One of Michigan’s Finest Summer Traditions Keeps Kids and Families Entertained Around Ann Arbor, Thursday, July 21- Sunday, July 24, 2016
Ann Arbor, Mich. – The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of Michigan’s finest summer traditions and one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation. Each year, thousands of artists compete for a limited number of spaces in one of the four art fairs that make up The Ann Arbor Art Fair.
For the first time in the 57-year history of The Ann Arbor Art Fair, the art fair will open on a Thursday (July 21) and end on a Sunday (July 24).
“Over the years the art fair has evolved into one of Michigan’s greatest summer traditions and expanded to over 1,000 competitively juried artists covering 30 city blocks,” said Karen Delhey art fair spokesperson. “To help leverage its popularity and to accommodate the crowds, we have moved the date.”
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit Ann Arbor over the four-day event to enjoy and purchase a wide range of media including painting, drawing, glass, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry and more, not to mention the chance to enjoy Ann Arbor in the summer time. Visitors will be treated to artist’s demonstrations throughout the event, art activities for all ages, and three-stages full of music and dance performances.
In addition, there will be plenty of as family-friendly activities at this year’s art fair, beginning at 11 am – 6 pm , Thursday-Saturday and Noon - 6PM on Sunday, in partnership with: the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), Cranbrook Art Museum, UM Natural History Museum, and the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor.
While visiting Ann Arbor for the Ann Arbor Art Fair, there are additional events and fun activities for families to enjoy, including:
Family Friendly Community Events
- Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights, July 21, Chelsea, Mich.
- Depot Town Cruise Nights, July 21, Ypsilanti, Mich.
Family Friendly Attractions
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (Free)
- Dino Tours on Saturdays and Sundays @ 2pm
- Planetarium shows on Saturday and Sunday
- University of Michigan Museum of Art (Free)
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (AAOM)
- Thursdays, the AAHOM is open late! Enjoy the museum from 5-8pm with admission only $5
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Conservatory
- Access to the outdoor gardens is free; the conservatory
Outdoor Recreation
- Nichols Arboretum
- Walk along the river or through the valleys within this 700-acre nature preserve in the heart of downtown.
- Leslie Science & Nature Center
- Join one of the LSNC Educators as they hike through Black Pond Woods searching out the summer wildflowers that are blooming.
- Argo Cascades River Trip
- Enjoy a 1.5 hour trip down the river in kayaks, rafts, or canoes
- Gallup Park and Livery
- Night Paddle on July 22: 8:30-10:30 p.m. — pre-registration required (limited availability). As the sun sets and the moon rises venture out to paddle a canoe or kayak in the night! Watch for deer, muskrats, herons, and other wildlife as you paddle your boat on the 2-mile Gallup Pond section of the Huron River.
For four days in July, the streets of Ann Arbor transform into an art lover’s paradise to experience and enjoy original works of art, street performances, culinary treats and a variety of shops featuring sidewalk sales. From July 21-24, 2016, thousands of art enthusiasts will turn out and enjoy engaging with these artists, experiencing their artwork, and embracing the chance to enhance or start their own collection.
Quick Facts
- When: Thursday – Saturday, 10am-9pm and Sunday, Noon-6pm
- Where: Downtown Ann Arbor
- How much: Free admission
- More info: Downloadable guide, map, parking options, activities schedule and more: www.theannarborartfair.com. Festival apps are available for iPhone and Android, and images can be found here.
Media Contact:
Daniel Cherrin, dcherrin@northcoaststrategies.com, (313) 300-0932, @dancherrin
