Quite possibly the most fun-filled month in our region, July is the height of summer and celebration in Ann Arbor. While this month will probably look a little different than usual due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there are still plenty of things to do in the area, virtual and otherwise.

To help you plan for the month ahead, we’ve rounded up some fun events in the A2 area this month, from local car shows to virtual 5Ks. Enjoy!

Please note that due to the pandemic, many of these events are tentative, with information changing daily. You can click on the link above each listing to see the most current information on any particular event. And remember to wear a facial covering and to keep a 6-foot distance from others if you do attend one of these events.

Jump Ahead:

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

Arts + Culture

Nevertheless Film Festival

Where: Online

When: July 9-12

Photo courtesy of the Nevertheless Film Festival

Taking place right here in Ann Arbor, Nevertheless Film Festival is a fully women-run film festival. This virtual event serves to amplify the voices of female-identifying filmmakers, inspire audiences of all ages, and engage the community in a conversation about the power of equal representation behind the camera. To learn more, check out the website here.

 

Rolling Sculpture Car Show

Where: Main Street, Ann Arbor

When: July 10, 2-10 p.m.

The 26th 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. On the day of the show, guests will enjoy hundreds of exotic, antique, classic and one-of-a-kind cars, and live music. Organizers are currently monitoring the pandemic and may make changes as the date approaches. Click here to stay updated.

 

Ann Arbor Monster Record and CD Show

Where: Weber’s Ann Arbor

When: July 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For the 35th year in a row, Weber’s is opening their doors for a killer record show—featuring hundreds of great records, LPs, 45s, DVDs, CDs, posters and more. Admission is always $3, but if you want to get in a little early to get the best deals, admission is $15. Follow the Monster Record and CD show on Facebook to keep up with updates and vendor announcements!

 

Wearable Medicine: Herb Walk & Botanical Dye Workshop

Where: Black Locust Gardens

When: July 18, 1-5:30 p.m.

The world around us is full of color and possibility, so why not make clothes out of it? Alex Rea of 13 Botanicals will be teaching Ann Arbor area locals about the few medicinal plants growing on her family-owned organic herb farm. During the nature walk, you’ll learn a little about each plant, what healing properties they offer, and suggestions on how to use them. You’ll also get to harvest a few plants to use in a natural dye project, which you’ll do with local natural dyers, Corinne Denomme and Gaylyn Kaufman.

 

Community Celebrations

Ypsilanti 4th of July Virtual Parade

Where: Online

When: July 4, 11 a.m.

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 it’s not going to let a pandemic stop it! This year, they are planning a virtual parade instead, featuring videos of local organizations, bands, groups or businesses being festive. You can submit your own video to [email protected].

 

Black Empowerment Awards

Where: Ypsilanti Farmers’ Market Hall

When: July 4, 6-9 p.m.

The Bookday Booker T. Washington Holiday Black Empowerment Awards is happening on July 4th this year in Ypsilanti! This year’s award ceremony will cover topics like health, economics, education, relationships, land, politics and protection. You don’t want to miss the powerful keynotes, thoughtful panels, celebrity guests, best-selling authors, live entertainment, workshops and more. Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets.

 

AADL Summer Game Spectacular

Where: Veterans Sports Complex

When: July 11, 1-4 p.m.

You’re invited to the fourth annual Summer Game Spectacular! Get outside and enjoy the summer in one of Ann Arbor’s greatest parks with the high flying circus, the Aviary along with amazing outdoor games, face painting, food trucks and more. The “splendiferously staggering” event will take place at the baseball and softball fields of the Veterans Sports Complex.

Big Hearted Stories: Experiences of Aging

Where: Online
When: July 30, 7 p.m.
Tune in for a free evening of local storytelling, connection and entertainment as Big Hearted Stories celebrates their 15th anniversary! Your support will benefit a variety of different charities including Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels and the Housing Bureau for Seniors.
 

Sports

Sunday Yoga at Bløm

Where: Bløm Meadworks

When: Sundays, 12-1 p.m.

Every Sunday this month, Bløm Meadworks is hosting 60-minute yoga classes to help you let go of stress and get ready for the coming week. Open to all skill levels, these classes are the perfect way to dip your toes into the yoga world—and drink some mead while you’re at it! These classes cost $15 and include a one draft pour that you can enjoy afterward.

 

Ann Arbor Sports Commission Firecracker 5K (Virtual)

Where: Anywhere

When: July 4-31

The Firecracker 5K is an annual Ann Arbor tradition. So even though it’s technically canceled for this year, they aren’t planning on leaving you hanging! Instead of a traditional race, they are planning on a virtual event. How does it work? Just pick any day between July 4th and July 31st and complete your run wherever you want. Runners will use RaceJoy to upload run distances and times so you can compete against each other on a virtual race course. On August 3rd, they will host an official Zoom awards ceremony! Click here to learn more and to register for this fun event.

 

Firefly 5K Fun Run

Where: County Farm Park

When: July 18, 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Join the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission for their third annual Glow-in-the-Dark Fun Run through County Farm Park! Starting at 8:30 p.m., this evening 5K will take you through the park trails while you enjoy the balmy summer weather. All runners to complete the two-loop race will receive a special Firefly 5K t-shirt. If you would rather participate virtually, you can sign up for one of their Virtual Voyage Adventure 5Ks.

 

6th Annual David G. Ormsby Memorial Golf Outing

Where: Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center

When: July 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The David G. Ormsby Memorial Golf Outing is back for the 6th year in a row! This special golf day at Fox Hills helps to support Alzheimer’s Research and is complete with awesome prizes, raffle items and, of course, a ton of fun. The price is $150 per person and $400 per foursome if you sign up by June 25th.

 

Curling Fest

Where: Chelsea Arctic Coliseum

When: July 31, 7-11 p.m.

It’s pretty hot outside. Escape the heat by heading to the Chelsea Arctic Coliseum for their summer edition of the popular Curling Fest! Enjoy one whole hour of curling on pristine ice. Afterward, head upstairs for an all-you-can-eat buffet of pizza, salad and pop. Curling plus dinner costs $30, but if you’d rather enjoy the festivities without getting on the ice, tickets are only $15.
 

Food + Drink

Ann Arbor Cars & Coffee

Where: Zingerman’s Roadhouse

When: July 18, 7:30-9 a.m.

Photo courtesy of Ann Arbor Cars & Coffee

Coffee, pastries and classic cars? Count us in! Head to Zingerman’s Roadhouse on the third Sunday of the month for a morning of car enthusiast fun. The parking lot, serving coffee and pastries, is open from 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. After 9 you can continue the fun at their restaurant.

 

Chinese Steamed Buns with Shih-Wen Wu

Where: Zingerman’s Bakehouse

When: July 19, 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Make this popular Chinese street food from start to finish with instruction from Shih-Wen Wu, an instructor for the Confucius Institute at UofM. During this workshop, you’ll learn how to knead and make different shapes of bao and finish with steam and pan-fried savory bao and steamed sweet buns.

 

Have a great July!

What are you planning to do this month in Ann Arbor? Let us know in the comments!