Apart from the many fabulous restaurants and shops located in the heart of downtown, Ann Arbor is host to a wide variety of festivals and events throughout the summer season.  Perhaps it was the beautiful weather of Spring term, but I was curious to see what the town had to offer.

If you happen to be in Ann Arbor in the next two weeks, don’t miss the Ann Arbor Summer Festival (June 12th-July 5).  I stumbled upon this little gem the other day on my way home from lunch.  An entire street is blocked off to host a plethora of vendors, activity tents and a main stage.   Each day is filled with a variety of events ranging from performances by world-renowned tap dancer, Savion Glover (a personal favorite at the festival this year) to superhero-themed activities for children.  Most of the festival is concentrated around Ingalls Mall, which is also the location of Top of the Park — a summer concert and film series — but you can also find events at the Power Center, Hill Auditorium, and the UMMA.

I happened upon Superhero Day at Summer Fest, and let me tell you, there were quite a few characters in attendance.  Obviously, I had to include a few of my favorites.

Also right now in Ann Arbor, is Restaurant Week (June 14-19).  All week long, some of the city’s finest restaurants are offering multi-course meals for discounted prices.

If either of these events are a bit too short notice for your attendance, be sure to check out the Ann Arbor Art Fair (July 15-18).  I happened to be in town for last year’s art fair and was thoroughly surprised by its expansive size.  Stretching from the Diag area of campus, all the way to Main Street, the Ann Arbor Art Fair attracts over 500,000 attendees annually to view hundreds of artists from all over the country.

Superheroes or not, a trip to an Ann Arbor Festival this summer is sure to entertain!

- Megan Staake (Stylehop Correspondent)