July in Ann Arbor is packed with some of our favorite things about summer: beer festivals, fireworks shows, 5Ks, art fairs, concert series, outdoor movies, bike rides and more. Not sure where to begin? We’ve hand-selected some of the major events you should add to your calendar this July.

Some events are taking place in the heart of Ann Arbor, while others require a short road trip to a surrounding town. Make this a summer to remember with these July events in the Ann Arbor area!

Jump Ahead:

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

 

Arts + Culture

Ypsi Jazz Fest | Ypsilanti

Where: Riverside Park, Ypsilanti

When: July 1, 8, 15 + 29

Ypsi Jazz Fest is back for its second year! Every Saturday night throughout the month of July (except the 22nd), head to Riverside Park to enjoy music from some of the area’s best jazz artists. The music begins at 7 p.m. — and all events are free and open to the public!

 

Saline Celtic Festival | Saline

Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, Saline

When: July 7–8

The Saline Celtic Festival originally began as a one-day festival but has grown in popularity to include two full days of entertainment — and it’s bigger than ever in 2023! This year, the event includes Highland dance competitions, ancient Celtic athletic competitions, kids’ activities at Wee Folks Island, jousting, music and dance workshops, historic reenactors, sheep herding dog demonstrations, and so much more. And of course, there will be plenty of delicious food, craft beer and live music! Get your tickets now — there are several packages available, including a pack for families, for two adults and two beers, and for four adults and four beers.

 

The 21st Michigan ElvisFest | Belleville

Where: Wayne County Fairgrounds, Belleville

When: July 7–8

Showcasing some of the best professional Elvis tribute artists in North America, Elvisfest offers fun for fans and music lovers of all ages. Once again, the festival will be held at Wayne County Fairgrounds in Belleville. With the purchase of your ticket (ranging in price from $25 to $60) you can enjoy kids’ activities, a classic car show, local food vendors, an adult beer tent, raffles and more.

 

Art in the Park | Plymouth

Where: Downtown Plymouth

When: July 7–9

Taking place in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Art in the Park is celebrating its 43rd year in 2023 by welcoming more than 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!

 

WRAP Movie Night in the Park | Ypsilanti

Where: Frog Island Park, Ypsilanti

When: July 14, 8 p.m.

Once a month from July through September, the Washtenaw Recovery Advocacy Project hosts Movie Night in the Park at Frog Island Park in Ypsilanti. They will show the latest titles along with some of your favorite classics — all for free. Movies begin at dusk and there will be free popcorn, candy and soda!

 

Ann Arbor Art Fair | Ann Arbor

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: July 20–22

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is composed of three independently juried non-profit art fairs that run consecutively over the same weekend in late July: the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair (the original), the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and the Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair. Attracting nearly half a million attendees with about 1,000 artists, this massive art event has become the largest juried art fair in the nation!

 

Community Celebrations

Ann Arbor Jaycees 33rd Annual Fourth of July Parade

Where: Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor

When: July 2, 8 a.m.

Don’t miss the 33rd Annual Fourth of July Parade hosted by the Ann Arbor Jaycees! Due to construction downtown, the event will be held at the Briarwood Mall. But you can expect all the same festivities, including pre-parade entertainment, food trucks, and more, all starting at 8 a.m. And of course, stick around for the parade at 10 a.m., which will feature community groups, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government leaders, representatives, and more.

 

Independence Day Fireworks at The Cascades | Jackson

Where: The Cascades, Jackson

When: July 3, Dusk

Ring in the Fourth of July with a bang at the annual fireworks show at The Cascades in Jackson on the eve of the 4th! Music accompanies the spectacular show that starts at dusk. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12, and free for kids 3 and under.

 

Northville Independence Day Parade | Northville

Where: Downtown Northville

When: July 4, 10 a.m.

Make your way to Northville for one of the city’s most beloved annual events: The Northville Independence Day Parade. This year, the theme is “United We Stand,” featuring bands, floats, appearances from mascots, antique cars and so much more, celebrating the country from sea to shining sea. This exciting parade takes off at 10 a.m.!

 

Ypsilanti 4th of July Parade | Ypsilanti

Where: Downtown Ypsilanti

When: July 4, 11 a.m.

Take part in a 94-year-old tradition at the Annual Ypsilanti Independence Day Parade, hosted by American Legion Post 282 and its community partners. Featuring our favorite Ypsi businesses, groups, talent and organizations, the parade will march off at 11 a.m. from the corner of Oakwood and Cross Street and end in Historic Depot Town at Rice Street.

 

Ypsilanti Time Capsule Opening | Ypsilanti

Where: Riverside Park, Ypsilanti

When: July 4, 12–2 p.m.

Be a part of history at the opening of Ypsilanti’s Sesquicentennial time capsule, originally buried 50 years ago on July 8, 1973, when the city was celebrating 150 years since its incorporation. The ceremony will take place immediately following the Fourth of July parade at Riverside Park!

 

Hot Air Jubilee | Jackson

Where: Ella Sharp Park, Jackson

When: July 21–23

In 1983, a group of hot air balloon enthusiasts who lived in and around Jackson came up with the dream of a family-friendly event for the Jackson community. That’s when the Hot Air Jubilee was born. Since then, the Jubilee has grown to an event that thousands of people attend every summer! Every year, 25-30 balloons come in from around the country to participate in the friendly rivalry of the contests. Click here to see previews of all the balloons you’ll see in 2023!

 

Sports

Ann Arbor Sports Commission Firecracker 5K | Ann Arbor

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: July 4, 8 a.m.

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 the 3.1-mile course, but this epic event also offers a 1-mile “fun run” and a special kids’ 200-meter dash. Plus, you have the option to take part in an add-on event: the Flag Carrying Division & Firecracker 5K or Ray’s Red Hots Hot Dog Eating Contest. Register here for whatever combination of festivities your heart desires!

 

One Helluva Ride | Chelsea

Where: Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, Chelsea

When: July 8, 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Calling all cyclists! Join the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society for One Helluva Ride, a scenic ride over paved tree-lined roads. All routes have been reconfigured for 2023 to maximize the quality of roads, winding through rural and recreational areas. There are options of 25, 44, 63 and 101 miles on paved roads and 22, 41 and 63 miles on gravel roads. Click here for more information and to register!

 

Tree Farm Relay | Novi

Where: Lakeshore Park, Novi

When: July 22, 9 a.m.

If you’re new to endurance cycling, the Tree Farm Relay at Lakeshore Park in Novi is the perfect place to start! This four-person team relay features lots of hills, passing zones and fun — including a costume contest. The whole event is put on by the Motor City Mountain Biking Association and proceeds benefit the organization and will be used to build and maintain local trails. Click here to register for this fun, challenging bike race.

 

Oberun 5K | Ypsilanti

Where: Wiard’s Orchards and Country Fair, Ypsilanti

When: July 28, 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate summer at the Oberun 5K run/walk, where you can enjoy a seasonal favorite at the finish line: Bell’s Oberon! The course runs through Wiard’s Orchard in Ypsilanti, and there will be fire pits, sand volleyball, food trucks and more at the after party. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative in support of the Border to Border (B2B) Trail.

 

Food + Drink

Lavender Harvest Festival | Milan

Where: Lavender Lane Farm, Milan

When: July 8, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Stroll through a field of more than 10,000 lavender plants in peak bloom at the Lavender Harvest Festival in Milan! Pick your own lavender or purchase fresh or dried lavender bundles and potted lavender plants. Plus, enjoy live music, lavender lemonade, food trucks, a petting farm, riding ponies, photo ops, and more!

 

The Peach Truck Tour | Ann Arbor + Livonia

Where: Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor + Laurel Park Place, Livonia

When: July 15–16 + 28–29

The Peach Truck is rolling through Ann Arbor! If you aren’t sure what the Peach Truck is, it’s a Nashville-based mobile peach stand bringing hand-picked, just-off-the-tree Georgia peaches to locations across the country. This year, you can pick up a few boxes of peaches, bags of pecans and other goodies at their stands at Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor on July 15 and 28 and Laurel Park Place in Livonia on July 16 and 29. Because their items tend to go very quickly, make sure you place your pre-order online in advance!

 

Manchester Chicken Broil | Manchester

Where: Alumni Memorial Field, Manchester

When: July 15, 4–8 p.m.

The Manchester Chicken Broil is back! Benefiting local public schools, community parks, libraries and civic causes, your $12–13 ticket includes a dinner of chicken, locally famous coleslaw, a roll with butter, potato chips, radishes, a beverage, and more. This year, this long-standing community event and fundraiser will feature on-site dining, a drive-thru meal pickup, and on-site walkup for meal purchases. There will also be a live band! Don’t miss all the fun at the Alumni Field in Manchester.

 

24th Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival | Ypsilanti

Where: Riverside Park, Ypsilanti

When: July 21–22

The oldest of the Michigan Brewers Guild’s five annual festivals, the 24th Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival will host approximately 150 local breweries sampling more than 1,000 different craft beers. Guests can also enjoy live music from Michigan bands and food available for purchase! All of this beer-focused fun will take place rain or shine in the lovely outdoor setting of Ypsi’s Riverside Park in historic Depot Town. To purchase your tickets and learn more, click here.

 

Happy July!

We hope you have a fun, fantastic, fireworks-filled July!