In less than 24 hours over 500,000 visitors from across the globe will make the journey to downtown Ann Arbor to experience for the 45^th Ann Arbor Art Fair. The art fair will be held Wednesday July 16 to Friday July 18, from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday July 19, 10 a.m. -6 p.m. throughout the streets of downtown Ann Arbor.

The Summer Art Fair has 375 exhibiting artist booths, art demonstrations and features special guests including the Carr Center Artist-in-Training program and the Gallery U Boutique, an art therapy and vocational training program from Therapeutic Rehab/Universal Institute.  There will also be cooling misting stations located on State Street.
 

Getting Around
The best way to get around the fair is to take a shuttle. Shuttles are reasonably priced at just $1.50 each way, or $3.00 for a round trip. Students in grades K-12 and Fare Deal cardholders ride for $.75. Holders of Senior and A-Ride identification cards issued by TheRide, and children five years of age and younger, ride free.
 
For Locals
While Ann Arborites may feel frustrated by the increased traffic and trouble parking there are still many things we can appreciate. For locals the art fair provides important economic benefits to the city. A recent economic impact study conducted by the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Ann Arbor Art Fair was second only to the University of Michigan for visitor recognition with July being the month Ann Arbor saw the most visitors.

Art Fair App
For those who are looking to navigate the fair there is an app for that. A free iPhone application includes an interactive map of the fair (with geo-location, so users can see their current location in relationship to specific artists), with information about local businesses; AAAF events; the trolley; food; information booths; music stages; parking; and a comprehensive list of artists, with sample images of their work.
Click here for a full lineup of performances and events.