During the Ann Arbor Art Fair, downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, becomes an outdoor art gallery as nearly 1,000 artists from around the world display and sell their works. In this post, I share my tips for navigating the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair, one of the largest juried art fairs in the United States!
Disclosure: This Ann Arbor Art Fair guide contains some affiliate links. Therefore, I may earn a small commission if you click on one of these partner links and make a purchase. Of course, this is at no extra cost to you, and I only recommend hotels where I would stay myself. I absolutely love the Graduate Ann Arbor, where I was hosted by Destination Ann Arbor for a three-night stay in May 2018.
What is the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
For more than 60 years, the Ann Arbor Art Fair has been a time-honored summer tradition spanning three days and 30 blocks of downtown Ann Arbor’s streets. The Fair actually comprises three unique juried art fairs and attracts nearly a half-million visitors every year to this Midwest college town in southeastern Michigan.
As a regular visitor of the Ann Arbor Art Fair, I love walking the artisan-booth-lined streets, admiring the artists’ craftsmanship, shopping for photographs and jewelry, and dining in one of Michigan’s most diverse food scenes.
As you walk through the fair, you’ll see photographs of Michigan landmarks and European vistas, handmade handbags, cute children’s clothing, detailed textiles and fiber pieces, unique mixed media, beautiful woodwork, funky sculptures, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and so much more.
Also, downtown Ann Arbor’s brick-and-mortar shops have street sales, and many restaurants set up outdoor seating during the fair.
Live music, dance and theatrical performances, art demonstrations, chalk art, and more activities round out the three-day festivities!
After attending this award-winning fair since I was a teenager (or younger), I’ve compiled my top Ann Arbor Art Fair tips for your visit.
When is the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
The Ann Arbor Art Fair takes place annually during the third week of July. Though it spanned four days for many years, it has been scaled back to three days in recent years.
2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair Dates
The 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair runs from Thursday, July 18, to Saturday, July 20.
Ann Arbor Art Fair Hours
- Thursday, July 18: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday, July 19: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, July 20: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
When should you go to the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
I recommend going early to beat the crowds and heat. If your schedule allows, I also recommend attending the Ann Arbor Art Fair on Thursday.
My favorite part of attending the Ann Arbor Art Fair is taking a lunch break at one of the downtown restaurants. Later in this post, I’ll share some places to eat near the fair, or you can check out my five favorite lunch spots in Ann Arbor.
Of course, if you are looking for a lively art fair experience, you should peruse the fair in the evening, dine downtown, and listen to musical performances at one of the three stages.
Parking and Getting to the Ann Arbor Art Fair
If you drive to downtown Ann Arbor, most nearby parking structures cost $20 per day. However, the rate is reduced to $10 after 5 p.m. You can use this map to find Ann Arbor Art Fair parking.
To avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown Ann Arbor, you can park your vehicle at Briarwood Mall or Huron High School (2727 Fuller Rd.), where you can then take a shuttle to the fair.
Parking is free at both Briarwood Mall and Huron High School, but shuttle rides cost $8 round-trip per person for ages 6 and older. Shuttle rides are free for children ages 5 and younger.
Both shuttles run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
The Briarwood Mall shuttle stops at Main Street at Williams Street and State Street near South University Street. The Huron High School shuttle drops off and picks up from Fletcher and Washington Streets and South University and Forest Streets.
What should you wear and bring to the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
You will cover a lot of ground at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, so I highly recommend footwear with supportive soles.
For comfortable walking shoes in summer, my go-to is Sperry Boat Shoes.
You may also like ECCO Women’s Soft 7, TOM’S slip-ons, or Cole Haan Cloudfeel Stitchlite Espadrilles.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection & Rain Gear
The week of the Ann Arbor Art Fair almost always seems to be the hottest of the summer. Since the event is outdoors, you should be prepared for sun exposure.
At a minimum, bring your favorite sunglasses and sunscreen. You might also consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and carrying a portable fan and water bottle.
It’s usually because of rain when it isn’t miserably hot during the art fair. Scattered showers and thunderstorms aren’t unusual this time of year in Southeast Michigan, so bring a compact umbrella or a poncho.
If you get stuck in a downpour, you’ll be grateful you came prepared. On the chance you forget to bring rain gear along, The M Den, located at 303 South State Street, usually sells ponchos.
RELATED: How to Choose the Best Sunglasses
Bring Bags for Your Purchases
Attending the art fair isn’t just about browsing; it’s about shopping, too. Between the art fair, street sales, and downtown shops, there are plenty of opportunities to find art, home décor, clothing, and more.
When I attend the art fair with my mom, we bring along reusable, collapsible shopping bags to collect our purchases.
Where should you eat during the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
Though food vendors and food trucks are located throughout the fair, I recommend getting respite from the summer heat at one of downtown Ann Arbor’s restaurants. There are many restaurants in downtown Ann Arbor. Below are some that I recommend around the art fair.
Best Places to Eat During the Ann Arbor Art Fair
- Black Pearl — I recommend the fish tacos, but you’ll also find a variety of other seafood dishes and fabulous martinis.
- Blank Slate Creamery — Beat the heat with a scoop of house-made ice cream!
- Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery — The menu features barbecue with southern side dishes that you can wash down with craft beer, signature cocktails, or a selection of bourbon and whiskey.
- Frita Batidos — Cuban burgers and tropical milkshakes here. Try the passion fruit batido!
- Grizzly Peak Brewing Company — You’ll find craft beer and pub fare at this local brewery.
- HopCat — You can’t go wrong with an order of Cosmik fries.
- Isalita — At this downtown Mexican restaurant, don’t miss the guacamole!
- Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales — Sour beer lovers, this is your brewery. I also highly recommend the truffle pizza for mushroom lovers.
- Knight’s Steakhouse — So much more than steak here! The menu offers salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more. On a hot summer day, I recommend the halibut tacos topped with pineapple salsa and pairing your meal with a refreshing craft cocktail or Michigan-brewed beer.
- Michigan Creamery — Don’t miss the imaginative flavors and Ann Arbor mural inside this family-owned ice cream shop!
- Pretzel Bell — The menu features Detroit-style pizzas, burgers, and more.
- Sava’s— Order Sava’s Greek salad for a light yet filling lunch!
RELATED: Lunch Restaurants in Ann Arbor
Where should you stay during the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
Are you visiting the Ann Arbor Art Fair from out of town? Then consider reserving a room at one of the following Ann Arbor hotels!
Stay Downtown at the Graduate Ann Arbor
Based on my own visits to Ann Arbor, Graduate Ann Arbor would be the ideal place to stay during the Ann Arbor Art Fair. The hotel’s location puts you right in the heart of downtown for a short walk to all three art fairs.
However, due to its prime location, this university-inspired hotel books early for the art fair. Therefore, I recommend reserving your room well in advance.
RELATED: Graduate Ann Arbor Review
Take the Shuttle from Hotels Near Briarwood Mall
Since the Graduate Ann Arbor books up so quickly, I’ve also compiled a list of Ann Arbor hotels near Briarwood Mall, where you can board the $8 round-trip shuttle to the fair.
Hyatt Place Ann Arbor
The Hyatt Place Ann Arbor has an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, an on-site restaurant and bar/lounge, room service, and free parking.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ann Arbor
With an indoor pool and hot tub, a continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ann Arbor may sell out during the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Hilton Garden Inn Ann Arbor
The Hilton Garden Inn Ann Arbor is a family-friendly hotel with a fun indoor pool area for kids. It also has an indoor hot tub, a complimentary breakfast buffet, free WiFi, and free parking.
Courtyard by Marriott Ann Arbor
At the Courtyard by Marriott Ann Arbor, you can enjoy amenities such as the indoor pool, fitness center, free wifi, and free parking.
The Kensington Hotel
The Kensington Hotel offers in-room dining, an on-site restaurant, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
Not quite what you were looking for? Use the map below to find nearby lodging for your desired dates!
Ann Arbor Art Fair FAQs
Which art fairs make up the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
The following three art fairs compose the Ann Arbor Art Fair:
Where can I find an Ann Arbor Art Fair map?
Ann Arbor Art Fair maps are available online. Click here for a map of the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
You can also view a map of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original.
What time is the Ann Arbor Art Fair? How late does the Ann Arbor Art Fair go?
The Ann Arbor Art Fair 2024 starts at 10 a.m. each day. It ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, July 18 – 19, and at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 20.
Where is the best place to park for the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
I recommend parking at Briarwood Mall or Huron High School. Both offer free parking and $8 round-trip shuttle rides to the fair. Otherwise, you can use this map to find parking in downtown Ann Arbor, where parking is $20/day and $10 after 5 o’clock in the evening.
How many artists are at the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
Usually, there are about 1,000 artists participating in the Ann Arbor Art Fair each year.
How old is the Ann Arbor Art Fair?
The oldest art fair in Ann Arbor is the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, which began in the summer of 1960. It is also considered the “original juried art fair.”
Read More About Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Awesome Ann Arbor Lunch Spots
- Ann Arbor Weekend Getaway Guide for Food and Art Lovers
- Graduate Ann Arbor Hotel Review
- Weber’s Boutique Hotel Review
- Unique Ann Arbor Coffee & Tea Shops
- Downtown Ann Arbor Bookstores
- Day Trip from Ann Arbor: Best Places to Eat, Drink & Shop in Ypsilanti, Michigan
- Ann Arbor Takeout & Food Delivery Guide
- Date Ideas in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Michigan Football Game Day Tips
- Midwest Romantic Getaways
Save this Ann Arbor Art Fair guide to your Michigan travel board on Pinterest for future reference!
This looks like such a blast!! The food looks so yummy.
Oh yeah! This art fair is one of my favorite summer events. I always find interesting art to bring home, and I’ll take any excuse to eat in Ann Arbor. The city has so much delicious food it’s now becoming difficult to choose where to eat!
This art fair sounds fabulous. I had never heard about it before but now i’m intrigued and will definitely refer back to this post when we do for when we plan it!
The Ann Arbor art fairs — it’s actually four fairs in one — make up one of the largest art fairs in the US. It’s held annually in July, and I would definitely recommend a visit, Sandy!
That pizza looks absolutely scrumptious
The pizza at the Original Cottage Inn is delicious. Cottage Inn is now a pizza delivery chain in Michigan, but this is the original restaurant that has been an Ann Arbor institution since 1948. They definitely know how to do pizza!
Great tips! Many will surely find your post really helpful. All are quite looking forward to this art fair!
Fantastic tips! I haven’t visited the art fair in a few years, but am trying to convince my husband to take me again this weekend. 😉 I’ll have to try some of your restaurant recommendations, too–have been wanting to get out and about a lot more in A2! 🙂
I hope you are able to convince him, Jennifer. Though it’s going to be hot this weekend! I’d love to hear where you end up dining in Ann Arbor (whether it’s this weekend or in the future)!
I’m not a huge fair person. I did just check out Jolly Pumpkin and LOVED it!
Me too. I had heard wonderful things about Jolly Pumpkin for years, but I hadn’t checked it out myself until this past December. I loved the potato pizza!
This is actually the first year in like 10+ years where I’m not attending the A2 Art Fair 🙁 I’m a bit bummed about it but my parents don’t like going on the weekends (too crowded) and I probably can’t get out of work tomorrow anyways. It’s also supposed to be like a high of 95 and rainy.
My tips: park at the meters near the Business School (you get 3-4 hours I believe) and also, we go to Gourmet Garden (Chinese restaurant) off campus for lunch – they have $7 lunch specials, I think. Tasty too. 🙂
Great tips, Liz! Usually I go on weekdays, too. This year my mom and I are going on Saturday. Is it just me or does this fair always seem to fall on the hottest week of the summer?
I’m replying to this … two years later. lol! And yes – Art Fair week is ALWAYS the hottest week of the year. No exceptions.
I was immediately drawn to the “where to eat” section. I just went to a Jolly Pumpkin in Traverse City area. Thanks for all this great info!
Ooh, I haven’t been to the Jolly Pumpkin in Traverse City. There’s also a Blue Tractor in TC!
Savings this post for future reference. I’ve heard so many great things about the AA art fair and would love to check it out.
It’s definitely my favorite art fair. It’s HUGE, and it’s in Ann Arbor, one of my favorite cities in Michigan.