Summer fun guide: Family things to do in metro Detroit and Michigan
May 12, 2026
There are so many great summer festivals happening in metro Detroit. If you’re looking for a fest near Ann Arbor, then check out these five can’t-miss events. Be sure to check if you need to purchase tickets ahead of time.
This article was recently updated on April 24, 2026, by Metro Parent staff writers. The update included adding new Metro Detroit events as well as updating previous year’s events to the MetroParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best summer festivals near Ann Arbor. Questions? Please reach out to [email protected].
Top Summer Festivals Near Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor African American Downtown Festival
- Address: N. Fourth Avenue and E. Ann Street, Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
This annual festival features live music, dance performances, magic show, vendor booths and more, making an homage to Black business leaders. Families can celebrate community and heritage for the 29th annual event.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
June 12-28, 2026
- Address: 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free, some events may be ticketed
The A2SF is a four-week long festival throughout June with daily celebrations and events. Attractions include theater, kid friendly activities, movie nights, comedy events and various forms of outdoor entertainment.
Saline Celtic Festival at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
July 10-11, 2026
- Address: 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost:
- Friday, July 10: Adults (18+) $8.00, 17 & under free. Note: tickets are only available at the gate.
- Saturday, July 11: Adults (18+) $10.00 until April 30, $14.00 May 1-June 30, $18.00 at the gate; seniors (65+) $5.00 advance cost, $10.00 at the gate; youth (6-17) $5.00 in advance and at the gate; kids under 5, first responders and active military admitted free. Note: all advance ticket sales for Saturday end June 30, 2026. Get tickets here.
Celtic music and dance, traditional field events like jousting and Ancient Athletic Games, and a “wee folks” area for ages 3-12 are in store at this annual celebration. Friday’s celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with music and various workshops. Saturday’s celebration begins at 10 a.m. with 100 pipers and continues throughout the day with dance performances, acrobatics, crafts and more.
Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair in Downtown Ann Arbor
July 16-18, 2026
- Address: Main Street, Liberty Street, State Street and South University
- Cost: Free admission
Offers a wide selection of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more. There will also be live music, sidewalk sales and culinary treats. The festival features approximately 1,000 artists and spans 30 blocks in downtown Ann Arbor.
Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show Washtenaw Farm Council Groundsc
July 19-24, 2026
- Address: 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
This event showcases the art projects and livestock that have been made and raised by local 4-H kids. The full schedule of events for the six-day festival can be found here.
2026 Saline Community Fair at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
Sept. 2-6, 2026
- Address: 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $5/admission ages 11 and up, free/ages 10 and under
Come out to the annual fair and enjoy live music, rides, livestock, contests, live shows, more. Activities for all ages. Pre-fair events on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 include still exhibits and goat judging. The fair includes a dedicated children’s day, seniors and ladies’ day, heroes’ and family day and an agriculture day…