The 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair runs from Thursday, July 18 to Saturday, July 20.
Are you attending the Ann Arbor Art Fair with Kids? Check out our Ann Arbor Art Fair with Kids Guide. Don’t miss our Printable Art Fair Scavenger Hunt.
Ann Arbor Art Fair 2024 Dates
The 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair runs from Thursday, July 18 to Saturday, July 20. The Ann Arbor Art Fair Hours are:
- Thursday, July 18 10am-9pm
- Friday, July 19 10am-9pm
- Saturday, July 20 10am-8pm
About the Ann Arbor Art Fair
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is the largest juried art fair in the country. It is the combination of three independently juried nonprofit art fairs spanning 30 city blocks in downtown Ann Arbor. The three Art Fairs are:
- Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original
- Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
- State Street Art Fair
The Ann Arbor Art Fairs feature more than 1000 juried artists. These artists work in various media like painting, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry and more. They also offer art activities, art demonstrations, and live entertainment.
Fine arts are best found at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original.
Check out these events from our sponsors:
Where is Art Fair in Ann Arbor?
The Original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is located on University of Michigan’s main campus. It is held on Ingalls Mall plus Washington St and North University adjacent to Ingalls Mall.
The Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair happens on State Street and adjacent blocks of North University, William, Maynard, and Liberty.
The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair takes place on both Main St and South University. On Main St, it includes adjacent blocks of Liberty. The South University section includes adjacent blocks of South State St, and East University,
“I’m ready to go to the fair now”
These were my daughter’s words at 2.5 as we left Art Fair. Earlier that summer we had attended the Milan Fair which had rides. She was expecting Art Fair to to be the same. She was having fun, so was not too disappointed.
So, the moral of my story is to make sure your kids know what to expect. If your kid is looking for the rides too, check out our list of Fairs and Carnivals with Rides.
Before Ann Arbor Art Fair
Attend the Paint the Town Block Party
The Paint the Town Downtown Ann Arbor Block Party is the new name for what was traditionally called the Townie Street Party. It is a great way for locals to celebrate before Art Fair starts. It returns for 2024 with a move back to a weeknight – Tuesday, July 16. It also spreads throughout town on Main, Liberty, & State Streets from its traditional Ingalls mall location. Paint the Town Party includes the Dart for Art race at 6p.
Expanded Youth Art Fair
The Youth Art Fair was a traditional highlight of the Townie Street Party. For 2024, they have incorporated it into the Street Art Fair. Each youth participant will sell for one day from 11a-4p. Be sure to check out the Youth Vendors when you visit Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Activities at Ann Arbor Art Fair with Kids
There is typically plenty to do with kids at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. There is music and entertainment on several stages.
Art Activity Zone
The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original hosts an Art Activity Zone with free, family-friendly art projects. The Art Activity Zone is on Ingalls Mall. It will be open from 11a-6p each day.
2024 activities will be provided by:
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Clayworks
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
- Creative Studio
Art Demo Zone
At the Art Demo Zone you can watch the creative process in action as artists demonstrate their methods to create art. The Art Demo Zone is located under the big Maple trees on N. University near Hill Auditorium.
Currently announced Demos:
- 1-4p Thursday-Saturday – Toledo Museum of Art “Baby Dragon” Portable Glassblowing
- All Day Thursday-Saturday – The Potters Guild
Art Activity District (State St)
Creative Washtenaw will be spearheading a collaborative street art project. All fairgoers are welcome to contribute.
Sharpie Bus
The Sharpie Bus will be on South University between Tappan & E University during Ann Arbor Art Fair. You can explore the Sharpie Museum and try their new remarkable New Sharpie Creative Markers that work on many surfaces without bleeding through paper.
Music & Entertainment
Each of the 3 Art Fairs will have their own stage with performances
Art Fair Music Schedule:
- Stage on Main
- Thursday
- 10a-1p – Neutral Zone
- 2-5p Prison Creative Arts Project
- 6-7p Phillip-Michael Scales
- 7:30-8:30p Joe & The Ruckus
- Friday
- 11a-5p – Amplify & WCC Stage Takeover
- 6-7p Jordan Hamilton
- 7:30-8:50p Terry Furtado
- Saturday
- 1:15-2:15p Out Loud Chorus
- 3-5p Saline Fiddlers
- 6-8p Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective and Blueshouse
- Thursday
- The Street Stage – on William at Maynard
- Thursday
- noon – Esteban Morales
- 1p – Jazz Guitar Duo
- 2p – William Bennet-Ken Kozora Duo
- 3p – John Dolph Jazz Quartet
- 4p – Laurel Federbush
- 5p – Deep Stream Band
- 6p – Steve Somers and Friends Band
- 7p – Steve Somers and Friends Band with Special Guests & Jazz Jam Session
- Friday
- 11a – TBA
- noon – Matasha Allen
- 1p – Esteban Morales
- 2p – Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra
- 3p – Paul Keller Trio with Sara D’Angelo & Ralph Tope
- 4p – Chris Cassello Trio from Nashville
- 5p – Hullabaloo
- 6p – Vlad Tovbin
- 7p – WCC Jazz Ensemble
- Saturday
- 11a – Nitpickers
- noon – Global Rhythm Vibes with Ken Kozora & John Churchville
- 1p – The Somers Sisters
- 2p – Youth Talent Show
- 3p – Gwenyth Hayes Trio
- 4p – The Terraplanes with Jerry Mack
- 5p – Acoustic Jazz Trio with Danny Tyrell, Steve Somers & John Smolinski
- 6p – Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore
- Thursday
- Fountain Stage – Ingalls Mall (between E Washington and N. University)
- Thursday
- 11a – Mark Jewett
- noon – Esh Shaden & Joseph Gregory
- 1p – Perfect Average
- 2p – Neutral Zone After Hours
- 3p – Rebecca Cameron
- 4p – Taylor DeRousse
- 5p – Scott Leeman
- 6p – Rochelle Clark – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 7p – Annie Capps Band – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 8p – Delta 88 – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- Friday
- 11a – Root Cause Analysis
- noon – Karl Sikkenga
- 1p – Shannon Lee
- 2p – John D. Lamb
- 3p – Matt Truman Acoustic
- 4p – Michael Truman – Merchant of Joy
- 5p – Eric Moore
- 6p – The Sideman – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 7p – Judy Banker Band – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 8p – Dick Siegel – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- Saturday
- 11a – Warehouse Cloggers
- noon – Detroit Opera
- 1p – The Lucky Now’s
- 2p – Ashley Pyle
- 3p – Angela Predhomme
- 4p – Lauren Blackford – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 5p – Billy King Band – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 6p – Hoodang – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- Thursday
Scavenger Hunt
Our Art Fair Scavenger Hunt will help kids stay engaged throughout Art Fair – as you wander from booth to booth. Print a copy for each of your children and have them find art featuring the pictures on the list.
Art Fair Scavenger Hunt 2.19 MB 166 downloads
Scavenger Hunt for Ann Arbor Art Fair …Chalk the Walk with David Zinn
Ann Arbor’s own David Zinn will be chalking the walk during Art Fair from 1-3p Thursday and Saturday with Friday as a rain date. Throughout the fair, there will be chalk available for guests to add their own creations. Chalk the Walk will be near the corner of 5th and Liberty in front of the post office.
Recharge Space
The last few years, First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor has provided a Recharge Space for families with young children. We have not seen an announcement for 2024, but it is still early (mid-June).
They provided:
- Gated shady playground
- Popsicles & Water Refilling Station
- Craft materiasl for Kids
- All gender, accessible bathrooms with changing tables
- 2 air conditioned lactation spaces
- sensory room with low lights & mats
- sunscreen & menstrual products
- outlets, phone cords, & WiFi.
Their address is 517 E Washington, just 1 block north of the Art Fair.
Getting to Ann Arbor Art Fair with Kids
ArtFairRide
In the past, several readers recommended using the Art Fair Shuttles. The shuttles depart from both Briarwood Mall and Huron High School.
Both offer:
- Air-conditioned motor coaches
- Parking free
- Round-trip $8 – Kids 5 & Under ride Free
- Shuttle stops:
- Briarwood: Main Street at William and on State Street near South University
- Huron High School: Fletcher and Washington & South University at Forest
- Buses return to both parking locations from either shuttle bus stops
- Thursday – Friday, 9am – 10pm
- Saturday – 9am – 9pm
Parking in Downtown Ann Arbor
The downtown Ann Arbor parking garages and lots are open during Art Fair. Instead of charging by the hour, they charge a flat fee. It is $18 per day or $9 after 5 p.m.
We have used my husband’s UM blue pass to park in Blue Lots when attending Art Fair. If you are planning to use a UM Parking Pass, make sure that the lot is accessible with Art Fair closures.
You can also park a bit further away and walk to town. Be sure to observe any parking laws – length of stay, appropriate clearance at driveways and intersections, etc.
Art-Go-Round
May Mobility will be providing shuttle service around the perimeter of Art Fair with their autonomous vehicles.. They will have multiple Toyota Sienna shuttles and one wheelchair accessible vehicle operating. There will always be an operator as a backup to the autonomous system.
There are 7 stops this year:
- E Madison St Near State
- Thompson near E William
- Ashley near E William
- E Washington near State
- Fletcher near E Washington
- Forest near S. University
- E. University & Willard (new for 2024)
We only recommend the Art-Go-Round shuttle if your child does not need a car seat or booster seat.
Where to Stay
Are you visiting Ann Arbor for Art Fair? Be sure to check out these hotel listings:
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What to Bring to Ann Arbor Art Fair with Kids
Water was the number one recommendation of what to bring from A2withKids readers. Art Fair week is typically hot with thunderstorms. Make sure to stay hydrated.
We also suggest a bag for any purchases or art activities your child creates. However, we don’t suggest a large backpack as you navigate through booths and crowds.
If your child is not up for walking long distances, a stroller or wagon is a good option. With crowds, the stroller may be easier to maneuver than a wagon.
Umbrellas and ponchos can be helpful (and are another good reason to bring a bag) if storms are in the forecast. After all thunderstorms seem to be a part of every Art Fair.
What to Wear
It is also important to dress properly for Art Fair. You will be outside, so dress for the weather. Lightweight fabrics are a good choice. Rain always seems to be a threat at Art Fair, so quick drying clothes (and footwear) is a good bet.
Visiting Art Fair requires a lot of walking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Other Tips for Ann Arbor Art Fair with Kids
Food
Make a plan for food. Bring snacks (a reader suggests protein snacks). Or, take a break at one of the food courts set up around Art Fair. Better yet, consider both options.
There are a number of good restaurants in the Art Fair district – some of which will offer food stands. Check out our reviews of restaurants near Art Fair:
Downtown A2 Restaurants
Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be difficult thing to find during Art Fair. If you take a break at a restaurant, library or museum, make sure to use the restroom. UM buildings are mostly open on Thursday and Friday during the day with some also open on Saturday.
Make it an Adventure
A reader advises, don’t expect to see everything. Make the whole trip an adventure. There’s taking the bus, trying a new food, and visiting the Art Activity Zone.
Take a Break
My last suggestions is to take a break! Especially on a hot day, it gives everyone a chance to cool off and recharge. It also gives an escape from the crowds at Art Fair.
Michigan Theater will have free organ concerts during Art Fair at the following times:
- Thursday 1-2p
- Friday 1-2p
- Saturday 11a-noon
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (see our reviews above). Visit the Downtown Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library. We also recommend visiting one of the museums downtown:
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- UM Museum of Natural History
- Kelsey Museum
- UM Museum of Art (if you want even more art)
I didn’t reaize they had a kids fair! So cool. I’ll have to look out better for “real” bathrooms.
I second the readers who said use the UM bathrooms. All of the libraries are open so you could stop at the UGLi (Undergrad library) or the Grad library. We usually stop at the UM building near Ulrich’s, too, to use the restroom.
For parking, I recommend meters if you are only going to be there a few hours, specifically the ones on Hill near East Quad … if you get there early enough, there are usually a few left.
I’m missing Art Fair this year and I’m a bit bummed about it! I have time on Sat. but not really enough to drive to A2 and back.