Your Ultimate Guide to the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Every July, the Ann Arbor Art Fair captivates nearly half a million visitors with its vibrant, three-day celebration of artistic talent. As the largest juried art fair in the United States, this esteemed event spans a sprawling 30-city-block footprint in downtown Ann Arbor. For those living in Ann Arbor or moving to Ann Arbor, the fair offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the city's rich cultural scene. From the diverse artworks and engaging performances to the extensive food options, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is a must-visit destination that highlights the creativity and community spirit that define this charming city.

About the Fair
Event Dates & Times
Art Fair Kick-Off Events
Music Stages at the Ann Arbor Art Fair
Attending Artists - 2024 Back to Fair
Food Trucks + Street Food Vendors
Tips for Parking and Prepping
Ann Arbor Art Fair Map

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About the Fair

The Ann Arbor Art Fair draws an astounding 500,000 visitors every July for a dynamic three-day celebration. As the largest juried art fair in the United States, it features nearly 1,000 talented artists across an expansive 30-city-block area in downtown Ann Arbor.

This esteemed event comprises three distinct, independently juried nonprofit art fairs, all taking place simultaneously:

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original

Established in 1960
Owned and operated by The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Inc.
The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Inc. founded in 1973
Located on North University, Ingalls Mall, and East Washington
Learn more about the Street Art Fair, The Original >

Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair

Established in 1967
Owned and operated by the State Street District
State Street District (formerly State Street Area Association) founded in 1986
Located on State Street, East Liberty, North University, Maynard, East William and Thompson
Learn more about the State Street District Fair >

The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair

Established in 1970
Owned and operated by The Guild of Artists & Artisans
The Guild of Artists & Artisans founded in 1979
Located on Main Street, East Liberty, State Street, and South University
Learn more about the Guild's Summer Art Fair >

These fairs collectively create a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, offering a diverse array of artworks that captivate and inspire visitors from around the globe.

Event Dates & Times

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is set to enchant visitors from July 18 to July 20, 2024. Here's a detailed schedule to help plan your visit:

Thursday, July 18 | 10 AM – 9 PM
Friday, July 19 | 10 AM – 9 PM
Saturday, July 20 | 10 AM – 8 PM

These extended hours provide ample opportunity to explore the vast array of artistic displays, enjoy interactive exhibits, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Ann Arbor during this celebrated event.

Art Fair Kick-Off Events: July 16, 2024

Get ready for an exhilarating prelude to the 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair with two engaging community events on July 16. These kick-off events are designed to celebrate creativity and foster collaboration, setting the perfect tone for the fair's artistic showcase.

Paint the Town: From 5 PM to 9 PM, immerse yourself in live music and interactive art experiences that highlight the vibrant talent of local artists.
Dart for Art: Participate in a spirited one-mile run through downtown Ann Arbor from 5 PM to 8 PM, blending fitness with a celebration of art and community spirit.

These events not only unite the community but also spotlight the dynamic creativity and collective enthusiasm that make the Ann Arbor Art Fair a cherished annual tradition.

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Music Stages at the Ann Arbor Art Fair

The Ann Arbor Art Fair offers a vibrant musical experience across three distinct stages, featuring a wide array of genres and performances that complement the fair's artistic atmosphere.

Stage on Main: Summer Sounds

Presented by WEMU 89.1, the Stage on Main highlights performances curated by The Ark, renowned for showcasing the best in traditional and contemporary live music. Located at the corner of Main and William, next to Palio restaurant, this stage promises captivating evening performances.

Performance Schedule:

Thursday, July 18, 2024
6:00 PM: Phillip-Michael Scales
7:30 PM: Joe & The Ruckus

Friday, July 19, 2024
6:00 PM: Jordan Hamilton
7:30 PM: Tony Furtado

Saturday, July 20, 2024
6:00 PM: Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective and Blueshouse

For more details on these performers, visit The Guild

The Street Stage on William

Presented by Michigan Public, The Street Stage on William is located near the Maynard and William intersection in the State Street District Art Fair. This stage features a variety of local music and entertainment acts throughout the fair.

Performance Schedule:

Thursday, July 18
6:00 PM: Steve Somers and Friends Band (Jazz, Blues, Motown & More)
7:00 PM: Steve Somers and Friends Band with Special Guests & Jazz Jam Session

Friday, July 19
6:00 PM: Vlad Tovbin (Gypsy Jazz Group from Detroit)
7:00 PM: WCC Jazz Ensemble

Saturday, July 20
5:00 PM: Acoustic Jazz Trio with Danny Tyrell, Steve Somers & John Smolinski
6:00 PM: Steve Somers Band with Valerie Barrymore (Blues, Jazz, R&B)

For more details on these performers, visit Ann Arbor Art Fair Music

The Fountain Stage

The Fountain Stage, located on Ingalls Mall between E. Washington Street and N. University, offers continuous performances that foster a sense of community and complement the Street Art Fair, The Original.

Performance Schedule:

Thursday, July 18
7:00 PM: Annie Capps Band - Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Take Over
8:00 PM: Delta 88 - Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Take Over

Friday, July 19
7:00 PM: Judy Banker Band - Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Take Over
8:00 PM: Dick Siegel - Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Take Over

Saturday, July 20
5:00 PM: Billy King Band - Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Take Over
6:15 PM: Hoodang - Johnny’s Speakeasy Benefit Stage Take Over

For more details on these performers, visit Ann Arbor Art Fair Music

These stages offer a rich and varied musical backdrop to the Ann Arbor Art Fair, enhancing the overall experience with sounds that resonate with the artistic spirit of the event.

Attending Artists - 2024 Back to Fair

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is thrilled to welcome an impressive lineup of artists for the 2024 event. Here's a glimpse of some of the talented artists and their booth locations:

Chris Abigt (Painting) - Booth: LI227
David Abrahamson (Mixed Media) - Booth: ST727
Debra Adelson (Jewelry) - Booth: SU846
Diana Ahrens (Mixed Media) - Booth: ST588/ST590
Lea Alboher (Digital Art) - Booth: SU870
Hannah Amidon (Painting) - Booth: SU932
John Anderson (Wood) - Booth: ST715

These artists represent a diverse range of mediums and styles, contributing to the rich tapestry of creativity on display at the fair. For the complete list of participating artists and their booth locations, visit The Guild's Participating Artists.

Exploring the works of these artists offers a unique opportunity to experience a wide array of artistic expressions, making the Ann Arbor Art Fair a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Whether living in Ann Arbor or moving in Ann Arbor, this fair provides a vibrant snapshot of the city’s thriving art scene.

Food Trucks + Street Food Vendors

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate, offering a diverse array of food trucks and street food vendors. Here's a guide to the culinary delights you can expect at each section of the fair:

State Street District Art Fair

New York Pizza Depot - Booth WI601-607
Condado Tacos - Booth LI409
Amer’s Deli - Booth ST324-328
Isalita Cantina - Restaurant Patio
Ashley’s - Booth ST366-372

Street Art Fair, The Original

Zingerman's Roadhouse
Zingerman's Creamery
Impasto
Tutti Frutti Smoothies
Good Eats Mobile Food Company

The Guild’s Summer Art Fair

Beyond Juice
Dole Whip - Wow Wagon
Frick'n Good Cookies
Marilyn's Detroit

Finding Your Favorite Foods

Stay tuned for the State Street District map to be released soon, which will help you easily locate these booths. For a comprehensive list and more details on all the food vendors, visit Ann Arbor Art Fair Food.

Indulging in these culinary offerings provides the perfect complement to the artistic experiences at the fair, ensuring a memorable visit for all attendees.

Tips for Parking and Prepping

Proper preparation is essential for enjoying the Ann Arbor Art Fair to the fullest. Expect full sun, all pavement, and a lot of walking—this is an all-day event.

Where to Park

One of the most convenient parking options is at Briarwood Mall, located at 100 Briarwood Cir, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

Ease of Parking: Parking closer to the fair can be both challenging and expensive. Briarwood Mall offers ample parking space, making it a hassle-free option.
Amenities: The mall provides easy access to restrooms and refreshments, ideal if you've traveled a distance.
Bus Service: For around $5, you can purchase a round trip ticket for the air-conditioned buses that shuttle visitors from the mall to the fair. Be prepared for a short wait to board the bus.

Important Note

When returning from the art fair, ensure you board the correct bus. Another bus service operates from the high school and picks up and drops off at the same location at the fair. Double-check to avoid any mix-ups.

Additional Tips

Stay Hydrated: Bring water to keep hydrated throughout the day.
Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the sun.
Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking long distances on pavement.
Plan Your Day: With so much to see and do, having a plan can help you make the most of your time at the fair.

By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the Ann Arbor Art Fair.

Ann Arbor Art Fair Map

The Ann Arbor Art Fair covers a large area with multiple sections, each offering unique attractions and vendor booths. To help you make the most of your visit, refer to the detailed map provided. Key areas include the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the State Street Art Fair, The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair.

Look out for the information booths scattered across the fair for assistance, and take note of the parking options, particularly the convenient shuttle service from Briarwood Mall. Stages for live performances, restrooms, and a variety of food vendors are all clearly marked on the map to enhance your fair experience. Enjoy the diverse array of art, music, and culinary delights as you explore the vibrant streets of Ann Arbor.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair website

Attending the Ann Arbor Art Fair is a quintessential experience for both those living in Ann Arbor and individuals moving to Ann Arbor. This grand event, with its vast array of artworks, engaging performances, and diverse food options, encapsulates the vibrant community spirit and cultural richness of the city. Whether you're navigating the extensive fairgrounds, enjoying live music at one of the multiple stages, or indulging in culinary delights from local vendors, the Ann Arbor Art Fair offers something for everyone. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure, and immerse yourself in one of the nation’s most celebrated artistic events, solidifying Ann Arbor as a premier destination for art and culture enthusiasts.