From the top of the treetops, Arbor Annie has scouted out the must-do themes for May. Change is in the air this month as we start to shift into summer mode. And the Flight Plan reflects that.
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.
Spring is Here
As May starts, Farmers Markets are making their return to the growing season schedule.
Fresh Local Delights: Ann Arbor’s Top 9 Farmers Markets in 2026
When looking for an Ann Arbor Farmers Market, it is easy to stop with the Farmers Market in Kerrytown. But, there are several other farmers markets in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dexter, and surrounding townships. There are a couple schedule changes for 2026, so don’t just rely on your memory from last year. Check the schedule […]
May weather fluctuates greatly. We can go from a frost warning one night to 70s the next day. On those warm days, you can check out some of our parks for splashing. And on other days, stick to a dry playground.
High-Flying Celebrations
The first weekend in May is always Free Comic Book Day.
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2026 Near Ann Arbor
On Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) participating stores give away a selection of comic books. There is a bit of a change in the air for 2026. Free Comic Book Day continues, And Penguin Random House has a new “Comic Giveaway Day”. The good news is both events are the first Saturday in May. So […]
Star Wars Day – May 4th – is Monday. AADL has a celebration on Sunday, May 3. Then, the movie Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu is released on May 22.
And of course, we can’t forget to celebrate Mom!
Memorable Moments: Ann Arbor’s Mother’s Day 2026 Events
I love brunch, making it a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day 2026 – which is May 10, 2026. There are a number of great 2026 Ann Arbor Mother’s Day Events. Mother’s Day Events 2026 Near You in Washtenaw County Check out all of the fun Ann Arbor Mother’s Day events near you: Note: This […]
The End of School Swoops Down
In May the end of school is definitely swooping down!
The month starts with the end of University of Michigan’s semester. Check out our list of ways to enjoy Ann Arbor without UM Students.
10 Ann Arbor Activities to Enjoy While UMich is on Break
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 […]
The end of the year is filled with final school performances. From theater in early May to elementary school concerts throughout the month to ice cream social fundraisers, and more it is definitely the end of the school year.
Summer Arrives
The end of May is typically the start of peak season for peonies at UM’s Nichols Arboretum.
Peony Paradise: Exploring Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum
Visiting the Peony Garden at University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum has been an Ann Arbor spring tradition for nearly 100 years. The Arb Peony Garden was on my to-do list for several years before finally visiting in 2019. We’ve visited a few more times since then. Peak Bloom Season Watch – 2026 The Nichols Arboretum […]
While Memorial Day weekend is typically the start of the summer season, we have a couple of early openings. Fuller Park Pool opens May 10 with the remaining pools opening on Memorial Day. The canoe liveries also open in May – a perfect activity before it is too hot.
