It’s Foolish Time Ann Arbor! Yes, it is time for FoolMoon and FestiFools. 2026 marks the 20th Annual FestiFools! Ann Arbor FestiFools first foolishly paraded on Ann Arbor streets in 2007, and quickly become an Ann Arbor tradition! FoolMoon was added in 2011.
Ann Arbor FoolMoon 2026 is on Friday, April 10 with processions across downtown Ann Arbor. FestiFools Ann Arbor 2026 will be on Main Street on Sunday, April 12
FoolMoon Ann Arbor 2026 – Fools of a Feather
FoolMoon is a nighttime spectacle. In addition to the luminaries, there are laser shows, public art interactive installations, DJs, live dance, and more. We love the amazing displays by local artists and community partners. The Ann Arbor FoolMoon community really puts on a show!
Ann Arbor FoolMoon 2026 is on Friday, April 10 from 7-10p. The 2025 Ann Arbor FoolMoon theme is Fools of a Feather!! Luminary processions will “launch” from constellation stations at UMMA, Slauson Middle School, and Kerrytown Farmers Market at 8p. They will head to Washington St in front of Grizzly Peak for a luminous celebration of lights, live music, and dancing from dusk until midnight.
For years, I wanted to go to Fool Moon Ann Arbor. But,it always seemed to conflict with our spring break travel plans, other commitments, or there was bad weather. Finally, in 2022 the stars aligned and we made it for FoolMoon Friday!
The 2022 FoolMoon theme was Alice in WonderFools. Even though it was our first year, I didn’t want to just observe. I wanted to participate in at least a small way. I was inspired by the Red Queen’s minions – the playing cards. A lantern, tissue paper, and about 20 minutes and I was done! I am trying to think how I can adapt the lantern for Fools of a Feather – perhaps a bird house?
Our family had a great time even though we were a couple blocks behind the procession that left from Nickels Arcade. We did get to see some of the installations around town and merry making activities at the Farmers Market. Graffiti Alley behind the Michigan Theater was a fun time with installations and music. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum had dancing light boxes.
Next time, we will have dinner downtown. We had plans to get dessert, but waited until 10p and almost all the local businesses were closed. Next time, we will be sure to make time earlier.
We had a great time in 2022. But have not been able to return as FoolMoon conflicted with the Robotics State Championship where we have been in 2023-2025. This year there isn’t a conflict, so hopefully we can attend.
Activities like Ann Arbor Fool Moon Festival are certainly something that makes Ann Arbor, MI a place to visit!
Ann Arbor FestiFools 2026 – Back to the FOOLture!
FestiFools is a one hour street parade featuring giant handmade papier-mâché puppets. Community members including UM student groups make their own puppets. Anyone is welcome to make their own creation to join in or to simply watch from the sidelines.
For this year’s theme, Back to the FOOLture, they will reconstruct past, present, and FOOLture with bizarro street-sized puppets.
This not-2-B-missed one-hour only event starts at 4pm sharp! Participants in Foolish attire are invited to join the festivities.
Check out our photo montage from FestiFools 2015
Ann Arbor Fool Moon Workshops
If you want to do more than watch from the sidelines, there are several workshops scheduled to help you get involved.
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓🎟 | March 1 10:00am-4:00pm | Fool U! FoolMoon Luminary Making Workshops at Hathaway’s Hideaway, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | March 8 10:00am-4:00pm | Fool U! FoolMoon Luminary Making Workshops at Hathaway’s Hideaway, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | March 15 10:00am-4:00pm | Fool U! FoolMoon Luminary Making Workshops at Hathaway’s Hideaway, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | March 22 10:00am-4:00pm | Fool U! FoolMoon Luminary Making Workshops at Hathaway’s Hideaway, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | March 29 10:00am-4:00pm | Fool U! FoolMoon Luminary Making Workshops at Hathaway’s Hideaway, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 10 7:30pm-11:30pm | FoolMoon 2026: Fools of a Feather at Main Street Area, Ann Arbor MI |
| 💙🆓 | April 12 4:00pm-5:00pm | FestiFools 2026: Back ot the Foolture at Main Street Area, Ann Arbor MI |
Hi, Sunday is the 8th this year. I’m fairly new to Ann Arbor so I wasn’t sure if the parade would be Sunday or it’s Monday (4/9).
Thanks! 🙂
Good eye! It is Sunday the 8th and FoolMoon is Friday, April 6th. I’ve corrected both dates.