Whether you’re a seasoned Ann Arbor resident or a newcomer, spring brings with it an array of unique annual events that deserve a spot on your calendar. From honoring Native American heritage to immersing yourself in avant-garde cinema and learning to tap maple trees, Ann Arbor’s spring lineup promises an enriching and diverse cultural experience for all.
1. Old-Time Maple Sugar Festival
Old-Time Maple Sugar Festival. Source: AnnArbor.org
Date: 3/9/2024
Location: Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Waterloo Recreation Area
Price: Free
Join the Michigan tradition of tapping maple trees at the Old-Time Maple Sugar Festival in the scenic Waterloo Recreation Area, just 30 minutes outside Ann Arbor. Learn the art of syrup-making and witness various sap collection methods on a guided walk. Explore antique equipment from the Waterloo Farm Museum and indulge in maple products available for purchase. For more information, contact the Eddy Discovery Center at (734) 475-3170.
Check out other upcoming events at the Discovery Center:
- 3/3/2024, 2:00 pm, Birdhouse Painting Workshop for Kids in Chelsea
- 3/17/2024, 1:00 pm, Snakes and Turtles Live! in Chelsea
2. 50th Annual Dance for Mother Earth
Dance For Mother Earth. Source: U of M website.
Dates: 3/23/2024, 3/24/2024
Location: Skyline High School
Kick off the season with the 50th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow, a collaboration between the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) and the Native American Student Association (NASA). Hosted at Skyline High School, this event is not just a showcase of Native American heritage but an immersive journey into the culture’s rich history. Witness captivating performances, explore educational exhibitions, and partake in authentic Native American crafts and traditional foods. The U-M Powwow stands as one of the largest student-run powwows in the nation, making it an unmissable cultural celebration for all ages.
For more details and ticket information, visit powwow.umich.edu.
3. 62nd Ann Arbor Film Festival
Dates: 3/26/2024 – 3/31/2024
Location: Michigan Theater
Step into the world of cinematic innovation at the 62nd Ann Arbor Film Festival, the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. Founded in 1963, this six-day extravaganza showcases over 180 films from more than 20 countries, spanning various genres and lengths. As a forum for independent filmmakers and artists, the festival has gained international recognition and stands as one of the few Academy Award-qualifying festivals in the United States. Immerse yourself in the cinematic brilliance that has launched the careers of influential filmmakers throughout its rich history.
4. FoolMoon
Dates: 4/5/2024
Location: Washington Street in Downtown Ann Arbor
Time: 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Price: Free
FoolMoon, a nighttime spectacle hosted by Festifools Studio, features flower-themed luminaries, laser shows, interactive public art installations, DJs, and dance performances. This year’s theme, “FoolBloom,” promises an evening of light-filled art, creative experiences, and foolish fun!
Participate in Luminary Sculpture Making Workshops every Sunday in March at Hathaway’s Hideaway. The workshop is free, but sign-up is required. Artists and roving musicians are also invited to join in the fun. FoolMoon kicks off from three “Constellation Stations” at 8 pm (sharp!) on April 5th, heading through downtown Ann Arbor, ending up on Washington Street between Ashley and Main (at 8:15).
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this illuminated extravaganza where the spirit of spring comes alive through light-filled art and creative expression!
5. FestiFools
Date: April 7, 2024
Location: Downtown Ann Arbor
Time: 4:00 PM
Price: Free
Don’t miss the whimsical FestiFools spectacle on Main Street. Founded in 2007 by Mark Tucker, a University of Michigan professor, this event has become a cherished Ann Arbor tradition. Larger-than-life papier-mâché puppets, crafted by U-M students and community members, take to the streets in a one-hour-only spectacle at 4:00 pm. Whether you come adorned in a crazy costume, banging on an old pan, or simply as you are, FestiFools promises an unforgettable public art experience that adds a touch of eccentricity to downtown Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor’s spring events offer a tapestry of cultural richness. Whether captivated by Dance for Mother Earth Powwow, immersed in cinematic brilliance, or enchanted by FoolMoon and FestiFools, each event contributes a unique thread to the vibrant fabric of our community. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate creativity, diversity, and the arts in Ann Arbor this spring.
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