The 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair runs from Thursday, July 17 to Saturday, July 19.
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.
Check out our Video from our Thursday visit:
Ann Arbor Art Fair 2025 Dates
The 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair runs from Thursday, July 17 to Saturday, July 19. The Ann Arbor Art Fair Hours are:
- Thursday, July 17 10am-9pm
- Friday, July 18 10am-9pm
- Saturday, July 19 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.
Events from our Sponsors
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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 Church St,
“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 to find that we had already been at Art Fair.
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.
Thrills & Delights: Ann Arbor’s Carnivals 2025
The 2025 Ann Arbor Carnival & Fair season is back! Carnivals are always a great source of family fun with games and rides and entertainment. My daughter loves rides, so carnivals and fairs that bring rides to town have always been a big hit with her. The Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival at Pioneer High School […]
Before Ann Arbor Art Fair
Kick Off Events: Attend the Paint the Town Block Party & Dart for Art.
The Paint the Town Downtown Ann Arbor Block Party is the Guild’s party before Art Fair. It is a great way for locals to celebrate before Art Fair starts. It returns for 2025 on – Tuesday, July 15 in the Main Street Area.
Dart for Art is a fundraiser for the youth program at the Original Art Fair. The race starts at 6p on July 15 starting on North University near Ingalls Mall and proceeding south through campus. They will have their own post race party
Expanded Youth Art Fair
The Youth Art Fair was a traditional highlight of the Townie Street Party. Since 2024, it has been incorporated it into the Street Art Fair. Each youth participant (grades 4-12) 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 10a-7p each day.
2025 activities will be provided by:
- Detroit Institute of Arts – Custom Art Pins
- Creative Studio – Walk Up and Paint
- Clayworks – Make it with Clay
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History – Create a Dinosaur Hat
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:
- Toledo Museum of Art “Baby Dragon” Portable Glassblowing – Days & times to be announced as of 6/30 – East Washington & Ingalls Mall
- All Day Thursday-Saturday – The Potters Guild – Ceramics Demonstrations – Hill Auditorium Lawn
Mini Sensory Zone
We Rock the Spectrum will be providing a Mini Sensory Zone – a calm inclusive space for guests of all ages and abilities to relax, explore and recharge. They’ll have noise reducing headphones, sensory table and interactive sensory board, toys, giveaways, and community resources.
The Mini Sensory Zone at Ann Arbor Art Fair will be located in Liberty Plaza. My apologies for missing it and not including it in our video.
Interwoven – Community Tapestry with Doodles Academy
Doodles Academy will work with fairgoers to create a collaborative large-scale weaving installation, called Interwoven: A Community Tapestry. It ties in beautifully with their summer programming theme centered on connection and community.
In addition to the main piece, Doodles Academy will offer smaller, portable versions for younger children to enjoy and contribute to. Additionally, there will be an educational element, exploring weaving traditions from around the world and highlighting artists who have mastered this powerful, communal craft.
Located on Church St.
Kids Collectors Club: Growing Tomorrow’s Art Appreciators
New this year, the Guild of Artists and Artisans is excited to add The Kids Collectors Club which is a program to inspire the next generation of art collectors. Artwork donated by various artists participating in this year’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, will be exhibited in the Kids Collectors tent where kids 17 and under can come and select a piece of artwork priced $10 and under.
Kids will be inspired to learn more about the artist’s work they selected by receiving a card with information about the artist, the art, and the booth number. Likewise, kids will be encouraged to write a thank you card to the artist telling them why they selected the piece. This connection between the artist and the buyer is one of the unique aspects of buying art at art fairs and hopefully this exchange of information will provide a similar impactful connection.
Located on Church Street and open from 10a-6p.
Creative Art Project with T’onna Clemons
This community made art project will be led by local artist, T’onna Clemons. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to paint a kite that will be integrated with other fairgoers kites to create a moving aerial display.
Daily from 10a-6p on Church St.
Glass Academy
Experience the art of glassblowing in action with Glass Academy, a family-owned studio from Dearborn, MI.
Located on WIlliam east of Maynard.
Music & Entertainment
Check out Mr B and the Boogie Woogie Joybox Express celebrating 46 years at the Original Art Fair.
This year there are two stages – Main St and Ingalls Mall
Art Fair Music Schedule:
- Stage on Main
- Thursday
- noon-2p – Neutral Zone
- 3-5p Street Fiction 2.0
- 6-7p DuPont Phillips
- 7:30-8:30p Nathan Graham
- Friday
- 11a-5p – Amplify Project Stage Takeover
- 6-7p Rabbitology
- 7:30-8:50p Joe & The Ruckus
- Saturday
- 1-2p Out Loud Chorus
- 3-5p Saline Fiddlers
- 6-8p Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective and Blueshouse
- Thursday
- Fountain Stage – Ingalls Mall (between E Washington and N. University)
- Thursday
- 11a – Mark Jewett
- noon – Andrés Soto
- 1p – Annie Bacon
- 2p – Lily Bowen
- 3p – Timothy Monger
- 4p – Joe Groves Instrumental Resonance
- 5p – Root Cause Analysis
- 6p – Rochelle Clark – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 7p – The Sidemen – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 8p – Delta 88 – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- Friday
- 11a – Noelle Prouty
- noon – Detroit Opera
- 1p – Emily Slomovits
- 2p – Anne Erlewine
- 3p – Jo Serrapere
- 4p – Shannon Linsea
- 5p – Lynne Frederickson Jazz Trio
- 6p – Badass Women Quartet – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 7p – Hoodang – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 8p – Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- Saturday
- 11a – Laura Frawley
- noon – Michael Smith
- 1p – Eric Moore
- 2p – Scotty Leeman
- 3p – Lauren Blackford
- 4p – Ashley Pyle
- 5p – Maddy Ringo Trio – Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Takeover
- 6p – Billy King & Friends – 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 184 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. He’ll be at two different locations at different times:
- 1-3p Thursday and Saturday (Friday as a rain date) – Liberty & Fifth Ave
- 4-6p – Friday (rain date Saturday) – Church St near South U
Throughout the fair, there will be chalk available for guests to add their own creations.
Creative Washtenaw is also sponsoring a large-scale chalk mural on William St.
Magic
Alexander the Magician is a world-class performer with over 30 years of experience in magic, theater, and live entertainment. Known for his clever sleight of hand and old-school charm, he blends vaudeville style with modern showmanship for a truly engaging experience.
Specializing in interactive, family-friendly magic, Alexander keeps audiences laughing, amazed, and on their toes. Catch him during the Art Fair at North University and Thayer as he dazzles the crowd with surprising illusions, quick wit, and a playful personality that makes everyone feel part of the show.
There will also be Mirco Moments of Magic scattered throughout the fair. These spontaneous, street-level encounters are filled with sleight of hand, surprise, and just the right dose of wonder. No stage, no schedule—just magic that happens in the moment, when you least expect it.
Get more details here.
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
- State Street near South University
- Thompson near William
- Huron High School:
- Fletcher and Washington
- South University at Forest
- Briarwood:
- 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 $20 per day or $10 after 5 p.
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 – 2024
We could not find information for 2025 even on the morning that Art Fair starts. We are headed to Art Fair this morning and will keep our eyes open for the shuttles.
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 were 7 stops in 2024:
- 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 has historically been the number one recommendation of what to bring from A2withKids readers. Art Fair week is typically hot with thunderstorms. We’ve gotten lucky with weather forecast on Thursday and Friday this year.
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 as they are on Sunday. 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.
This year I enjoyed a sandwich from Iggy’s Eggies and then stopped at the Zingerman’s booth for Miss Kim’s Smashed Potatoes.
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. Michigan League on Ingalls Mall is a great choice. The Michigan Union will probably be open as well.
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.
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. 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.