Performing Arts

Ann Arbor Civic Theater 408 W. Washington St, Ann Arbor

734-971-2228 Admission Charged Ann Arbor's oldest community theater group has presented family-oriented theater for over 70 years.

Season runs September through June. Call for showtimes.

Ann Arbor Symphony 734-994-4801 Admission Charged

Don't miss a moment of music with an exciting performance by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

Concerts run from September through April.

The Ark 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor

734-761-1451

Admission Charged An acoustic music club offering concerts by local, nationally and internationally known performers. Featuring folk, contemporary singer/songwriters, blues, jazz, country, bluegrass and the music of many ethnic cultures.

Call for performance dates and times

Concordia University:  The Kreft Center for the Arts 4090 Geddes Rd., Ann Arbor

734-995-4612

Admission Charged Multi-purpose performance space offers a variety of entertainment for visitors, including various theatrical productions, music and choral concerts.

Call for dates and times

Dance Gallery-Peter Sparling Company 815 Wildt Street 734-747-8885 Admission Charged

A modern professional dance company under the direction of Peter Sparling, former dancer with the Martha Graham Company. Offers lecture demonstrations, open rehearsals, classes and several performances throughout the season.

Cal for dates and times

Eastern Michigan University

Campus Life 734-487-3045 Admission Charged Offering concerts by top artists, musical performances, lectures and a film series, you are sure to find just what you are looking for.

Call for dates and times

Department of Theatre 734-487-1221. Admission Charged

EMU's Quirk Theatre Arts Building houses three theaters: the Quirk, Sponberg and Frank Ross Laboratory Theatre. The season runs September to June and incorporates all types of dramatic performances, including musicals, comedies, tragedies, experimental and children's theater.

Call for dates and times

Kerrytown Concert House 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor

734-769-2999 Admission Charged

Beautifully renovated 1850s house, one of Ann Arbor's favorite concert venues, also sponsors changing exhibits of paintings, photography and prints by area artists.

Call for hours of operation

The Michigan Theater 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor

734-668-TIME Admission Charged

Ann Arbor's not-for-profit historic center for fine cinema and the performing arts.

Call for hours of operation

Purple Rose Theatre 137 Park St., Chelsea

734-475-7902 Admission Charged

A local gem. Actor Jeff Daniels' not-for-profit professional theatre company produces four yearly productions that speak to and for a Midwestern audience.

Call for performance schedule and times

Wild Swan Theater 734-995-0530 Admission Charged

Wild Swan has been delighting family audiences with performances that blend storytelling, movement and music into magical accessible experiences. Performances range from Peter Rabbit to Charlotte's Web to Frog and Toad.

Season runs from October through June.

Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra 734-480-4579 Admission Charged

Enjoy an evening of varied musical selections by the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Adam Riccinto.

Season runs from September through May.

Events

January

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

734-994-4801

Enjoy the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for an area tradition as it celebrates youthful genius.

Admission Charged

Hours: 8pm.

Chinese New Year Celebration

734-668-7112 extension 32

Admission Free

Hours: 1pm-5pm

February

Chelsea American Legion Winter Carnival

734-475-1824

Admission Charged This winter favorite includes a Euchre Tournament, fishing contests, Monte Carlo Night, music, prizes and more.

American Legion Post 31 1700 Ridge Rd Chelsea, MI 48118

Hours: Fri, 6pm-1:30am. Sat, 7am-1:30am. Sun, 7am-6pm.  

Ice Carving Exhibition

734-669-7112 extension 32

Admission Free Sponsored by the Main Street Area Association, this exhibition will feature students from the University of Michigan Ice Carving Team. Watch as they carve sculptures on the sidewalks throughout downtown.

Hours: Fri, 6pm-10pm. Sat, Noon-8pm.  

Presidential Ball

734-429-4494

Historic Union School 200 N. Ann Arbor Street Saline, MI 48176 Admission Charged

Enjoy this period reenactment event complete with costumes, President & Mrs. Lincoln and several other Civil Ware re-enactors. Music for the evening will be provided by Golden Griffon Stringtet and will include traditional jigs, reels, waltzes, and Civil War tunes. Viewing gallery open throughout the evening.

Hours:  7pm-10pm

March

Chelsea Spring Craft Show

734-475-9242

500 Washington St. Chelsea, MI 48118

Admission Charged

Over 100 juried artists featuring traditional and contemporary art as well as seasonal specialties, home decorations, hand crafted food, soaps and more.

Hours: 10am-4pm.  

Dexter Pioneer Arts Fair

734-426-8846

Creekside Elementary School 2615 Baker Rd. Dexter, MI 48130

Admission Charged The annual fair features more than 50 juried artists and craftspeople who will demonstrate and sell traditional folk arts and modern adaptations, including quilting, rug hooking, caning, quilting, lace making, basketry, stained glass, wood carving and more. Sponsored by the Dexter Historical Society.

Hours: 10am-4pm.

Ann Arbor Spring Art Fair

734-995-7281

Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Admission Charged

The annual fair showcases 140 American fine artists and craftspeople. All exhibits indoors in a heated facility.

Hours:  10am-6pm. Mar 28, 11am-5pm.

University of Michigan Pow Wow

734-763-8587

Main Street and Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Admission Charged

Enjoy this gathering of over 1,000 of North America's greatest singers and dancers. Come see the rich culture and heritage of the country's most renowned Native American artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their authentic work. Hours: Sat, 10:30am-10pm. Sun, 10:30am-5pm.  

April

Ann Arbor National Art Show

330-896-9498

1000 South State Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Admission Charged The annual show combines the intimate qualities of an art gallery with the variety and excitement of a fine art festival. This offers the art lover an ideal viewing and buying opportunity in a comfortable indoor setting.

Hours: Sat, 10am - 6pm. Sun, 10am - 5pm.  

Chelsea Antique Show

800-572-6703

Chelsea Fairgrounds Old US 12 Chelsea , MI 48118

Admission Charged This annual antique show features 100 to 150 dealers carrying a wide variety of antiques. Oak furniture, pottery, primitives, and better glassware can be found. Something for the beginner to the serious collector.

Hours: Sat, 8am-5pm. Sun, 10am-4pm.  

  Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair

734-995-1891

Michigan Union Ballroom 530 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 This annual event features first editions, Americana, fine printing and old & rare books. Sponsored by the Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Dealers Association and is a benefit for the William L. Clements Library.

Hours: 11am-5pm.

May  

Chelsea Farmers Market

734-433-0354

Downtown Park Street Chelsea, MI 48118

Admission Free The Chelsea Farmer's Market is growing offering vendors showcasing the finest home grown produce, bedding plants and handmade crafts. All items are hand made or home grown, no purchased or re-sold items. This convenient location is easily accessible and vendor-friendly. Patrons will enjoy the popular "Chef at the Market" series sponsored by the Common Grill, live music, community group guests and more.

Hours: 8am-Noon.  

Saline Farmers Market

734-429-3518

Saline Farmers Market Park Lot # 2, S. Ann Arbor St Saline, MI 48176

Admission Free Enjoy lots of farm fresh produce, flowers from area growers and many more seasonal items. It is the market with the small town flavor with the big city style. Specialty items include jams/jellies, baked goods, seasonal corn stalks, Indian corn, wreaths and more. Sponsored by the City of Saline.

Hours: 8am-Noon.  

Annual Show and Shine Street Rod Show

734-483-4444

Riverside Park Huron & Cross Streets Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Donation Requested If you dig shades of lipstick red and lime green, then baby pony on down to the annual event that features hundreds of street rods, muscle cars and antique autos. Hours: Show: 9am-4pm. Registration: 9am-1pm. Awards: 2pm.

May Midnight Madness

734-668-7112

Downtown Main Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Admission Free The Main Street Area Association, in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, presents Festive Friday Midnight Madness. Enjoy late night shopping - explore Main Street Area's newest stores and restaurants and visit your long time favorites.

Hours: Strolling entertainment: 7pm-9pm. Store hours vary. Most open late.

Concert in the Park Series and Farmers Market

734-439-3010

Wilson Memorial Park Wabash St. Milan, MI 48160

Admission Free Enjoy the sounds of the Concert in the Park Series and Farmers Market and cars on display with the Backstreet Cruizers Car Club Cruize Nights. Backstreet's DJ will be spinning the tunes and 50/50 tickets will be sold.

Hours: Thurs, 6:00pm-8:30pm.

Ann Arbor Art Center’s Annual Winefest

734-994-8004

Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest 1275 S. Huron St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Admission Charged, call for details WineFest is a nationally recognized wine auction benefiting the Ann Arbor Art Center. This annual event attracts over 800 wine and food enthusiasts from across the country. WineFest is an elegant affair featuring a strolling supper, wine tasting, live and silent auctions and a port, cigar and cognac tent.

Hours: 6pm.

Springtime At Rentschler Farm

734-769-2219

Rentschler Farm Museum 1265 E. Michigan Ave. Saline, MI 48176

Donation required This event features a petting farm, traditional crafts, gardening demonstrations, children's activities, tours, exhibits, gift shop, food and fun. Saline Fiddlers ReStrung performs at 1:30pm. Salt & Pepper Exhibit in the Farmhouse. Photograph Exhibit of Pre-1950 Vehicles in the Exhibit Barn. Sponsored by the Saline Historical Society.

Hours: 11am-4pm.  

Wander Washtenaw

734-971-2776

Admission Charged The Washtenaw County Historical Consortium invites you to Wander Washtenaw. This first-ever open house of historic sites and museums throughout the county. One ticket for all 16 attractions with special events or exhibits included. Museums included: Ann Arbor African American Museum, Cobblestone Farm Museum, Earhart Manor (Concordia University), Kempf House, Museum on Main Street, Park Mill County Park, Dexter Area Museum, Webster Township Museum complex, John F. Schneider Blacksmith Shop (Manchester), Sharon Mills County Park, Hack House Museum (Milan), Jarvis Stone School and Salem Walker Church & Cemetery, Rentschler Farm (Saline), and Michigan Firehouse Museum, Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection & Miller Motors, and Ypsilanti Historical Museum.

Hours: Sat, 10am-4pm. Sun, 1pm-4pm.  

Ann Arbor Antiques Market

850-984-0122

Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Admission Charged Over 300 antique dealers displaying merchandise in 7 buildings and many tents. A sampling of items include period country, painted furniture, glass and china and accessories, silver, books, old toys, dolls, art, textiles, jewelry, architectural items and select collectables. All items guaranteed as represented. Home made custom foods also available.

Hours: 7am-4pm. Manchester Canoe Race

734-428-8976

Race begins at Fellows Bridge 19075 Sharon Valley Road Manchester, MI 48158

Entry Fee Charged The annual canoe race on the beautiful River Raisin features 8 classes of competition. Race is approximately 3.5 miles. Sponsored by the Manchester Recreation Task Force.

Hours: Registration: 10am. Race begins at Noon.

Michigan Vintage Volkswagen Festival

734-483-4444

Historic Depot Town and Riverside Park Cross Street and Huron Street Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Admission Charged Come to the  annual Michigan Volkswagen Festival in Historic Depot Town and view Air-cooled platform Volkswagens in Riverside Park. Also a large swap meet, display by Volkswagen of America, new beetle convertibles on display, and more. Also, visit local museums and shops and restaurants in this little turn of the century town.

Hours: 9am-3pm.  

Annual Milan Memorial Day Parade

734-439-2694

Downtown Wabash Street Milan, MI 48160

Admission Free Forming at the American Legion (44 Wabash Street), the day begins with a ceremony for those lost at sea and then proceeds down West Main Street and concludes at Marble Park Ceremony with a special ceremony and 21-gun salute. Concluding the ceremonies, all are invited to the American Legion Hall for complimentary hot dogs and pop.

Hours: Parade begins at 9am.

June

Waterloo Farm Museum Tours

517-596-2254

Waterloo Farm Museum 9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd Chelsea, MI 48118

Admission Charged Enjoy touring the museum and other special activities.

Tours held Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only.

Hours: 1pm-5pm.  

Annual Chelsea Painters Art Fair

800-888-9487

Chelsea Community Hospital 775 S. Main St. Chelsea, MI 48118

Admission Free Twenty-eight award-winning artists display and sell original fine art and hand-crafted note cards. Media include watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, monoprint, collage, and scratchboard. Special activities to honor the Art Fair's 31st year include free hands-on children's art activities by the Chelsea Center for the Arts. Live entertainment and refreshments are provided for fairgoers. A percentage of proceeds go toward the Palmer Medical Scholarship.

Hours: Daily, 10am - 5pm.

Annual Dexter Ice Cream Social

734-426-0887

Monument Park Main Street Dexter, MI 48130

Admission Free This annual early summer event att