19 August Events in the Ann Arbor Area
Summer is coming to an end but there is plenty of fun to be had before then. Any of these nineteen local area events will keep you entertained.
Milan Bluegrass Festival
August 4 – August 6
The Milan Bluegrass Festival will be held in the KC Campground just east of Milan. Thousands gather from all over the country just east of Milan annually for the popular festival. Eighteen bluegrass performers and bands will perform.
| • | August 4: 12:30pm – 9:30pm |
| • | August 5: 1:00pm – 9:00pm |
| • | August 6: 12:30pm – 9:30pm |
The Importance of Being Earnest
August 4 – August 6
One of the most entertaining plays in the English language, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest combines sparkling wit, social satire, and farcical situations in one glorious package. This play will be performed at the Kerrytown Concert House.
| • | August 4: 8:00pm |
| • | August 5: 8:00pm |
| • | August 6: 2:00pm |
| • | August 6: 8:00pm |
My Fair Lady
August 4 – August 28
The Encore Musical Theatre in Dexter is producing My Fair Lady. Starring Jessica Grove as Eliza Doolittle and directed by Tony-award winning designer/director Tony Walton.
First Friday Downtown Concert Series
August 5
Enjoy a fun outdoor concert as part of the First Fridays Downtown Art Wal, provided by the Downtown Association of Ypsilanti. The concert is taking place at downtown branch of the Ypsilanti Library from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Please note that the concert will be held inside the library in the event of rain.
Milan Summer Fest
August 5 & August 6
Milan Summer Fest is an annual community-wide event that celebrates summer with tons of family-oriented fun. The event starts Friday evening and runs all day Saturday.
Manchester Street Art Fair
August 6
Be sure to save the date and invite family and friends to join you for a fun filled day in the Village of Manchester. “Run Manchester” kicks off the days festivities beginning at 8:00am and features a 10K, 5K, and 1 mile Fun Run. Once the run has finished, stay to enjoy the following entertainment until 9pm: juried art fair, 20 family friendly musical acts in 3 different locations along Main Street, a vintage car show, a dunk tank, live music and more.
The Super Run
August 6
The Super Run is a superhero themed event featuring a 5k and a family friendly fundraising run. The event takes place at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor and goes from 8:00am – 11:00am. Enjoy entertainment and other family activities.
The Dragonboat Festival
August 6
The Dragonboat Festival is an annual celebration of DIY building and design, culture, competition, community, and fun. Dragonboat Festival 2016 will be held at the lower pond of Robin Hills Farm and will feature various competitive Dragonboat races using homemade boats. The event begins at 9am with a boat exhibition where spectators can visit and photograph the many different boat designs. The exhibition will be followed by a series of boat-race heats around the lower pond where teams will be competing against one another in hopes of advancing further into the competition. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony.
Underground Railroad Bus Tour: Journey to Freedom
August 7
Learn the rich details of community history as you ride by the exterior of local and nationally know Underground Railroad landmarks, historic sites and homes on this docent guided tour. The tour departs at 2:00pm from –and returns to– the parking lot in front of the Tech Building at WCC.
Dexter Daze
August 12 & August 13
Dexter Daze has occurred annually for 44 years. Enthusiasm and community growth have developed an event that includes artisans, crafters, businesses and free entertainment for the whole family. The event runs Friday from 4:00pm -10:00 pm and Saturday 10:00am – 10:00 pm.
Saline’s Summerfest 2016
August 12 & August 13
On a fine summer weekend, along the streets of Downtown Saline, a wonderful assortment of activities, attractions, and amusements will bring together people of all ages and interests. It’s a super hometown celebration – Saline’s Summerfest 2016!
Plein Air Festival
August 15 – August 20
For the 4th year in a row, under the curious and watchful eye of the public, local and visiting artists will paint for four days in and around Dexter. The festival culminates with a two-day exhibit and silent auction of all competition artwork in the Tent Gallery in Monument Park. Activities included a friendly competition for professional and emerging artists, a quick-draw painting competition, a silent auction and artwork sale, and more.
Nashbash Music Festival
August 18
Nashville singer/songwriter Sally Barris headlines the 10th Anniversary of the Nashbash Music Festival. Set in the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, the event features a roster of first-class national and local performers in an intimate neighborhood atmosphere, making Kerrytown the place to be on Thursday evening during the dog days of summer. The artistic force behind Nashbash is Whit Hill, a longtime member of the Ann Arbor arts community who now lives in Nashville. True to Nashbash tradition, she and her band Whit Hill and the Postcards join the Nashbash roster, which this year also includes local favorites Hoodang, The Bill Edwards Band, The Judy Banker Band and The Whiskey Charmers. The festival runs from 5:00pm – 9:30pm.
Thunder Over Michigan Air Show
August 20 & August 21
The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show presented by Wayne County Airport Authority takes place each summer at Willow Run Airport, which is located just outside Ypsilanti. The show site is conveniently located within a short drive of Detroit.
Chelsea Community Fair
August 23 – August 27
The Chelsea Community Fair is hosted at the Chelsea Fairgrounds, which is located just south of downtown Chelsea. The annual fair is organized and run by the Board of Directors and the Daily Activity Fair Committees and takes place in mid-August.
Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
August 26 – August 28
Ypsilanti Heritage Festival is a free community festival featuring arts and crafts, live music, family activities and entertainment, historical presentations, and so much more.
DIYpsi Indie Art Fair
August 27 & August 28
Our intent is to be one component of a thriving community of entrepreneurs, artists, organizations and events that serve to build it up. Our contribution to this endeavor is DIYpsi (dip-see) – an art fair featuring all hand-made items that takes place in Ypsilanti’s business districts once each summer and winter. For two weekends each year we host the best indie artists our city and region have to offer for a one of a kind shopping experience that will take care of everyone on your list. We’ll also have incredible hand crafted food and drink when so bring your appetite!
Saline Community Fair
August 31 – September 4
Promising something for everyone, the 2016 Saline Community Fair will feature animals, exhibits, music, a car show, rides, food and more. Gates open August 31 at 9:00am.
