July is the height of summer heat, fun and celebration in Ann Arbor. To celebrate, our communities are coming together for outdoor events, concerts, games, festivals and so much more.
To help you make this a month to remember, we rounded up our top 15 local happenings — from the recurring concerts that will get you on your feet, to the annual festivals you don’t want to miss, and everything in between!
For even more summer fun, check out 21 Summer Fairs and Festivals in the Ann Arbor Area You Don’t Want to Miss which includes events happening through August.
 
 

Arts + Culture

Sonic Lunch | Ann Arbor

June 7 – August 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Downtown Ann Arbor
Since 2008, Sonic Lunch has been bringing free, outdoor concerts to the streets of downtown Ann Arbor every summer. Suitable for all ages, the 2018 concert series kicked off on June 7th and continues through July with shows on July 5th, 12th and 26th. All shows begin at 11:30 a.m. and you can see the full lineup here.
 

Michigan Elvisfest | Ypsilanti

July 6 – 7, various times | Historic Depot Town
Showcasing some of the best professional Elvis tribute artists in North America, Elvisfest offers fun for fans and music lovers of all ages. With the purchase of your ticket (ranging in price from $20 to $60) you can enjoy kids activities, a classic car show, local food vendors, an adult beer tent, raffles and more.
 

Rolling Sculpture Car Show | Ann Arbor

July 13, 2 – 10 p.m. | Downtown Ann Arbor  
The 24th Annual Rolling Sculpture Car Show is returning to Main, Liberty and Washington Streets in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor this July. The event itself is free and open to the public and all cars are welcome to exhibit for a pre-registration fee of $20. On the day of the show, guests will enjoy 300 exotic, antique, classic and one of a kind cars, live music from Hot Rod DJ, Surfer Joe, and family activities provided by The Ann Arbor District Library.
 

Saline Celtic Festival | Saline

July 13 – 14, various times | Mill Pond Park
The Saline Celtic Festival originally began as a one-day festival but has grown in popularity and fun to include a full weekend of entertainment. Today, the event includes Highland dance competitions, ancient Celtic athletic competitions, kids activities at Wee Folks Island, living history, jousting, sheep herding dog demonstrations, and so much more!
 

Art In The Park | Plymouth

July 13 – 15, various times | Downtown Plymouth
Art In The Park is celebrating its 39th year in 2018 by welcoming over 400 artists from around the country. These professionals and hobbyists will be offering paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, woodwork, glass, photography, folk art and so much more. And all the art comes along with live entertainment and food to create Michigan’s second largest art fair!
 

Ann Arbor Art Fair | Ann Arbor

July 19 – 22, various times | Downtown Ann Arbor
Kicked off by the Townie Street Party on Monday, July 16th and hosted in conjunction with the State Street Art Fair, Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair has grown into quite the event. All around town, you’ll find stage performances, street performers and street painting, an art activity zone, a youth art fair, and even more.
 

Sounds & Sights Festival | Chelsea

July 26 – 28, various times | Downtown Chelsea
 This weekend festival began over three decades ago and has grown to be one of the best summer events in the region. Over two days and three nights, you can experience live music, an indie art market, kids’ entertainment, a classic car show and more in historic downtown Chelsea.
 
 

Community Celebrations

Ypsilanti’s Independence Day Parade | Ypsilanti

July 4, 11 a.m. | Historic Depot Town
Honor and celebrate the July 4th holiday with one of the area’s favorite, patriotic traditions: Ypsilanti’s Independence Day Parade. This 90-year tradition is Michigan’s oldest parade and will fill the streets of Depot Town with community fun and plenty of red, white and blue!
 

Hot Air Jubilee | Jackson

July 20 – 22, various times | Ella Sharp Park
Offering free admission and just $5 parking on-site, Jackson’s Hot Air Jubilee is a full weekend of hot air balloons, entertainment, carnival rides and food. Along with several balloon launches scheduled throughout the festival, you can explore the Ella Sharp Museum, dance to the live DJ, play in Kids Kingdom and so much more! Check out the full schedule here.
 
 

Sports

Firecracker 5K and Mile Fun Run | Ann Arbor

July 4, 7:55 – 9:45 a.m. | Downtown Ann Arbor
On the morning of July 4th in downtown Ann Arbor, racers will take off from the intersection of Fourth and Liberty — the most patriotic intersection in town. The main race is a 3.1 mile course through downtown, but the event also offers a Mile Fun Run and a Kids’ 100-Meter Dash for children 8 years and under. Get all the details and register online here.
 

Jackson Highland Games | Jackson

July 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Ella Sharp Park
The second annual Jackson Highland Games is returning to Ella Sharp Park on July 28th. This full day of fun and games will include traditional athletic events like tug-o-war, the caber toss, track and field events, and Highland dance competitions.
 

International Champions Cup | Ann Arbor

July 28, 3 p.m. | Michigan Stadium  
This month the International Champions Cup is coming right here to Ann Arbor. Set in The Big House, Manchester United out of Manchester, United Kingdom and Liverpool FC out of Liverpool, United Kingdom will face off for a global championship opportunity. Get tickets before they sell out and you’ll even have the chance to enjoy the Champions Lounge or the Premium Suite.
 
 

Food + Drink

Manchester Chicken Broil | Manchester

July 19, 4 – 8 p.m. | Alumni Field
Each year on the third Thursday of July in Manchester, the largest chicken broil of its kind comes to town! Benefiting local public schools, community parks, libraries and civic causes, your $9 – 10 ticket includes a dinner of chicken, locally famous coleslaw, a roll with butter, potato chips, radishes and a beverage, as well as live music entertainment and a classic car show.
 

Michigan Summer Beer Festival | Ypsilanti

July 27 – 28, various times | Riverside Park
The oldest of the Michigan Brewers Guild’s four annual festivals, the 21st Annual Summer Beer Festival will host more than 100 local breweries sampling more than 1,000 different craft beers. Guests can also enjoy live music from Michigan bands and food available for purchase!
 

Picnic at German Park | Ann Arbor

July 28, 4 – 11 p.m. | German Park
The German Park Recreation Club hosts three picnics every summer and this month’s event is set for July 28th from 4 – 11 p.m. For an admission price of just $5 per person, you can enjoy German culture, food, beer and more! Feel free to bring the whole family but no one under 21 years of age will be admitted without a parent or guardian.
 
 

Happy July!