June is just around the corner! As summer rolls in, Ann Arbor comes alive with a plethora of activities, festivals, and cultural happenings that are sure to captivate locals and visitors alike. From music festivals to art exhibitions, outdoor markets to community celebrations, June offers an array of experiences that showcase the rich tapestry of our region. 

Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply seeking family-friendly fun, we’ve got you covered with a handpicked selection of must-attend events taking place in and around Ann Arbor throughout the month.

Jump Ahead:

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

 

Arts + Culture

Sonic Lunch | Ann Arbor

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: June 1, 8, 15, 22 + 29, 2023

Since 2008, Sonic Lunch has been bringing free, outdoor concerts to the streets of downtown Ann Arbor every summer. Suitable for all ages, the 2023 concert series kicks off on May 21st and continues through the month of August for a total of 14 shows. These weekly concerts take place at the corner of Liberty and Division from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — the perfect way to spend your lunch hour! Check out the full lineup here.

 

Ypsi Pride | Ypsilanti

Where: Depot Town

When: June 2, 2023

Celebrating its seventh year in 2023, Ypsi Pride is a block party of epic proportions in Ypsilanti’s Depot Town. The event will include stages for family-friendly entertainment, beer gardens, local organizations and vendors, a children’s activity area and more! For details and updates, RSVP to the Facebook event here.

 

Ya’ssoo Greek Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

When: June 9–11, 2023

Hosted by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the Ya’ssoo Greek Festival has been an annual tradition since 1973. The festival offers a weekend full of Greek culture, including music, dancing, food, and more. Admission is $3 in cash starting on Friday at 4 p.m., and children 12 and under can enter for free. A percentage of the proceeds is donated to Ozone House, and daily raffle prizes are available, with the first prize being a trip for two to Greece! The festival also features live Greek music by ENIGMA, dance performances, classic Greek food, homemade pastries, and more.

 

Ann Arbor Summer Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Various Locations

When: June 9–25, 2023

As the can’t-miss, arts-centered event of the summer, the 2023 Ann Arbor Summer Festival will include world-class entertainment in comedy, cinema, food, jazz, pop and rock, acoustic, spoken word, public radio, and so much more — all summer long. This June festival has two concurrent series: the outdoor centerpiece of Top of the Park, which includes admission-free concerts, movies, and other events on the U-M campus green. The indoor ticketed series features world-class music, dance, contemporary circus, and comedy. Check out the full lineup of events here!

 

Chelsea Painters Art Fair | Chelsea

Where: Chelsea Community Fairgrounds

When: June 10 + 11, 2023

From humble beginnings in 1973, the Annual Chelsea Painters Art Fair has become one of the area’s best fine arts celebrations. This Chelsea event is celebrating 48 years in 2023 with more than 20 highly accomplished artists exhibiting works in watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil, pastels and mixed media. For more details, click here.

 

Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Ann Arbor District Library

When: June 10 + 11, 2023

Fall in love with comics all over again at the Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival. Back with their first all-weekend show since 2019, the festival celebrates and promotes the love of comics through various workshops, art activities, and one-on-one interactions between comics makers and readers. The festival is a collaborative production between Kids Read Comics and the Ann Arbor District Library and has the support of several businesses and organizations. The festival offers a unique opportunity to meet dozens of comics creators in Artists Alley, participate in comics-making workshops, and browse and buy books. Plus, there will be exciting drawing competitions, where attendees can cheer on cartoonists.

 

Westside Art Hop | Ann Arbor

Where: Old West Side Neighborhood

When: June 10 + 11, 2023

A cross between an art walk and an art fair, the Westside Art Hop invites you to experience art in a personal and immersive way. Local, national and international artists (upwards of 80 total!) will set up in open studios, homes, porches, garages and yards throughout the charming historic Westside neighborhood of Ann Arbor. During the festival, you’ll be able to purchase high-quality art and handmade crafts from artists and creators. Click here for more information, including a detailed map of the event!

 

Community Celebrations

26th Annual Ann Arbor African American Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: June 3, 2023

The African American Downtown Festival was founded by Lucille Hall Porter with the intention of remembering and honoring the contributions of Black business leaders. Today, the festival is organized by the Ann Arbor Cultural and Community Events Coalition and is held in Ann Arbor’s Historic Black Business District. Expect street and stage performances, dancing, local vendors and information booths, kid-friendly activities and more. Click here for more details about the festival, including the full lineup of events!

 

Native Plant Expo & Marketplace | Ann Arbor

Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

When: June 3, 2023

The Native Plant Expo & Marketplace offers residents a convenient location to shop for native plants from several Michigan native plant growers, learn how to establish and maintain native landscapes, and connect with companies specializing in planning native landscapes. This free event is taking place at the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday, June 3.

 

Yankee Air Museum Wings & Wheels | Belleville

Where: Yankee Air Museum

When: June 10, 2023

Don’t miss the Yankee Air Museum Wings & Wheels event to get up close and personal with classic vehicles and historic aircraft on the Willow Run airport ramp. Choose from two ticket options: General Admission ($30 in advance, $40 day of) for aircraft and vehicle viewing, or Admission with Tastings ($45 in advance, $55 day of) for tastings and access to the show. Enjoy food trucks, retail, Air Adventures, and free admission for kids under 15. Click here for tickets to this unforgettable event!

 

Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration 2023 | Ypsilanti

Where: Downtown Ypsilanti

When: June 16–18, 2023

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Ypsilanti, a weekend-long event designed to uplift and honor the Black community, past and present. Last year, the weekend included a Juneteenth Dance Jubilee on Friday night, followed by a festival celebration on Saturday, and a worship celebration on Sunday! Visit the Facebook event page for more information about this year’s festivities as the weekend draws closer.

 

GrieveWell Kite Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Lillie Park

When: June 24, 2023

This year, GrieveWell is hosting their 7th Annual Kite Festival at Lillie Park. This free family-friendly event shares the joy of the outdoors and the whimsy of kites, while remembering and honoring lost loved ones. Attendees include a mixture of community members, kite enthusiasts, GrieveWell supporters, and family members sharing the joy of the outdoors. Enjoy professional kite shows, a kite coloring contest, kite building and flying, and more. Register in advance to take part in the Fly & Remember event.

 

Sports

Epic Races’ Island Lake Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike | Brighton

Where: Island Lake State Recreation Area

When: June 3, 2023

The 4,000-acre Island Lake State Recreation Area in Brighton is the home of the Island Lake Triathlon and is an epic training destination. Those participating in this multi-sport event will swim the waters of Kent Lake, bike the park’s rolling hills, and run the final leg to the lakeside finish line. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land and mature hardwood forest, with some paved roads weaving through rolling hills and open meadows. After the race, stick around for post-race festivities, which include a recovery meal and beer tent! Register to participate in this exciting race.

 

Dexter-Ann Arbor Run | Dexter

Where: Various Locations

When: June 4, 2023

A Michigan staple since 1974, the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run draws thousands of runners from around the region each June to participate in its scenic point-to-point Dexter to Ann Arbor Half Marathon course, 10K and 5K. The half marathon begins in the picturesque town of Dexter and ends in historic downtown Ann Arbor. The out-and-back 10K course starts and finishes in downtown Ann Arbor, featuring a beautiful stretch along scenic Huron River Drive in both directions. And the 5K is a point-to-point route featuring scenic views of the Huron River and downtown Ann Arbor. Click here for more details and to register for one of these races!

 

Tri Goddess Triathlon | Chelsea

Where: Waterloo State Recreation Area

When: June 24, 2023

The first-ever all-women triathlon in Michigan, the Tri Goddess Triathlon is an event organized by women to celebrate women of all abilities, inspiring them to reach new heights of health and set new fitness goals by training for and completing a triathlon. The event is held at the scenic Portage Lake Unit of Waterloo State Recreation Area and includes several different distances, post-race snacks, an epic finisher’s medal and more. Register for the Tri Goddess Triathlon here!

 

Ele’s Place Ann Arbor Healing Hearts Family 5K Walk/Run | Ann Arbor

Where: Thomson Reuters Ann Arbor Campus

When: June 24, 2023

Join the Ele’s Place Ann Arbor Healing Hearts Family 5K Walk/Run to support grieving children, teens and their families in the Ann Arbor and southeast Michigan area. This family-friendly event is an opportunity to remember and honor a loved one who has passed away, while also raising awareness and funds for Ele’s Place Ann Arbor’s peer grief support programs. By participating in this event, you can help ensure that these programs remain free of charge for those who need them today, tomorrow, and always. So, put on your walking or running shoes and join the community for this meaningful event.

 

Food + Drink

Wines of the World | Northville

Where: Northville Square

When: June 9, 2023

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated fourth annual Wines of the World wine tasting event in Northville. This exciting gathering will offer a remarkable selection of over 100 wines, along with spirit and cocktail tastings. Attendees will be treated to a delightful strolling dinner while enjoying musical entertainment throughout the evening. Additionally, a silent auction will provide an opportunity to bid on exclusive items. Generously donated by DWO members and sponsors, the wine and spirits will showcase a diverse range of flavors and styles. Complementing the beverages, delectable food samplings will be provided by local restaurants and caterers. This year’s event will take place in the vibrant Northville Square, situated in the heart of downtown Northville, adding a trendy and dynamic touch to the festivities. Purchase one ticket for $125 and two tickets for $225; proceeds benefit The Miracle League of Plymouth and The Kids’ Table.

 

Happy June!

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