Even though the University of Michigan campus clears out in May as students leave for the summer, it doesn’t mean that there is a shortage of activities and events in Ann Arbor. With a wonderful mix of city advantages and scenic beauty, Ann Arbor has endless opportunities for everyone to enjoy during the summer months.
Here are 7 fun and free things to so in Ann Arbor this summer:
Ann Arbor Art Fairs
Drawing over 500,000 visitors annually from Ann Arbor and across the globe, the Ann Arbor Art Fairs are a group of four award-winning art fairs that take place annually. For over 50 years, more than 1,000 artists practicing all mediums gather downtown the third week in July from Wednesday through Saturday. Art exhibits are accompanied by musical performances, outdoor dining, sidewalk sales, and children’s activities.

Click here for more information about the Ann Arbor Art Fairs.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Held for just over three weeks in late June and early July, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival is an exhilarating celebration of performance arts, indoor and outdoor entertainment and community spirit. In its 29th season, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival is offering visitors dozens of performances, activities, and exhibitions for people of all ages.

Click here for a complete schedule of events, performances and activities.
AnnArbor.com Summer Concert Series
Showcasing a diverse mix of local musicians, the AnnArbor.com Summer Concert Series is every Friday at noon on the patio at 301 East Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor. In its third season, the AnnArbor.com Summer Concert Series is jam-packed with incredible local talent preforming all summer long.

Click here for the 2012 Concert Line-Up.
Canoe at Argo Park
A 22-acre riverside park in a quiet and natural setting, Argo Park has a new canoe livery with canoes, 1-person and 2-people kayaks available to rent. Argo Park also has several trails for runners, bikers and hikers alike to enjoy.

Explore Gallup Park
Ann Arbor’s most popular recreation area, Gallup Park is a 69-acre park along the Huron River. With scenic walkways, Gallup Park is a popular destination for runners, walkers, and hikers. The park also contains 2 playgrounds, a canoe livery, picnic areas, 2 picnic shelters, several grills, and an open field for playing.

Sonic Lunch
Brought to you by Bank of Ann Arbor, Sonic Lunch is downtown Ann Arbor’s free lunchtime music concert series on Thursdays in Liberty Plaza from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. In its fifth season, Sonic lunch features returning local favorites as well as big names who are expected to draw large crowds.

Stimulate your senses at Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
Matthaei Botanical Gardens bursts into life in the spring, with over 20,000 daffodils. The fragrance that fills the air from the beautiful lilacs and the breathtaking view of thousands of flowers is an experience like no other. Nichols Arboretum, known as the “Arb” to Ann Arborites, has several trails that wind through exotic trees and shrubs. The Arb, which connects to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, is a popular place to run, bike, and hike.

 
What is your favorite thing to do in the summer in Ann Arbor?