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12 August Events in Ann Arbor That You Don't Want to Miss

The culmination of summer fun in Southeast Michigan is upon us. While August will probably look a little different than usual due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there are still plenty of things to do in Ann Arbor—virtual and otherwise—including our annual Pride Celebration and an exciting air show!

So peruse our top picks for August 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 events.

 

Jump Ahead:

Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink

 

Arts + Culture

2020 Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival | Dexter

Where: Monument Park

When: August 17-21


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En plein air is the act of painting outdoors, and the Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival invites artists and community members to do just that! Over the course of five days, local and visiting artists will paint in and around Dexter. Due to the pandemic, this year’s event is a little different. For starters, they have canceled the usual in-person Festival Tent, where attendees can purchase the art painted during the festival. Instead, they are giving you the chance to view and buy artwork online and have it shipped to your home. For more information and event updates, click here.

 

The Samaritas Summer Drive-In | Plymouth

Where: USA Hockey Arena

When: August 27, 8-11 p.m.

At the end of the month, join Samaritas’ friends and supporters for a ‘50s themed evening out! Head to the USA Hockey Arena and enjoy live entertainment featuring classic tunes from the 1950s, as well as root beer floats and a drive-in movie. Costumes are encouraged! Tickets include drive-in dining, popcorn, soda, water and coffee and more. Proceeds from the event go to support Samaritas, a Lutheran nonprofit organization dedicated to helping with foster care, adoption, affordable living, independent and assisted senior living, rehab centers, and more.

 
 

Community Celebrations

Ann Arbor Pride Virtual Celebration | Ann Arbor

Where: Online

When: August 1

Originally called OUTFest, Ann Arbor Pride has been showcasing equality and LGBTQ+ support for decades. Due to the pandemic, they have moved the event online, giving you the chance to enjoy all of your favorite Pride activities virtually! Tune in on August 1st to see local artists, drag performers, bands, sponsors and headliners from the comfort of home. Click here for more information.

 

Suffragette Speakeasy | Saline

Where: The 109 Cultural Exchange

When: August 1, 7-9 p.m.

2020 is the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote. Celebrate with camaraderie, fun and cocktails at this exciting event from the 109 Cultural Exchange in Saline! Proceeds help support Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan and their Pacesetter program, which provides scholarships to girls who could not otherwise afford the program.

 

5th Annual Heritage Car Show | Ypsilanti

Where: Gene Butman Ford

When: August 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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We love a good car show and the annual Heritage Car Show in Ypsilanti is one of the best! While this year’s event may look a little different, they are still planning to throw a fun—and safe—soiree for the whole family. Head to Gene Butman Ford on August 8th and peruse cars from 2020 all the way back to the early 1900s!

 

The Vintage Market: Backroads & Blooms | Ann Arbor

Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

When: August 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This exciting shopping event at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds features five beautiful connected barns packed full of interesting vintage finds! Shop from more than 150 vendors and enjoy a food truck rally, live music, free photo booths, psychic readings and so much more. This event is subject to change due to the pandemic, so we recommend following them on Facebook to stay updated.

 

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show | Ypsilanti

Where: Willow Run Airport

When: August 29-30

At Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, this family event brings the United States Air Force Thunderbirds to Southeast Michigan. The air show will feature presentations from the F16 Demo Team and the Screamin’ Sasquatch. You can buy your tickets in advance here. Kids 15 years and younger are admitted for free!

 

Chelsea Community Fair | Chelsea

Where: Chelsea Community Fairgrounds

When: August 25-29

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One of our favorite community events in the region, the Chelsea Community Fair includes a rodeo, multiple tractor pulls, livestock competitions and auctions, demolition derbies, a local merchant tent, and more. For all the details, click here.

 

Sports

Ann Arbor Triathlon | Ann Arbor

Where: Pinckney Recreation Area or Online

When: August 1, 7:30 a.m.

The Ann Arbor Triathlon is the culmination of all your training, running, biking and swimming efforts. Beginning at Halfmoon Lake in Pinckney State Recreation Area, you’ll swim the waters of Halfmoon, bike the country roads of the surrounding rural area, then run the 5-mile Poto Trail course to complete the challenge. Due to the pandemic, the Ann Arbor Triathlon may turn into a virtual event. Click here for the most recent information.

 

15th Annual Scholarship Benefit Golf Outing | Ann Arbor

Where: University of Michigan Golf Course

When: August 2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Calling all golfers! The Annual U-M Band Alumni Association golf outing is scheduled for August 2nd. This favorite golf event benefits the University of Michigan Marching Band and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. So dust off your golf clubs and get ready for a fun day on the course! Click here to register.

 

Swim to the Moon | Ann Arbor

Where: Pinckney Recreation Area or Online

When: August 16, 9 a.m.

Celebrating 10 years in 2019, Swim to the Moon is an extraordinary open-water swimming adventure through the picturesque Hiland Chain of Lakes near Hell, Michigan. Participants can choose between distances, including the half-mile, the 1.2-mile, the 5K or 10K.  Due to the pandemic, Swim to the Moon may turn into a virtual event. For full details and online registration, click here.

 
 

Food + Drink

Virtual Creative Cookies | Ann Arbor

Where: Zingerman Bake!

When: August 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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Unleash your creativity virtually on cookies! In this online Zoom class, you’ll learn to make our tasty sugar cookie dough and use a variety of decorating techniques. You’ll make your own cookie dough and fresh fondant from scratch. The experts at Zingerman Bake! will show you how to decorate with fondant and royal icing, and then you’ll get plenty of hands-on practice. You provide the cookie cutters!

 

Have a Great Month!

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