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Cinetopia Presents Direct From SundanceFebruary 3 

CINETOPIA is thrilled to carry on the tradition of “Direct from Sundance” with an exclusive Midwest premiere of a selection from the 2017 Sundance Film Festival! Our Cinetopia programming team will hand-pick a film at Sundance in January and bring it back to you for an exclusive sneak peek. Make sure you get the best seats in the house NOW by purchasing your reserved seat.

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Let’s Chill Winter Fest 2017February 3-5

The second annual Let’s Chill Winter Fest features activities for individuals of all ages. The winter festival will span the downtown Milan shopping area, Wilson Park and Edgetown.

Activities include a chili cook-off, the area’s only Wine Walk, indoor and outdoor winter games, ice carving, an Artisan tent, food and much more.
Free shuttle service will run between all major event areas and parking lots, making it easily accessible for everyone. Warming stations in the downtown area and a large bonfire in Wilson Park will provide warmth and ambiance.

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A Raisin in the SunFebruary 8-12

EMU theater professor Wallace Bridges directs EMU drama students in Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark 1959 social protest drama, the first play by an African-American woman ever produced on Broadway. The story of a southside Chicago family’s struggle for cultural identity and fulfillment, the action centers around the family’s conflicting desires for spending a $10,000 life insurance payment they receive after the father’s death.

The play’s abundant humor grows out of the tension between their mutual love and their divergent views of the future, and their struggles provide a context for exploring several larger cultural, class, and generational issues within African-American society and for demonstrating the resilient strength of family bonds. Recommended for audiences age 13 & up.

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Artini 2017February 10

Don’t miss the 9th Annual Artini, a fundraiser benefiting the Ann Arbor Art Center. Once again, the finest downtown bars and restaurants in downtown Ann Arbor will compete to create the city’s most artful martini. Artini guests will visit participating establishments and taste carefully crafted and innovative cocktails designed by some of the city’s top mixologists.

Artini guests have the chance to crown the “People’s Choice Award” winner by texting to vote for your favorite drink throughout the evening. The “Juror’s Choice Award” will be decided by a panel of hand-selected jurors that are unaffiliated with the participating venues.
Go to the Art Center on Friday, February 10 between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. to pick up tickets and bring valid ID and your confirmation email you received when you purchased your Artini tickets.

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Budapest Festival OrchestraFebruary 10

Pianist Richard Goode joins the Budapest Festival Orchestra for this all-Beethoven program, which also features the UMS Choral Union in a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The BFO was co-founded by the charismatic conductor Iván Fischer in 1983, and their past performances in Hill Auditorium have left audiences mesmerized.

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9th Annual Chocolate ExtravaganzaFebruary 11

Eat chocolate and shop til you drop at this winter event in Chelsea. Chocolate in its infinite varieties will be at the heart of the Chocolate Extravaganza in Chelsea, Michigan. Participating stores throughout Chelsea will offer chocolate tasting, sales on chocolate-themed merchandise, door prizes, and a medley of activities from 10 pm – 5 pm. Brochures with event listings will be available on the day of the event at participating stores.

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Winter DreamsFebruary 18

The Dexter Community Orchestra presents an afternoon of chamber music, including a piano trio, string quartet, wind trio and brass quintet. The proceeds from this event will go towards the continued funding of the orchestra’s Youth Artist Competition. Selected by audition from the very best that the Ann Arbor area has to offer, these student musicians receive a cash prize and an opportunity to perform in concert with the orchestra. This year’s recipient will be chosen in March 2017 and will join the orchestra on stage on May 7, 2017 at 4:00pm at the Dexter High School Center for the Performing Arts. More information is available on the Dexter Community Orchestra website at www.DexterCommunityOrchestra.org.

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31st Annual Winter Fleece Fair: Spinner’s FlockFebruary 18

A huge array of Michigan-grown fibers for spinning and felting and handspun yarns. Also, supplies for spinning, weaving, knitting, and felting. Members offer demos throughout the day.

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47th Annual Train Show and Sale: Ann Arbor Model Railroad ClubFebruary 18

The Midwest’s largest model railroad flea market draws model railroaders, collectors, and train buffs from all over to display, trade, and sell model railroad equipment and memorabilia. Also, a kids’ zone, displays of model train operating layouts, clinics by model railroad club members, and a raffle.

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Polar Plunge For Special Olympics MichiganFebruary 24

This is a great opportunity for Special Olympics Michigan and the University of Michigan! Plungers will suit up like a Wolverine when they change in the locker rooms. They will also get the opportunity to walk through the tunnel and take the plunge ON the field, inside a pool. http://www.firstgiving.com/polarplunge/UofM17

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The Ark’s 30th Annual Storytelling FestivalFebruary 25

For the 30th anniversary of The Ark’s annual storytelling festival, they’ve brought back some favorites from years past. Returning favorites include Bill Harley, Don White, and Bil Lepp.