A couple of years ago, I was part of a group discussion about how to find out about and support Ann Arbor school fundraisers such as restaurant nights, ice cream socials, and other events. As a result, I have created this compilation of School Fundraisers.
Favorite School Fund Raisers
Restaurant Nights
I love that my daughter’s school holds restaurant nights as fund raisers. We love eating out and we get to help her school (and see friends) at the same time.
Since we eat out a lot, I’d love to know when and where other schools are having restaurant nights. If I’m eating out anyway, I’d love to help out another school.
Upcoming Restaurant Nights
Ice Cream Socials/County Fair or Other Community Gathering
Most of the Ann Arbor Public Schools have a large spring fundraiser – an ice cream social, country fair, or similar event. The annual ice cream social at my daughter’s K-8 school was always one of our favorite events, even though inflatables like shown above are no longer allowed at AAPS events. She lost her 8th grade ice cream social in 2020, but was happy to return as a volunteer in 2022.
Upcoming Events
Performances
Throughout the year there are typically several performances that serve as fundraisers for schools. There are various band fundraisers including the annual Picnic Pops. Community theater groups like Tappan Players or Thurston Players also put on shows that benefit the schools.
Upcoming Performances
Encore, Encore! Live Theater & Concerts for Ann Arbor Families
The Ann Arbor theatre scene is lively. Several groups produce Ann Arbor theater shows for kids and families – or starring them. I love taking my daughter to see live theater and concerts. The local productions are so much less expensive than the touring productions so we can see more performances. There are lots of […]
Runs & Walks
Burns Park Run is a popular school based run that benefits Burns Park School. Several other schools have also started hosting fundraising runs/walks
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🎟 | May 30 9:00am-12:00pm | Color Fun Run at Lincoln Middle School, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | November 1 9:00am-11:00am | Donut Dash at Skyline High School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
The Best Kid-Friendly 5K Races Near Ann Arbor This Year
Are you looking for kid-friendly races near me? Good news! There are plenty of Family Friendly races in Ann Arbor throughout the year. Find a 5K in Ann Arbor. Check out a Fun Run. And the whole family will be crossing the finish line! Kid Friendly Race Tips If you are running with your kids, […]
Special Events & Services
There are also numerous special events that raise money for the schools. A few popular annual events are Brick Bash and Huron Bike Sales.
High School sport teams in particular seem to gravitate to service fund raisers. There are car washes, Christmas Tree Disposal Pickups, and Easter Egg Delivery.
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🎟 | May 30 9:00am-12:00pm | Color Fun Run at Lincoln Middle School, Ypsilanti Michigan |
How to Share Your School’s Fundraiser
There are so many schools in the area, so this content will be crowd-sourced. If you would like to add your school’s event, see the details below.
We will list events that meet the criteria below:
- Directly benefits any Washtenaw County school, class, or school affiliated club or team. All schools, preschool-12th grade, are eligible including public, charter, and private.
- Restaurant Nights, Ice Cream Socials/County Fairs, Burns Park Run, Theater events, etc are examples of good events to list
- The public is invited to participate in the event
- Must be family friendly – no adults only events like casino nights, wine and cheese, etc.
- Must be one time events that happen locally (no shop online or weeklong events)
- Inclusion is at the discretion of the editor
- Please include the following in your submission:
- Submitters name and email at the top of the form – this is for me to contact you only
- In the description include who the fundraiser benefits example School X PTO OR School Y Science Olympiad Team. Also list this under Organization.
- Link to your event flyer – this must be public
- Public Contact Information if available
Events can be submitted through our event submission form or via email (annamae@annarborwithkids.com).
All Upcoming Ann Arbor School Fundraising Events
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙 | May 5 3:45pm-5:30pm | Summer Garden Plant Sale at Daycroft School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | May 6 3:45pm-5:30pm | Summer Garden Plant Sale at Daycroft School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | May 12 3:45pm-5:30pm | Summer Garden Plant Sale at Daycroft School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | May 13 3:45pm-5:30pm | Summer Garden Plant Sale at Daycroft School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | May 30 9:00am-12:00pm | Color Fun Run at Lincoln Middle School, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | May 31 3:00pm-5:00pm | First Steps Kid Fest 2026
at Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor MI The First Steps PTO is delighted to announce this year's KidFest on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 3-5:00p! Once again it is outside at Leslie Science & Nature Center. Joe Reilly performs his fabulous family concert as the First Steps Early Childhood program celebrates 25 years of offering their wonderful...Read More |
| 💙🎟 | November 1 9:00am-11:00am | Donut Dash at Skyline High School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
