September in the Ann Arbor area offers a seamless blend of summer’s warmth and the exciting allure of fall. This year is no different, as a spectacular lineup of events awaits, offering something for all ages and interests all month long.

From charming flea markets and festive harvest celebrations to invigorating 5K runs and an authentic Oktoberfest experience (and of course, the return of Michigan football games!), there’s no shortage of ways to make this September in Ann Arbor a memorable one. Join us as we dive into the vibrant tapestry of happenings that will unfold throughout the month, capturing the essence of community, culture, and the changing of seasons.

Jump Ahead:

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

 

Arts + Culture

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 | Ann Arbor

Where: Various Locations

When: September 14–22

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 is a dynamic and engaging week-long extravaganza, dedicated to honoring the indomitable spirit of innovation within Ann Arbor. Through a captivating blend of experiences, thought-provoking conversations, and invaluable connections, a2Tech360 stands as a testament to the city’s robust technology ecosystem. Meticulously designed to cater to a diverse range of interests and audiences, this week-long event beckons entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, businesses, academic institutions, non-profits, job seekers, and the wider public alike. With its multifaceted array of activities hosted across various venues in Ann Arbor, a2Tech360 encapsulates the city’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and propelling its technology landscape to greater heights.

 

Toad the Wet Sprocket | Royal Oak

Where: Royal Oak Music Theatre

When: September 15

Celebrating more than 30 years as a band, Toad the Wet Sprocket continues to create music and tour with the same unwavering independence that sparked their journey back in 1986. Their upcoming concert at the renowned Royal Oak Music Theatre promises an unforgettable experience, resonating with hits like “Walk on the Ocean,” “All I Want,” “Something’s Always Wrong,” and “Fall Down.” Get tickets for this nostalgic musical experience!

 

Finders Keepers Vintage Market | Chelsea

Where: Chelsea Community Fairgrounds

When: September 17

Finders Keepers Vintage Market hosts 13 markets all throughout Ohio and Michigan — including one just down the road in Chelsea. Spend the day shopping local boutiques, upscale hand-made farmhouse decor, mid-century modern furniture, delicious sweets, salvaged finds, jewelry, organic products and more. There will also be live music and food trucks! They have early bird tickets for a VIP shopping experience before the event begins, but general admission is just $5 cash at the gate.

 

A2ZERO Green Fair | Ann Arbor

Where: Main Street Ann Arbor

When: September 22, 2023

Immerse yourself in the A2ZERO Green Fair, an annual celebration of sustainability and climate action hosted by the City of Ann Arbor. Explore innovative exhibits showcasing the circular economy, solar tech, green transport, and more, and engage with interactive demos, join a planet-friendly bike parade, and upcycle your own creations — all on Downtown Main Street from 5–8 p.m. Plus, discover alternate transportation options at the Library Lane Lot and dive into cutting-edge technologies at Tech Trek on Liberty Street. The best part? This event is completely free!

 

Joshua Radin | Ann Arbor

Where: The Ark

When: September 28

Step into a mesmerizing musical journey with Joshua Radin as he takes the stage at The Ark. Since his emergence in 2004, Radin has captivated audiences with his empathetic and engaging troubadour style. With over a billion streams and a million-plus albums sold worldwide, his impact is undeniable. Notably, his gold-certified single “I’d Rather Be With You” has resonated deeply, while his music has woven its way into the fabric of over 200 films, TV shows, and commercials. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the heartfelt tales and melodic prowess of Joshua Radin at The Ark this September! Tickets are on sale here.

 

Community Celebrations

Saline Community Fair | Saline

Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

When: August 30–September 3

Rounding out the summer, the Saline Community Fair provides several days of fun for local families on Labor Day weekend. Events include tractor pulls, rodeos, a demo derby, carnival rides, animal shows, a car and tractor show, educational exhibits, and much more! Check out the fair schedule to see what’s in store the day you’re planning on going.

 

Plymouth Fall Festival | Plymouth

Where: Downtown Plymouth

When: September 8–10

Welcome the new season at the Plymouth Fall Festival taking place in the heart of downtown Plymouth since 1956. This family-friendly event is committed to providing an opportunity for non-profit community organizations to fundraise and continue the amazing work they are doing. Over the course of three days, enjoy BINGO, a craft show, a car show, carnival rides, a Rotary BBQ chicken dinner, live music, a pancake breakfast, a pet show, and much more.

 

U-M Earthfest | Ann Arbor

Where: The University of Michigan Diag

When: September 21

The University of Michigan’s biggest sustainability and environmental event is back for 2023! Earthfest celebrates sustainability initiatives across U-M and the surrounding communities, all while providing an inclusive platform to educate and engage the campus community on opportunities to support sustainability and environmental justice on campus and in our daily lives.

 

Webster Fall Festival | Dexter

Where: Webster United Church of Christ

When: September 23

Co-hosted by the Webster United Church of Christ and the Webster Township Historical Society, the Webster Fall Festival is a family-friendly community event focused on all the things we love about fall! There is something for everyone, including hay rides, music, crafters, an auction, a pet zoo, a children’s carnival, food, displays of antique equipment, historical buildings, baked goods and preserves, demonstrations, and much more. This event is completely free to attend!

 

Harvest Fest at Matthaei Botanical Gardens | Ann Arbor

Where: U-M Campus Farm

When: September 24

The Harvest Fest is a much-anticipated tradition for the university each fall — and the entire Ann Arbor community is invited to join the fun! The festival takes place at the Campus Farm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the many student-powered food initiatives at U-M, focused on sustainability, social justice, and creativity. Enjoy lawn games, arts and crafts, live music, food demonstrations, and a variety of vendors. The event is free and open to the public! Parking is available on site, but there is a free bus shuttle leaving every 20 minutes from the Central Campus Transit Center.

 

Sports

University of Michigan Football Games | Ann Arbor

Where: The Big House

When: September 2, 9, 16 + 23

Nothing screams “fall in Ann Arbor” quite like Michigan football! And all September long, we have a streak of home games before the team hits the road in late September and early October. We play against East Carolina on September 2, UNLV on September 9, Bowling Green on September 16, and Rutgers on September 23 (which is also homecoming!). See the full schedule and get your tickets here.

 

10th Annual RunTough 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run | Saline

Where: Saline High School

When: September 16

Benefitting The ChadTough Foundation—a local nonprofit in Saline focused on childhood brain cancer research—this running event is celebrating its 10th year with a family-friendly 5K and a 1-mile fun run. Over the years, it has become a major event in honor of kids all over the country, including Owen Petrzelka in the Chicago area and Colt DelVerne in Ohio. This event in Saline is in celebration of Chad Carr’s September 26th birthday, who passed away at the age of 5 from an inoperable brain tumor called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The event has a Family Fun Zone and a Tot Race, free for kids 5 and under. Register for this impactful event here!

 

St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer | Ann Arbor

Where: Concordia University

When: September 23

Take a step (literally) towards ending childhood cancer by signing up for the St. Jude Walk/Run at Concordia University. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is “leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.” Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so events like this help support these needs in a very tangible way. Sign up for this 5K walk/run to support this incredible organization.

 

Food + Drink

Saline Oktoberfest | Saline

Where: Downtown Saline

When: September 15 + 16

Don’t miss the 18th Annual Oktoberfest in the heart of downtown Saline! Enjoy live music on both nights plus other events, family-friendly entertainment, plenty of food, and of course — lots of beer. Don’t miss the tapping of the Golden Keg in the biergarten on Friday night! This is a “wunderbar” community event for visitors and locals alike. Prost!

 

Chefs in the Garden | Ypsilanti

Where: Growing Hope Urban Farm

When: September 24

Hosted by and benefitting Growing Hope, the Chefs in the Garden series brings together local charity, local food and urban farm education. Experience the magic of their urban farm while enjoying a meal specially prepared by guest Chef Ji Hye Kim and the YCS culinary students. The evening will begin with a cocktail and appetizer hour in the garden accompanied by live music. And dinner and dessert will be served in the hoop house or an open-air tent. Purchase your tickets here!

 

Make This a September to Remember

No matter what you do, we hope you have a spectacular September!