Today we are sharing a list of 22 Ann Arbor Events we are Hoping to See in 2022. I filled the list with some large annual events and some input from my 16 year old. The list includes events that have returned in 2021 from a COVID break and those that we hope to see return after a 2 year (or more break. With each event we have listed their current 2022 status, projected date, and their typical loation..
Of course, our hope is that it is safe for these events to return. Please wear your mask, get vaccinated, and get your booster shots so that life can return to normal.
Earlier this week we shared 22 Things to Do in Ann Arbor in 2022. That list includes activities that are ongoing as opposed to events.
Our list of 22 Ann Arbor Events is presented by date order.
Year Round Events
1 – Ann Arbor District Library Events
We greatly missed the Ann Arbor District Library events . My daughter and I started attending their baby playgroups when she was 6 months old (over 15 years ago). Since then, she graduated to story times, and then the many craft and other events that they hold for kids of all ages.
Over summer and fall of 2021 they were able to hold some events outdoors particularly story time. March 2022 brings some indoor storytimes to the Downtown Branch.
For Summer 2022 they have brought back Baby Playgroups and many craft events for elementary students. And of course the Summer Game is gong strong.
At a Glance
Status: Gradually returning
Dates: Year Round
Location: AADL Branches
Winter Events (January-February)
2 – Ice Carving Festival
Every winter Washtenaw County Parks holds an ice carving festival at County Farm Park.
While the event was canceled in 2021, it is an outdoor event that offers plenty of social distancing.
At a Glance
Status: Held
Date: February 5
Location: County Farm Park
Events from our Sponsors
 Just Between Friends Consignment SaleSeptember 25-29 |  First Steps Trike-a-Thon 2024Saturday, October 5 |  JLC Book SaleOctober 23-26, 2024 |
3 – Restaurant Week
We love trying out new to us restaurants and visiting our favorites during Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Restaurant Week moves from its typical January time frame to late February for 2022.
This winter’s Restaurant Week includes family meals to go, meal kits, and demonstrations. We also hope to see the summer Restaurant Week return – or maybe a fall restaurant week.
At a Glance
Status: Held in Winter. No word on summer/fall
Dates: February 20-25
Location: Various Ann Arbor Restaurants
4 – Brick Bash
Brick Bash was one of the first events my daughter listed when I asked for her input. Brick Bash is an annual LEGO exhibit. When it was started it was originally held at Washtenaw Community College, then moved to Skyline High School as a fundraiser for their band.
Unfortunately, with the current AAPS restrictions on events, Brick Bash won’t be held in winter/spring of 2022. Tentative dates for 2023 have been announced – February 25-26
At a Glance
Status: Canceled
2023 Status: Tentative dates Feb 25-26
Dates: Typically in February
Location: Skyline High School
Spring Events
5 – FoolMoon & 6 – FestiFools
I was back and forth on FoolMoon and FestiFools – are they one event, or two? I decided to compromise – count them as two events, but share one write-up.
FestiFools is a parade of community built puppets. typically held on Main Street. For 2022 it is moving to State St. Everyone is welcome to build a puppet and join the parade…or just watch from the sidelines. Community building sessions also return for 2022. FestiFools started in 2007 and has been held every year until 2019, a virtual parade of miniature puppets in 2020 and taking off for the pandemic in 2021.
FoolMoon is a nighttime luminary parade. The event has evolved in recent years. It started with groups starting at different location and proceeding to a meeting point to a stationary celebration. FoolMoon returned for 2021 with a celebration downtown, at home, and virtually.
Community Builds for both FestiFools and FoolMoon return for 2022 to be held on Sundays in March at Parkland Plaza.
Read more about the 2022 FestiFools and FoolMoon here.
At a Glance
Status: Held
Dates: Fool Moon: April 1, FestiFools: April 3
Locations: State Street (FestiFools) & Kerrytown, Main & State (FoolMoon)
7 – Earth Day Festival
The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival is typically held at Leslie Science & Nature Center on a Sunday afternoon. The event brings together nature and conservation organizations from across Ann Arbor in one large event.
Plan on family friendly activities like my daughter making a seed bomb above, visiting LSNC animals, learning about recyclables, and more.
The event has been announced and they expect to have details in mid-March.
At a Glance
Status: Held
Date: Sunday, April 24
Location: Leslie Science & Nature Center
8 – Picnic Pops
Each spring the AAPS Middle and High School bands come together outdoors at Pioneer for Picnic Pops. Bring a picnic, listen to bands, play games, and support bands throughout the district.
Picnic Pops has had a rough few years. In 2018 it was held indoors at the Pioneer theater due to rain. In 2019, it was outdoors but was damp and muddy (at least early in the morning when my daughter’s band played). Then it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID. Hopefully it will return in 2022.
The event was held in May 2022.
At a Glance
Status: Held
Date: May 22
Location: Pioneer High School
Events from our Sponsors
Just Between Friends Consignment SaleSeptember 25-29 | First Steps Trike-a-Thon 2024Saturday, October 5 | JLC Book SaleOctober 23-26, 2024 |
9 – Huron River Day
Huron River Day is an annual celebration of the Huron River held at Gallup Park. For my daughter, the highlight is always the free boating and stand up paddleboarding they offer.
They typically offer free fishing for kids, learning opportunities about the river, and more. We’ve seen animals from LSNC, visited a butterfly house, and looked at an erosion table. Read about our past Huron River Day experiences.
At a Glance
Status: Held
Date: May 15
Location: Gallup Park
Summer Events
10 – Taste of Ann Arbor
Taste of Ann Arbor is a celebration of the Ann Arbor restaurant scene. Restaurants from all over town come together on Main Street to provide sample sized dishes. We love buying a sheet (or two or three) of tickets and wandering up and down the street trying all the great food.
The Dexter-Ann Arbor race is the morning of Taste of Ann Arbor. It is also usually the first chance to get your AADL Summer Reading Card and usually find the first code for the AADL Summer Game.
At a Glance
Status: Held
Date: Sunday, June 5
Location: Main Street
11 – Top of the Park
Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s Top of the Park is one of the great Ann Arbor summer events. Held over 3 weeks head to Ingalls Mall for live music, performances, and movies after dark on select nights. They return with a full slate of Top of the Park activities. They have actually expacnded the program to include the popular smaller Live Here Now concerts from 2021 before the June 10 kickoff
At a Glance
Status: Ongoing
Dates: June 10-July 3
Location: Ingalls Mall (Washington St between Thayer & Hill)
12 – Ann Arbor Jaycees Fourth of July Parade
The City of Ann Arbor might not have a fireworks display, but we have an awesome Fourth of July parade hosted by the Ann Arbor Jaycees. The morning starts with the Firecracker 5K and associated races and then continues with the parade.
The parade typically starts at State and William, crosses to Main St on Liberty, and heads back on William ending around Thompson. The route will be modified in 2022 due ot construction on Sate St. With many local businesses, politicians, and community groups participating the parade is often close to an hour long. The best spots to watch the parade are usually State St (for candy from the parade) and Main St (for pre-parade activity and giveaways).
At a Glance
Status: Announced
Date: July 4, 2022
Location: State St, Liberty, Main St, & William — Note route is still pending due to construction
13 – Michigan Stadium Movie Night
Michigan Stadium has hosted several movie nights with the movie shown on the video displays. We went for both Black Panther in 2018 and Into the Spiderverse in 2019.
They did not host movie nights in 2020 or 2021. But, with stadium attendance returning for the 2021 football season, hopefully they can in 2022.
At a Glance
Status: Not Yet Announced for 2022
Date: Typically June or July
Location: Michigan Stadium
Events from our Sponsors
Just Between Friends Consignment SaleSeptember 25-29 | First Steps Trike-a-Thon 2024Saturday, October 5 | JLC Book SaleOctober 23-26, 2024 |
14 – Rolling Sculpture Car Show
We have loved attending the Rolling Sculpture Car Show since my daughter was a toddler. (Yes, that is her sitting in a Ferrari at the show probably in 2008 or 2009).
The Rolling Sculpture Car Show features a mix of classic cars, unique cars, and even new cars. We love looking at all the cars and enjoying dinner downtown – but recommend making a reservation.
At a Glance
Status: Date Announced
Date: July 15
Location: Main Street
15 – Saline Celtic Festival
Each July the Saline Celtic Festival is held in honor of their sister city Brecon, Wales. The festival was established in 1996 to honor the 30th anniversary of the relationship. With the 2020 and 2021 festivals canceled, 2022 will be the 25th festival.
I am happy to report that in the two days since I made the list of 22 events and researched and wrote about each event, they have announced a tentative date for the Celtic Festival – July 8 & 9. And the date is now confirmed. They are working on the schedule.
We love watching the Highland Games, jousting and Irish dancers. There is always fun for kids on Wee Folks Island.
At a Glance
Status: Date Confirmed
Date: July 8-9
Location: Mill Pond Park
16 – Ann Arbor Art Fair
Ann Arbor Art Fair is returning for 2022 with the same abbreviated schedule they had in 2021.
We hope to see the return of more entertainment in 2022 with the Art Activity Zone and Demo Zone. But, if they don’t be sure to check out our scavenger hunt.
At a Glance
Status: Announced
Date: July 21-23
Location: Main St, State St, South University
17 – YpsiTasty Grub Crawl
The YpsiTasty Grub Crawl is typically held in July as a partnership with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber and Growing Hope. We love trying out new restaurants and sampling dishes from our favorites.
The Grub Crawl was held in October 2021. A 2022 date has not yet been announced.
At a Glance
Status: Not Yet Announced for 2022
Date: Typically late July
Location: Downtown Ypsilanti and Depot Town
18 – YpsiFest
YpsiFest is a celebration of Ypsilanti Heritage, Arts, and Entertainment. It has its roots in the Ypsilanti Heritage Fest. We always have a great time attending YpsiFest or Ypsilanti Heritage Festival.
Over the years we have seen the festival evolve. When my daughter was a preschooler, the festival included rides and a parade. First the rides were replaced by inflatables, then eliminated. The parade stopped a few years later. In recent years the size of the festival was decreased but still well worth attending.
On June 10 2022 they announced there will be no event in 2022 or the near future due to the pandemic, volunteer fatigue, and challenges they faced.
At a Glance
Status: Ended
Dates: Typically in mid August
Location: Traditionally Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park, Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds was planned for 2020 before COVID cancellation.
Events from our Sponsors
Just Between Friends Consignment SaleSeptember 25-29 | First Steps Trike-a-Thon 2024Saturday, October 5 | JLC Book SaleOctober 23-26, 2024 |
Fall Events
19 – YpsiGlow
YpsiGlow is WonderFool’s Halloween celebration held in Ypsilanti. Much like FestiFools and FoolMoon, it relies on community art.
As with FestiFools and FoolMoon, there are typically community building sessions to build luminaries and puppets.
YpsiGlow was held in 2020 and 2021 with a combination of in person and at home celebrations. It has also spread beyond the traditional Washington St location throughout Ypsilanti.
At a Glance
Status: Date Not Yet Announced for 2022
Date: Typically. a Friday night in late October
Location: Washington St Ypsilanti
20 – Main Street Treat Parade
I loved taking my daughter to the Main Street Treat Parade – the annual trick or treat event in Downtown Ann Arbor. The event is geared towards babies through preschoolers. It typically starts with a Halloween Party at the Downtown Branch of Ann Arbor District Library.
The Treat Parade typically happens on a weekday morning (Halloween or the Friday before when Halloween is on the weekend). Although in 2021 they held a modified Trick or Treat event on Sunday, October 31.
At a Glance
Status: Date Announced
Date: October 30
Location: Main Street Area Businesses
21 – UM Museum of Natural History Halloween Party
This event is more on my wishlist than one that will necessarily happen. The UM Museum of Natural History used to hold an awesome Halloween party in their old building. The museum would be packed and activities included crafts, fossils, story times, and games. There were even animals one year.
The party was canceled in 2018 when they were closed and in 2019 as the new museum was not fully open yet (the rest opened in November 2019). With COVID, they held a virtual party in 2020 and no party in 2021. After 4 years off and a new museum, I am not sure if the party will return.
At a Glance
Status: Uncertain
Date: Typically a Sunday before Halloween
Location: UM Museum of Natural History
Holiday Season Events
22 – Kindlefest
Kindlefest is Kerrytown’s annual outdoor holiday market with artisans and vendors selling holiday goods and foods. One of the highlights has been the Children’s Lantern Parade. However, it. was replaced with a KidZone in recent (non-COVID) years due to road construction in Kerrytown.
For 2021, they just held Festive Fridays with shops and restaurants staying open late and offering specials. They look forward to Kindlefest returning for 2022.
At a Glance
Status: Tentatively Planned to Return
Date: December 2
Location: Kerrytown
Honorable Mentions
Of course as soon as I posted on Facebook a commenter suggested an awesome event we had forgotten. Here are some events that didn’t make the cut above
