August Flight Plan with Arbor Annie - faded photo of Michigan theater & surrounding areas. circle insets connected by dotted lines representing the month's activities -kayaker, carnival, sunflowers, UMMNH Puma, kid reading at pool, petting goat

Drift Through August with Arbor Annie’s Flight Plan

From the top of the treetops, Arbor Annie has scouted out the must-do themes for August as we drift through the end of summer.

Arbor Annie’s Flight Plan is a new feature for 2026. Each month, it will give an overview of the full month. It will generally have less of a focus on events, and more on general activities.

Fun in the Sun

It’s the last chance for summer fun in the sun. Whether you’re heading out to a pool or water park or drifting down the Huron.

Drift Down the Harvest Trail

August is peak farm time! Blueberries and raspberries are going in and out as we drift from summer to fall varieties. Sunflowers will hit full bloom. Typically by the end of August the first apple orchards and cider mills are opening. Beyond the u-pick farms, the Farmers Markets are bursting with fresh local produce. Plus we’ve got local food fests in both Ypsi and Ann Arbor in August.

Hit the Country Fair Circuits

In August we’ve got several local community fairs that bring together a country fair with carnival rides. Check out all the fun in Manchester (August 18-22) and Chelsea (August 25-29) before the season wraps up with the Saline Community Fair (September 2-6)

Carnivals and Fairs with Rides near Ann Arbor - Carnival Midway at night with ferris wheel, swings, funhouse, and games

The 2026 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 may be the most popular carnival in Ann Arb…

Or, check out the lower key events without rides like Dexter Summer Festival or Saline Summerfest.

Finish Summer Strong

Before school starts, it’s a great time to make sure you’re finishing up your summer reading. Don’t forget to redeem your rewards!

It’s also a great time to get last visits to the campus before the students return the last full week of August.

Enjoying Ann Arbor Without Students - the UM Cube outside the Michigan Union

University of Michigan adds so much to the experience of living in Ann Arbor! But, campus area can be overwhelming while students are in town. It definitely takes on a quieter atmosphere when the students aren’t in town. Parking becomes easier, restaurants are less crowded, and it becomes about townies instead of college students including some gre…

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