Washtenaw County has an abundance of summertime festivals, fairs, and fun. These activities are in full swing this week with the start of Cinetopia International Film Festival on Wednesday and the launch Sonic Lunch on Thursday, and other events throughout the weekend. Despite some rain in the forecast there are many fascinating events for you to enjoy this week.

Cinteopia International Film Festival
Created for the people of southeastern Michigan, the Cinetopia International Film Festival features dramas, comedies, and documentaries from the world’s best film festivals. The festival is happening June 4-8 at 10 venues in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
This year there will be screenings of 50 films with special pre- and post-film events, including presentations, discussion panels, and Q&A sessions with directors, writers, and stars.
For the full list of movies and screening locations visit www.cinetopiafestival.org.

Sonic Lunch
Started in 2008, Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch is a free outdoor concert series. Every Thursday from noon to 1:30pm June 5 to August 28, Sonic Lunch features a live band at the corner of Liberty and Division in downtown Ann Arbor. Each week a different area restaurant is on-site selling a Sonic Lunch for concert-goers to purchase.
The concerts are free and suitable for all ages. Some seating is available but lawn chairs are welcome. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a revitalizing mid-day break. As a result, Sonic Lunch has become one of the coolest summer events in Ann Arbor.
For the full artist line up visit www.soniclunch.com.

Sounds and Sights
Also starting Thursday, June 5, is the kick-off of Chelsea Sounds & Sights. Every Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. artists perform at 10 staged areas located throughout downtown Chelsea featuring music, dance, comedy and family entertainment.
Audiences will also be able to enjoy interactive art with SculptureWalk Chelsea, a self-guided walking tour of 12 juried sculptures.
For a list of performers and stage locations please visit www.chelseafestivals.com.
African American Festival
The African American Festival is a celebration of the contributions of African Americans to the development of Ann Arbor. It is taking place this Saturday, June 7, at the intersection of N. 4th Ave. and Ann St. in Ann Arbor.
The event was created to celebrate the city’s cultural heritage with a splashy, fun annual event that would remind locals of the neighborhood’s history. And while the festival celebrates African Americans’ life, history and culture in Ann Arbor, it is open to, and always draws a broad range of people. In its 19th year the festival will feature something for everyone including food, art, children’s activities, and entertainment.

Grillin’ 2014
Join more than 2,000 guests to help fight hunger and raise funds for Food Gatherers. Grillin’ takes place on Sunday, June 8, 3:00-8:00 PM (rain or shine) at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, located at 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road.
Grillin’ is an event for all ages with live music, kids’ activities hosted by the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and a cash bar featuring Michigan microbrews and wines. There will be a wide assortment of food including: grilled chicken, gourmet sausages, corn, tofu dogs and veggie burgers throughout the day. Grillin’ for Food Gatherers also features side dishes from nearly 50 of Ann Arbor’s best restaurants, as well as desserts by Zingerman’s Bakehouse and Creamery.
This year’s band lineup includes the rustic pop sounds of Jake & Mary, followed by Misty Lyn & the Big Beautiful, an indie folk band with melodies that celebrate American roots music. Grillin’s longtime headliner, George Bedard and the Kingpins, will close the night with blues and rock beats.
To learn more about this event visit http://www.foodgatherers.org/