Arts & Culture

Ypsi is artistic, genuine, and original. The culture and community push people to connect and construct. Here, is a community of passionate educators and creators, social justice advocates and organizers, long-time Ypsilantians and newer residents - Ypsilanti brings together many ideas and backgrounds. There is such a strong sense of community in this city, a community that fosters creativity and art in all its forms, making Ypsi a home for imagination and innovation. Ypsilanti’s art scene is impressive to say the least.

Ypsilanti is home to galleries, museums, and arts non-profits as well as theatrical and musical organizations offering a wide range of performances. You can find independent bookstores like Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center, unique galleries, beloved sculptures, and a variety of top-notch museums all within the Downtown and Depot Town areas. Check out an exciting performance by the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra during one of their Sunday afternoon shows. Or head over to the Riverside Arts Center, home to creative experiences for the whole Ypsi community – catch a performance or play, get inspired by their monthly exhibitions.

Original and quirky are the norm here, and the amazing, uncompromising spirit of Ypsi is best captured through events all the events around town. Take ypsiGLOW for example – this is an annual event generated by Ypsi and for Ypsi that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. The most impressive costumes ever made, art installations and luminary creations, a dance party lit by video projections and lasers…unexpected, amazing, and very, very Ypsi.

Creativity is an essential part of what makes our area pure Michigan and community involvement in the arts is part of who we are. The artistic spirit is alive and well here, thanks to our modern residents and support from local businesses and universities. When you look around the arts and culture scene and it’s easy to see — there’s an undeniable culture of creation here. There are nonstop opportunities to immerse yourself in the arts and culture in Ypsi – see all the upcoming events here.