Summer is stretching long and bright across southeast Michigan, and July brings an exciting lineup of festivals, art fairs, races, concerts, food events, and family-friendly celebrations to Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Saline, Manchester, and beyond. Whether you are searching for live entertainment, outdoor adventures, delicious local dining experiences, or community traditions, there is something happening nearly every weekend. Here are some of the top July events to add to your calendar this summer.

Arts + Culture

Dart for Art

The course runs through downtown Ann Arbor from S State St to S Division St.
July 14th, 5–9 p.m.

Kick off your summer festivities with Dart for Art, a lively one-mile run/walk that combines fitness, creativity, and community spirit in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. Taking place on Tuesday, July 14th, from 5–9 p.m., the course stretches from S. State Street to S. Division Street and invites runners, walkers, families, and spectators of all ages to join the fun. More than just a race, the event supports the Ann Arbor Street Fair, The Original, helping fund educational programs like the New Art, New Artist mentoring initiative, the Youth Art Fair, and hands-on art activities for local families. Alongside the race, visitors can enjoy the Dart pARTy and Paint the Town Block pARTy featuring live music, DJs, food trucks, interactive art stations, mini golf, a 25-foot dragon dance, and engaging activities hosted by community organizations and city departments. From the Kids Dash to the featured runner race, Dart for Art transforms downtown into a colorful celebration of movement, creativity, and local culture. To register for this run/walk, please click here.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair

Various locations across downtown Ann Arbor.
July 16th & 17th, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. & July 18th, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

One of the most anticipated summer traditions in southeast Michigan, the Ann Arbor Art Fair transforms downtown Ann Arbor into a massive open-air gallery from Thursday, July 16th, through Saturday, July 18th. Spanning 30 city blocks and attracting nearly half a million visitors each year, this nationally renowned event is considered the largest juried art fair in the country. Guests can browse the work of nearly 1,000 artists representing a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography, textiles, and mixed media. What makes the experience especially unique is its “Three Fairs. One Event.” format, which combines the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original, the State Street District Art Fair, and The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair into one collaborative celebration of creativity. Throughout the weekend, downtown streets come alive with live entertainment, local food vendors, interactive exhibits, and vibrant crowds exploring every corner of the city. Whether you are searching for one-of-a-kind artwork, meeting talented artists from across the country, or simply soaking up the energetic atmosphere, the Ann Arbor Art Fair offers an unforgettable summer experience for art lovers of all ages.

Sounds & Sights Festival

Various locations across downtown Chelsea.
July 24th–25th

Presented by Rick Taylor of Reinhart Realtors, the Sounds & Sights Festival returns to historic downtown Chelsea on Friday, July 24th, and Saturday, July 25th, for another exciting weekend packed with live entertainment, local art, family activities, and community fun. A beloved Michigan tradition for more than four decades, the festival draws visitors from across the state with its lively atmosphere and diverse lineup of events spread throughout downtown Chelsea. Guests can enjoy live music performances in the Social Commons tent, browse the contemporary Art Market, explore the creative Chelsea Art Alley, and experience GIG – The Art of Michigan Music, a unique showcase celebrating the visual side of Michigan’s music scene through concert photography, poster art, album design, and more. The festival also features a chalk art exhibition and competition, a classic car show with more than 300 vehicles, food trucks, farmers market vendors, and an energetic TeenZone filled with games and activities. Families can stop by the KidZone for bounce houses, crafts, entertainment, and interactive fun, while art lovers can watch professional chalk artists transform downtown sidewalks into colorful masterpieces. With free admission and activities for all ages, Sounds & Sights Festival offers one of the region’s most vibrant celebrations of creativity and community spirit.

Community Celebrations

Michigan Celtic Festival

Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor
July 10th–11th, 5–11:30 p.m.

Celebrate Celtic culture, music, and tradition at the 29th annual Michigan Celtic Festival, happening Friday, July 10th, and Saturday, July 11th, at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor. Originally founded in 1996 as the Saline Celtic Festival to honor the Sister City relationship between Saline and Brecon, Wales, the event has grown into one of the region’s most beloved cultural celebrations. Now known as the Michigan Celtic Festival, the weekend brings together live music, dance, storytelling, workshops, athletics, and family-friendly entertainment in a lively community atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy crowd favorites like Corgi races, Highland dance competitions, dance workshops, arts and crafts activities for kids, and traditional Celtic performances throughout the grounds. The festival also features food vendors serving hearty fare, a beer garden for adults, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about Celtic heritage and traditions. Organized entirely by dedicated volunteers, the event continues to expand while maintaining its welcoming community spirit. Whether you come for the music, the dancing, the food, or the unforgettable sight of racing Corgis, the Michigan Celtic Festival offers a fun and unique summer experience for all ages. To purchase tickets in advance for Saturday, July 11th, please click here.

The Lavender Harvest Festival

Lavender Lane Farm, 12040 Plank Rd, Milan
July 11th, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. & July 12th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience one of the area’s most picturesque summer traditions at the 9th Annual Lavender Harvest Festival, taking place Saturday, July 11th, and Sunday, July 12th, at Lavender Lane Farm in Milan. During this relaxing weekend celebration, visitors can wander through more than 10,000 blooming lavender plants while enjoying the calming fragrance and beautiful purple scenery that makes the farm a favorite midsummer destination. Guests can participate in U-PICK lavender, browse more than 50 artisan vendors, sip refreshing lavender lemonade, and sample local food truck favorites throughout the festival grounds. Families will also find plenty of entertainment, including a petting farm with riding ponies, face painting, and henna tattoos for kids and adults alike. In addition to the festivities, shoppers can browse lavender bath and body products, hardy lavender plants for home gardens, and CBD farm products made on-site. The farm also offers free cell-phone photo opportunities or paid professional photography sessions with charming props scattered throughout the lavender fields, creating the perfect backdrop for summer memories. With its peaceful atmosphere, family-friendly activities, and stunning scenery, the Lavender Harvest Festival is a wonderful way to slow down and celebrate the beauty of the season. Please click here to purchase tickets.

Sports

Treat Trot Ann Arbor

Rolling Hills Water Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti
July 4th. The race starts at 7 a.m.

Start your Fourth of July with an energetic morning at the Treat Trot Ann Arbor, taking place Saturday, July 4th, at Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti. This festive race event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities with multiple distance options, including a Kids Dash, 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, and 15K. Race day festivities begin early with packet pickup from 5:30–6:45 a.m., followed by the Kids Dash at 6:55 a.m., and the official race start at 7 a.m. after the National Anthem. Participants can look forward to a fun-filled atmosphere complete with designer event shirts, custom finisher medals, chip timing with live results for select races, free race photos, and plenty of patriotic energy. Families especially will love the kid-friendly atmosphere and youth pricing options, while virtual race opportunities allow participants to join the fun from anywhere. Whether you are aiming for a personal best, walking with friends, or introducing your kids to their first race experience, the Treat Trot Ann Arbor offers a fun and active way to kick off Independence Day celebrations. To register for this race, please click here.

Saline Main Street’s 3rd Annual Golf Outing

Brookside Golf Course, 6451 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Saline
July 19th, 9 a.m.

Spend a summer morning on the greens at Saline Main Street’s 3rd Annual Golf Outing, taking place Sunday, July 19th, at Brookside Golf Course in Saline. Beginning with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, this community-focused event combines friendly competition, teamwork, and local support in a relaxed scramble-style format designed for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you arrive with a full team of friends and coworkers or register solo to join a group, the outing offers a fun and social atmosphere where laughter and community spirit matter just as much as the final score. Registration starts at $75, and every participant helps support Saline Main Street’s ongoing efforts to keep downtown Saline vibrant, welcoming, and active through events, beautification projects, and community initiatives. In addition to golf, attendees can look forward to food, games, and opportunities for local businesses to get involved through hole sponsorships. Perfect for experienced golfers and casual players alike, the outing provides a meaningful way to enjoy the summer season while supporting the local community. Please click on the event link above to register for this golf outing.

Food + Drink

Paella Master Class: Americana Edition

Aventura, 216 E Washington St, Ann Arbor
July 12th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Food lovers and aspiring home chefs can sharpen their culinary skills at the Paella Master Class: Americana Edition on Sunday, July 12th, at Aventura in downtown Ann Arbor. Led by Madrid-born Chef Quique Franco and Bar Manager Samantha Hamrick, this interactive class offers a hands-on introduction to crafting flavorful Americana-style paella alongside signature Spanish-inspired cocktails like Tinto Verano and Kalimoxto. In a lively, communal atmosphere, participants will work together to prepare paella from scratch while learning cooking techniques, ingredient pairings, and cocktail-mixing tips from the restaurant’s expert team. The experience also includes complimentary pintxos and drinks, tapas and wine served during a shared dining-room feast, and take-home recipe cards and certificates to remember the event. Whether you are a seasoned cook or simply looking for a unique summer outing with friends, the class blends delicious food, social connection, and immersive culinary education into one memorable afternoon. Starting at $117 per ticket, this flavorful event offers a taste of Spain right in the heart of Ann Arbor. To purchase tickets for this event, please click on the event link above.

Manchester Chicken Broil

Alumni Memorial Field, 600 E Duncan St, Manchester
July 18th, 4–7:30 p.m. (or until sold out).

A longtime summer tradition in southeast Michigan, the 73rd Manchester Chicken Broil returns to Alumni Memorial Field on July 18th for an evening filled with great food, live entertainment, and hometown community spirit. Serving begins at 4 p.m. and continues until approximately 7:30 p.m. (or until sold out), with guests able to choose between on-site dining, walk-up meal purchases, and convenient drive-thru pickup service. Known for serving what many locals consider the “best chicken dinner” around, the event menu includes a half chicken grilled over charcoal, a dinner roll with butter, homemade cole slaw made from a secret local recipe, radishes, chips, and a beverage. Families can also enjoy live music, a kids’ play area, and plenty of small-town camaraderie throughout the evening. Organized entirely by volunteers, the Manchester Chicken Broil has become a beloved community fundraiser that supports local schools, parks, libraries, and civic organizations throughout the Manchester area. With more than 15,000 pounds of chicken cooked and thousands of meals served in just a few hours, this iconic event showcases both impressive teamwork and the welcoming spirit of the community. Tickets may be purchased for $15 at the gate on July 18th, or for $13 in advance at select merchants and offices in the region (listed on the event website linked above).

Happy July!

From colorful art fairs and lively community festivals to outdoor races, delicious local food, and hands-on cultural experiences, July is packed with exciting events across Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Saline, Manchester, and beyond! Whether you are exploring downtown celebrations, enjoying family-friendly activities, or discovering new local traditions, there are countless ways to make the most of summer in southeast Michigan. So grab your calendar, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable month filled with community spirit, creativity, and summertime fun! Happy July!