Things to do in the summer

Without a doubt, summer is one of the best seasons in Ann Arbor.  The weather is beautiful and there are a lot of activities going on. 

To start, summer is the best time for renting a tube, kayak or canoe to float down Huron River.  You can find available rentals in Argo and Gallup parks.  If instead you feel like taking a hike, Matthaei Botanical gardens and Nichols Arboretum are amazing and beautiful places to get active.  The city’s Fuller Park Outdoor Pool and Waterslide is also now open until Labor Day. Buhr Park has also softball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts, and picnic and grilling facilities available to the public.

Additionally, the summer welcomes every year the Ann Arbor Art Fair.  This July event provides four different art fairs in one, allowing visitors to view and purchase everything from jewelry, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, photography, and much more from hundreds of artists from around the United States.  During the Ann Arbor Art Fair, you can also experience great music and entertainment across the different stages around downtown. Ann Arbor also offers The Concerts in the Park series during the summer.  A variety of concerts from Blues to Irish music are held in Burns Park.  Another opportunity to enjoy good music is offered by Sonic Lunch concert series. This event hosts great bands at noon most Thursdays during the season at the corner of Liberty and Division.  Furthermore, during some selected Fridays during the summer, The University of Michigan Museum of Arts will open until 8pm. UMMA Friday’s After 5 is free to the public. 

Summer is also the ideal time to visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market located on Kerrytown every Wednesday and Saturday.  Here you can find everything from fresh produce to baked goods. Summer is also the best time to enjoy the unique shops and restaurants on and around Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor.  Usually the restaurants are less crowded during this time of year, plus several restaurants offer outdoor seating for you to enjoy the nice weather and the continuing activities across Main Street.

No matter what you enjoy doing, either staying active, shopping, dinning or listening to great music, Ann Arbor definitely offers you something special to do this summer. So go out and start embracing this beautiful time of year!

Written by Natalia Blanco Herrera 

Summer Orientation Peer Adviser from Costa Rica

Ph.D. student in Public Health