11 Events to Attend in the Ann Arbor Area This September
Though September brings the end of summer, it also brings us a long weekend to celebrate Labor Day, the beginning of football season, and beloved fall harvest celebrations. While this month will probably look a little different than usual due to the pandemic, the Ann Arbor area is still saluting the summer and welcoming the fall with cultural celebrations, virtual soirees, fundraisers and more.
So peruse our top picks for September fun below and mark your calendars so you don’t miss a second of the action!
Please note that due to the pandemic, many of these events are tentative, with information changing daily. You can click on the link above each listing to find the most current information on any particular event. Please remember to wear a facial covering and to keep a 6-foot distance from others if you do attend one of these celebrations.
Jump Ahead
Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink
Arts + Culture
Free Comic Book Summer | Ann Arbor
Where: Vault of Midnight
When: September 2nd & 9th, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Vault of Midnight
Due to COVID-19, Vault of Midnight can’t throw the huge bash for World Comic Book Day like they normally do. Instead, they are planning on making the event smaller and extending it throughout the entire summer. Each week, from July to September, they’ll be giving away free comic books to anyone who wants one. Make sure to visit them on September 2nd or on the 9th to get one to add to your comic collection.
EMUsic Fest | Ypsilanti
Where: Big Bob’s Lake House
When: September 17, 4-10:30 p.m.
This free outdoor music festival gives you the chance to kick back on a grassy hill and discover all the friendly vendors Ypsilanti has to offer and support some of the greatest talents in Michigan! Follow the event on Facebook to stay updated on any changes to the event due to the pandemic, and to learn more about everyone who will be performing.
Annual Orphan Car Show | Ypsilanti
Where: Riverside Park
When: September 20, All Day
The term “orphan car” describes a vehicle built by a manufacturer that has discontinued business entirely, and because Ypsi has such an important history in cars and orphan cars, it’s the perfect place for this unique car event. The 2020 show celebrates the 22nd year of the Orphan Car Show! Spectator admission is $7 for adults and children under 12 are admitted for free.
The David Bromberg Quintet | Ann Arbor
Where: The Ark
When: September 25, 8-10:30 p.m.
Rescheduled from May, this exciting music event at The Ark is finally here! A legend of the folk scene, David Bromberg got his start in the Greenwich Village coffeehouse scene in the mid-1960s. His extraordinary guitar picking and exceptional stylistic range developed over the next decade. Head to The Ark this September to see him with his band and to listen to selections from their new album!
Hero Nation Comic-Con | Ypsilanti
Where: Parkridge Community Center
When: September 26, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Ypsilanti’s own free Hero National Comic-Con is back! This year, head to the Parkridge Community Center and pick up free toys, comics, school supplies and more and celebrate “the hero inside of you.”
Community Celebrations
16th Annual Oktoberfest | Saline
Where: Downtown Saline
When: September 18-19, Saturday 5-11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
This fall celebration brings the spirit of Germany to downtown Saline. In celebration of the community’s sister city relationship with Lindenberg, Germany, Oktoberfest features traditional and modern music, a festive biergarten, a corn hole tournament, wiener dog races and so much more over the course of two full days.
Finders Keepers Vintage Market | Chelsea
Where: 20501 West Old US Highway 12
When: September 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Photo courtesy of the Finders Keepers Vintage Market
Chelsea’s favorite vintage market is back! Spend the day shopping local boutiques, upscale hand-made farmhouse decor, mid-century modern furniture, delicious sweets, salvaged finds, jewelry, organic products and more. There will also be live music and food trucks! Admission costs $5.
Sports
Virtual Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Run | Ann Arbor
Where: Anywhere
When: September 1-7, All Day
Due to the pandemic, The Ann Arbor Track Club has decided to move their popular Dexter-Ann Arbor Race online. That means you can complete the race in your own time over the course of a whole week while also getting a finisher medal, a t-shirt, a downloadable bib number and more. Proceeds from the event help support the Track Club.
2020 Charity Golf Tournament | Chelsea
Where: Rustic Glen Golf Club
When: September 12, 9 a.m.
Join the Rustic Glen Golf Club for a golf tournament and steak dinner! Teams of four can enter for the chance to win up to $1,000. For more information and to stay updated on this fun event, click here.
7th Annual RunTough for ChadTough 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run | Saline
Where: Saline High School
When: September 26, Anytime
Benefitting The ChadTough Foundation—a local nonprofit in Saline—this running event is celebrating its seventh year with a family-friendly 5K and a one-mile fun run. This year, due to the pandemic, they’ve moved the event online, which means you can choose where, when and how far you run! When you register, they will send you a race shirt and a bib and your registration fee will go to help support the nonprofit.
Food + Drink
Ann Arbor Cars & Coffee | Ann Arbor
Where: Zingerman’s Roadhouse
When: September 19, 7:30-9 a.m.
Photo courtesy of Ann Arbor Cars & Coffee
Coffee, pastries and classic cars? Count us in! Head to Zingerman’s Roadhouse on the third Sunday of the month for a morning of car enthusiast fun. The parking lot, serving coffee and pastries, is open from 7:30-9 a.m. After 9, you can continue the fun at their restaurant.