June 19, 2023
14 Awesome August Events in the Ann Arbor Area 2022
With summer winding down, we’re giving one last salute to our favorite season — taking advantage of all the things we love about this time of year, including live music, food trucks, arts events, camping, 5Ks, and more.
There is so much to do this August all throughout the Ann Arbor area! Add these awesome August events to your calendar to finish the summer strong.
Jump Ahead:
Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink
Arts + Culture
Milan Music Fest | Milan
Where: Various Locations in Milan
When: August 2–6, 2022
Milan Music Fest is celebrating 25 years this August! Formerly known as the Milan Bluegrass Festival, this beloved annual festival has grown to include more than just bluegrass music — and this year, there will be more acts than ever before. This five-day festival takes place at the KC Campground in Milan, a 20-acre retreat with a variety of amenities, including a playground, pond, weekend hayrides, basketball courts and horseshoe pits. Opt to stay on-site at KC Campground for a truly immersive experience — and the opportunity to attend multiple days of the festival. Check out the schedule and purchase your tickets in advance before they sell out!
The Ton-Up | Ypsilanti
Where: Corner Brewing, Ypsilanti
When: August 14, 2022
The Ton-Up is a motorcycle and music festival, returning to Ypsilanti for the 12th year this August! Serving to promote and educate the public about the art, science and history of the motorcycle, motorcycle safety, and awesome music, this all-day event will bring vintage and custom motorcycles, scooters and mopeds to Arbor Brewing Company’s Corner Brewery in addition to local music and tons of fun. To learn more, check out the Facebook event page!
10th Annual Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival | Dexter
Where: Monument Park, Dexter
When: August 15–20
“En plein air” is the French term for painting outdoors. The Paint Dexter Plein Art Festival celebrates just that — and gives artists and community members the opportunity to paint outdoors over the course of six days in Dexter. Hosted by the Dexter Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee, the festival includes a variety of activities throughout the week for painters and non-painters alike, culminating with an art sale on Friday and Saturday.
Community Celebrations
Main Street Block Party | Ann Arbor
Where: Main Street Ann Arbor
When: August 3, 2022
Who doesn’t love a good neighborhood block party? Head to Main Street Ann Arbor for an evening of summertime fun at the Main Street Block Party, where you can enjoy local restaurants, the arts, and an impressive display of classic cars. The festivities are happening from 6–10 p.m.!
Manchester Community Fair | Manchester
Where: Manchester Community Fairgrounds
When: August 9–13, 2022
Fried food, carnival rides and games — it’s fair season! Michigan’s “Biggest Little Fair” is back and we couldn’t be more excited. All the fun kicks off on August 9th at the Manchester Community Fairgrounds. Take a look at the schedule of events and purchase tickets at the gate — admission ranges from just $5–7!
Dexter Daze | Dexter
Where: Various Locations in Dexter
When: August 12–13, 2022
For more than 50 years, Dexter Daze has been a beloved community tradition, celebrating summer with artisans and crafters, local businesses and free entertainment in the heart of Dexter. Check out the entertainment schedule to see who’s playing this year — and don’t miss the fireworks show on Friday night and the parade on Saturday morning!
Saline’s Summerfest | Saline
Where: Various Locations in Saline
When: August 12–13, 2022
Returning to the streets of downtown Saline this month, Saline’s Summerfest is a hometown celebration like no other! Enjoy a beer tent and food vendors, family activities, live entertainment, a 5K, volleyball and soccer tournaments, a pageant, tricycle races, a teen block party, an electric vehicle show, and much more! Take a look at the event schedule to know what to expect at this two-day festival.
7th Annual Heritage Car Show & 65th Anniversary Celebration | Ypsilanti
Where: Gene Butman Ford, Ypsilanti
When: August 13, 2022
Calling all vintage car collectors and enthusiasts! The annual Heritage Car Show in Ypsilanti is one of the best car shows around. Celebrating 65 years this year, Gene Butman Ford is hosting this all-day car show, featuring modern-day cars all the way back to cars made in the early 1900s. All makes and models are welcome! There will also be live music, food trucks, free drinks, table raffles, goodie bags and so much more.
Chelsea Community Fair | Chelsea
Where: Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, Chelsea
When: August 23–27, 2022
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! Check out the full schedule for this exciting five-day event in Chelsea.
Sports
Rolling Hills Family Campouts | Ypsilanti
Where: Rolling Hills County Park, Ypsilanti
When: August 5–7 + 12–14, 2022
Get in one last summer camping trip with Rolling Hills Family Campouts, taking place over the first two weekends in August. Participants can opt for either the one- or two-night stay, taking advantage of the many activities available for all ages, including fishing, crafts, hiking, stargazing, and making s’mores around the campfire. Top off the adventure with a Sunday morning pancake breakfast! Click here for more information, including pricing and registration.
Ann Arbor Triathlon | Ann Arbor
Where: Pinckney Recreation Area
When: August 6, 2022
The Ann Arbor Triathlon is the culmination of all your training: running, biking and swimming. 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 course. If you’re up for the challenge, register here!
The Watermoo | Dexter
Where: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen
When: August 13, 2022
Presented by Jolly Pumpkin, The Watermoo is a 111-mile cycling road race on mostly gravel, some tarmac, and an abandoned road with a river crossing in the farmlands of southeastern Michigan. To successfully complete The Watermoo, one must work hard and patiently like the water oxen that once roamed this land many years ago. Afterward, don’t miss the after party at Jolly Pumpkin and enjoy some food and drinks with your new cycling friends! Click here for all the info and to register.
Swim to the Moon | Hell
Where: Hi-Land Chain of Lakes
When: August 21, 2022
Don’t let the fact that it’s located in Hell, Michigan deter you from participating in this extraordinary open-water swimming race. Participants can choose their distance — the half-mile, 1.2-mile, 5K or 10K, going through the picturesque Hi-Land Chain of Lakes. Plus, proceeds from the event benefit an amazing cause: North Star Reach, a camp for children with life-threatening, serious and chronic medical conditions. Learn more and register for Swim to the Moon here!
Food + Drink
Project Grow’s Annual Tomato Tasting and 50th Anniversary Celebration | Ann Arbor
Where: Leslie Science and Nature Center, Ann Arbor
When: August 20, 2022
Project Grow provides Ann Arbor area residents with the space, know-how, and inspiration to grow their own fresh, organic food. The organization is celebrating 50 years at this year’s Annual Tomato Tasting and 50th Anniversary Celebration, focused on all things community, nature and gardening. This free event has something for everyone, including food trucks, live music and dancing, nature exhibits, lessons on organic gardening, and even pick-your-own crops in the Project Grow garden! Click here to learn more about Project Grow and this exciting event.
Happy August!
What August events in the Ann Arbor area are you most excited about?
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