Mark your calendar! Ypsilanti is full of exciting festivals and events happening all summer long. From community gatherings to large-scale annual celebrations, find it here. Check out this summer's highly anticipated annual events in Ypsilanti, and start making plans!
1. Ypsi Pride | June 7
Ypsi Pride is an event unlike any other of its kind. This LGBTQ+ celebration and time for reflection provides programming with artists and performers from the area, and prioritizes voices from the queer community through the planning process. Ypsi Pride hosts vendors and community organizations offering resources, while connecting with new friends. Depot Town, Free. Click here for Ypsi Pride information.
2. Ypsilanti Juneteenth Festival | June 21-23
Save the date! The 4th annual Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration returns to downtown Ypsilanti for an exciting weekend. Expect vendors, live performances, special giveaways, and community love. Downtown Ypsilanti. Free. Click here for details on the Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration.
3. John E Lawrence Summer Jazz Series | July 12 - August 16
The popular John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Series draws thousands of attendees every years from the metro Detroit area and beyond, taking place at the scenic Ford Lake Park! Bring your own chairs and enjoy some of the finest jazz in Michigan every Friday at 7 PM. $10 parking per car. Click here for event information on JEL Summer Jazz Series.
4. Oberun 5k | July 19
The annual Oberun 5k is a fun take on celebrating craft beer. Sign up in advance for this non-competitive 5k race and crack open a cold one after you pass the finish line. Play games, visit the food trucks, and go home in style with your medal! Wiard's Orchard. Click here to learn more about the Oberun 5k.
5. Thunder Over Michigan | July 20-21
Here’s your chance to get up close to historic aircraft. This year marks the event’s 26th anniversary. Attendees can expect dozens of aircraft, ride sign-ups, and interactive exhibits. Willow Run Airport. $99-285. Click here to learn more about Thunder Over Michigan.
6. Michigan Summer Beer Festival | July 26-27
Michigan's best beer festival is back! This year marks the 25th anniversary of this epic beer fest. You'll have the option to sample from hundreds of Michigan beers. Designated Driver tickets are available for folks to safely join in the fun. Ages 21+ only. Riverside Park. $5-$65. Click here to learn more about the Michigan Summer Beer Festival.
7. Ypsi Vegan Fest | August 10
Stone & Spoon proudly presents Ypsi Vegan Fest, a vibrant gathering embracing the plant-based lifestyle, promoting compassion and sustainability with food trucks, vendors, makers, and more. Expect numerous offerings of the vegan world. Location TBD. Free, suggested $2 donation. Click here for Ypsi Vegan Fest information.
8. Ton-Up Motorcycle & Music Festival | August 11
The 14th annual Ton-Up Motorcycle and Music Festival brings you bikes, bands, and vendors all day long! All ages are welcoming to this family friendly event. Browse motorcycles, custom bikes, mopeds, scooters, and and join in contests and raffles to win prizes. Arbor Brewing Company. Free. Click here for details on the Ton-Up Festival.
9. Parkridge Summerfest | August 24
Celebrate community at the Parkridge Summerfest & Joe Julin Community Day. Attendees can expect live music from popular musicians from Ypsilanti, plus dozens of food and merchandise vendors, and Ypsilanti organizations and local services. Enjoy a day feeling like family at this annual event. Parkridge Park. Free. Click here to learn more about Parkridge Summerfest.
10. First Fridays Ypsilanti | April - December
Join in for this monthly arts and culture self-guided tour with a new theme each month. Several Ypsilanti shops, restaurants, and community spaces offer free workshops, artist showcases, and artful experiences every first Friday through December. Free. Click here for First Fridays information.
There are many more special events and festivals happening throughout the year. Please click here to view our events calendar for more Ypsi fun.
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