Welcome New Ann Arbor Residents!

Known to locals as AA or A2, this city of 113,206 holds a special place in the hearts of each and every resident. The University of Michigan is considered to many to be the motor behind business, innovation and vitality in Ann Arbor and downtown is our jewel.

The following information is to give you a little taste of what our beloved city, lined with brick buildings and historic homes, has to offer you and your family.

THE ANN ARBOR DOWNTOWN SCENE

Tightly packed into 10 blocks, downtown Ann Arbor is walkable, energetic and filled with galleries, museums, quaint cafes, award-winning restaurants, theaters and a bi-weekly farmer’s market with the University of Michigan at its center.

Parks and family homes lie just beyond downtown’s limits and the streets are always buzzing with patrons, cyclists and window shoppers. You’ll see in the following sections that downtown Ann Arbor is integral to every attraction Ann Arbor offers.

ARTS AND CULTURE

With dozens of museums and performing arts venues, I can’t say enough about Ann Arbor’s dynamic cultural scene. Despite its modest size, they city is home to several world-renowned Art Fairs, festivals and top performances—it truly provides something for everyone all year round.

SUMMER FESTIVAL AND ART FAIRS

For the month preceding the nationally renowned art fairs, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival provides free entertainment for all ages. Located at the intersection of downtown and the Central Campus area, free concerts, workshops and an outdoor cinema draw thousands of area residents to enjoy community-focused activities. Along with showcasing contemporary and classic films beneath the stars, this event brings big names like Chris Isaak to the main stage.

The four juried Ann Arbor Art Fairs transform the city into a sea of white tents, harboring the country’s finest jewelry makers, painters, photographers, sculptures, furniture makers and many other craftsmen. Street performers entice passersby and dozens of restaurants setup vendor stands offering discounts throughout the week. Ann Arbor City Buses transport the crowds and like every other major event in the city, the vibrant community comes together to welcome visitors from near and far, showing off all Ann Arbor has to offer.