor’s full set of summer activities can be a little overwhelming to sort through. So, we’ve done the work for you and highlighted some of the town’s best summer activities in one list. Whether you’re looking for a chic spot to enjoy a glass of wine in Ann Arbor, want to jam along with live music, or like to get out and enjoy nature, our list of the best summer activities has something for everyone.
Top of the Park Series: a three-week event full to the brim of classic summer activities. Top of the Park is part of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, and features 150+ events in the early summer. You can experience a mix of live music and other events running at 5pm, 6 nights a week. Some of the events are free and there’s a combination of indoor and outdoor activities.
Movies in the Park: although part of the Top of the Park Series, Movies in the Park deserves its own space on our list because it’s a great, relaxing event for the whole family! Enjoy a popular flick in the great outdoors, shown at the Rackham stage. Movies start at 10pm.
Cinetopia Film Festival: speaking of movies, Ann Arbor’s own film festival is a spectacular event, showcasing dozens of films from world famous festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and SXSW. The festival includes many Michigan movie premieres and some national premieres.
Sonic Lunch: this rocking Ann Arbor summer tradition runs the entire season and features local bands and musicians as well as music from out-of-towners. You can catch the live music on Thursdays at Liberty Street and Division Street starting at 11:30am.
Taste of Ann Arbor: if you’re thinking, okay, let’s get to the food right about now, the Taste of Ann Arbor more than delivers. Take advantage of this event and sample from the diverse palette of Ann Arbor restaurants all in one spot, on Main Street between Washington Street and William Street. Bring the kids along for some fun activities, too. You can buy tickets for tastes at the event.
Picnics at German Park: did someone say more food? Check out the fun and delicious German-themed picnic and events on the last Saturday in June, July, and August. Enjoy German food, beer, and dance performances for an admission fee.
Nichols Arboretum and Mathaei Botanical Garden: these two Ann Arbor hot-spots are a must-see in spring and summer! Enjoy the lush landscapes and special events like the Peony Garden in the beginning June with over 10,000 blooms!
The Huron River: you can hike through the parks or get right in and enjoy the water on a kayak or tube. Rent kayaks at Argo Park and paddle downstream to Gallup Park, then catch the shuttle back to base. If tubing is more your speed, you can ride down the cascades, walk back up to the top, and repeat to your heart’s content.
Outdoor Pools: what’s summer without a little time at the pool? In Ann Arbor, we’re lucky enough to have 3 outdoor swimming pools available to the community. You can find the pools at Gallup Park, Fuller Park, and Veterans Memorial Park.
Bill’s Beer Garden: exclusive to Ann Arbor summers, this spot is the perfect place to enjoy a craft beer, or other drinks, all outdoors! Situated in the parking lot of Downtown Home and Garden, Bill’s is open from 5pm-11pm, Wednesday-Sunday.
Ann Arbor Art Fair: this is one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation and has people coming from miles away to display and enjoy a wide variety of art. You can catch more than a glimpse of impressive works and performances, enjoy some food, and shop sidewalk sales.
Rolling Sculpture Car Show: if you always thought car design was an underappreciated art, this event is for you! With more than 300 unique, exotic, and classic cars on display in downtown Ann Arbor on Main Street, Liberty Street, and Washington Street, the show is a thrill for car aficionados and amateurs alike.
Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel: a great spot for live music, a relaxing weekend stay, or a fun night with friends this summer or year-round! Enjoy the heat on the outdoor terrace, choose from a great selection of wine in Ann Arbor at the Ventura, or experience live jazz every Friday and Saturday night.
The list of summer activities in Ann Arbor is truly endless! But our picks for the best will help you plan a fun and eventful summer for the whole family whether you’re a local or just passing through. Give us call for help planning your summer this year! Weber’s is a great spot to host gatherings or just get away from it all with a glass of wine in Ann Arbor. Call today to make a reservation.
