“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”

— William Shakespeare

April is almost upon us! And with it comes an array of events to help you get moving, get inspired, and experience our beautiful region in all its springtime glory.

From lively festivals to thrilling bike races, and home shows to wine walks, there is something for everyone on the calendar this month. Check out these much-anticipated April events in the Ann Arbor area to start planning your ultimate springtime adventure!

Jump Ahead:

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

 

Arts + Culture

Spring Fiber Expo | Saline

Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

When: April 1 + 2, 2023

Once during the spring and again during the fall, the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds are filled with fiber products of all kinds at the Spring Fiber Expo. Come by to shop, learn and meet makers of wool, linen and cotton crafts, see real alpacas and more! The expo extends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Children ages 12 years and under are admitted for free, while adults pay just $4 cash for one day or $6 for two.

 

Novi Home & Garden Show | Novi

Where: Suburban Collection Showplace

When: March 31–April 2, 2023

The Novi Home & Garden Show is one of the largest of its kind in the region, bringing together a variety of home-related resources, including exhibits, booths and seminars. Discover new home improvement products and services for every type of project imaginable, from interior decorating to landscaping. Plus, talk to experienced, established area businesses available for consulting or hire. Exhibitors include landscapers, deck and patio professionals, homebuilders, kitchen and bathroom remodelers, waterproofing experts, cabinet and countertop installers, basement refinishers, roofing and siding companies, and much more. Admission to the Novi Home & Garden Show is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under!

 

Sunday Artisan Market Opening Day | Ann Arbor

Where: Ann Arbor Farmers Market

When: April 2, 2023

Starting on April 2, the Sunday Artisan Market will be popping up in Kerrytown each Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Come out and celebrate the start of their 32nd season at their opening day! This open-air market showcases some of the area’s best artists selling their original handmade work in a range of media, from traditional to cutting-edge. Admission and parking are free!

 

Annual Fairy Festival | Jackson

Where: Jackson School of the Arts

When: April 28 + 29, 2023

Jackson School of the Arts invites you to their 16th Annual Fairy Festival, a two-day event filled with activities, crafts and snacks inspired by child-like imagination. Your little ones will experience wonderment and joy — and their grown-up companions just might rediscover the child inside themselves! Walk through the Fairy Kingdom, Mermaid Cove, and the dark mountain, and meet a Fairy Princess and Captain Hook himself. And don’t forget to dress up! Friday, April 28 is a VIP day costing $35 per person, due to additional performances, including circus acts, a Neverland theater performance, and more. And tickets for Saturday, April 29 are just $15 per person. Click here for more information about both days!

 

Community Celebrations

FoolMoon | Ann Arbor

Where: Ann Arbor Farmers Market

When: April 7, 2023

FoolMoon is the nighttime kick-off event to foolishness! Gather at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown to celebrate the arrival of spring and shake off the winter blues. This year’s event, themed around UFOs (unidentified foolish objects), promises to be even more exciting with a range of de-LIGHT-fool surprises, including luminaries, interactive installations, laser shows, live dance performances, and more. The luminary processions, which start from the Ann Arbor District Library’s Downtown Branch and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown at sundown, are not to be missed. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a returning one, you will enjoy the event’s fun-filled activities and community spirit. Join the FoolMoon CommUNITY Facebook group to keep up with the latest news and connect with fellow luminarians and illuminauts.

 

Earth Day Ypsilanti 4 | Ypsilanti

Where: Ypsilanti Freighthouse

When: April 16, 2023

Earth Day Ypsilanti 4 is celebrating Earth Day a few days early! With the theme “building a sustainable community,” the event is an opportunity to meet and greet others who share a green mindset and are doing amazing things in the community. Even if you are not yet “green” or are still learning, you are encouraged to attend the event early to talk with the presenters, elected officials, and others who will be sharing their knowledge, practices, and passion. The event promises to be a full five hours, packed with activities and information aimed at educating and inspiring the community to take action toward a more sustainable future.

 

Sports

Big House 5K | Ann Arbor

Where: University of Michigan

When: April 16, 2023

Don’t miss the Big House 5K — celebrating their 10th anniversary this year! This exciting race takes place on the University of Michigan campus, where participants can run or walk the course before crossing the finish line on the 50-yard line of Michigan Stadium. The event’s main goal is to raise awareness and funds for six local non-profit organizations, which are carefully selected based on their work to address the community’s immediate needs. The organizers partner with colleagues on campus and the Athletic Department service pillars to choose the beneficiaries. Last year, 8,830 participants raised $125,000 for the six local non-profit organizations, and this year, they look forward to partnering with them once again to provide a platform to raise awareness and funds for their cause. Sign up for the Big House 5K to help them reach their goals!

 

Waterloo G&G Gravel Bike Race | Grass Lake

Where: Waterloo State Recreation Area

When: April 29, 2023

Hit the trail on this epic bike ride weaving through the wilds of Lower Michigan’s largest park, Waterloo Recreation Area. Here, you’ll discover pristine forests, rolling glacial terrain, and sparkling lakes, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your cycling journey, whether you’re tackling the 100K, the 50K, or the 10-mile non-competitive and untimed ride. Register for the Waterloo G&G Gravel Bike Race to be a part of this epic adventure!

 

14th Annual Ride for Recovery by Dawn Farm | Ypsilanti

Where: Dawn Farm

When: April 30, 2023

This family-oriented fitness event is an annual fundraiser for Dawn Farm, raising funds for their services helping addicts and alcoholics achieve long-term recovery. Community members at any fitness level are invited to register for one of five bike rides: a 10K, a 25-mile, a 40-mile and a 58-mile. There will also be a Farm Fun 5K and 10K Run/Walk, and a celebratory buffet-style lunch will be provided after the races. You can also choose to participate in any of the above-mentioned distances virtually, if you’d rather complete your race or run by yourself (while still donating to an amazing cause!). Family members not participating are asked to register for the lunch-only option so there is enough food for everyone. In 2022, Dawn Farm was able to raise more than $23,000 for their programs and services! Register to support this amazing cause this year.

 

Food + Drink

Milan Wine Walk 2023 | Milan

Where: Milan Main Street

When: April 29, 2023

Explore Milan’s historic downtown while sipping wine at the Milan Wine Walk, presented by Milan Main Street/DDA. During the event, participants can visit 10-12 tasting venues, each featuring two wines and complimentary refreshments. The event is exclusive to those aged 21 and older, who must present a valid ID to participate. Your $50 ticket includes 12 tasting tickets and a souvenir Wine Walk gift. Before the event, registrants will receive an email with important details such as venue locations and check-in/registration information.

 

Happy April!

What events are you most excited about this month? Let us know in the comments!